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Originally Posted by Nevadaref
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.
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Not questioning the loyalty of true soccer fans.
Not questioning whether even the best refs miss a few, or even whether they did or not in this match.
Again, my comment is about
image/perception. The damage to image for those who don't watch/participate in soccer routinely is immense
if those people think the scoring in the final was determined by flukes. You and I and millions of others will continue to follow soccer, watch World Cup, etc. Soccer needs to win over more fans and this World Cup did not help. If you were a sports fan, not a strong soccer fan, and watched that match, it would make a more negative impression than positive. That is in spite of the spirited, skillful play through most of the match; but that is mainly appreciated by regular soccer fans, not the general sports fan or casual observer.
Of course, the other major pro and college sports in this country have an entrenched following, but that is what soccer needs to overcome.
Even the "glorious" NFL has to use video replays to confirm/deny the officials' calls and there are eight of them. Not that I like the VR idea, especially for soccer, but something is needed for goal judgeing. BTW, I have predicted that the MLS will beat out the NBA by 2030.