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Originally Posted by CecilOne
Doesn't matter whether we all thought that was foul or not, my point is, because some did, about image, especially in the U.S.A..
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While I understand what you are saying about the image and popularity of the game in the US, your argument doesn't seem to lead to a logical conclusion.
If I understand the contention properly, it is that because some people felt that the referee team made a few mistakes in the Final, the image of soccer will suffer in the US and hence not be as popular.
I can only compare this to what happened in the NFL's Superbowl last year. Do you recall the much debated offensive pass interference call that negated a touchdown for Seattle early in the game? How was that penalty flag received in the US public? Is the NFL now going to be less popular? Will teams see a drop in attendence on Sunday's because of the officiating in the Superbowl?
I doubt it.
Rather it seems that a bit of controversy gives people something to discuss long after the game is over.
In the end, I don't believe that the France/Italy match hurt the development of the game in the US. Of course, it probably didn't help it either. I just can't say one way or the other for sure. All I know is that the sports bar where I watched the match was packed and the US wasn't playing.