Is U.S.-England "The Most Anticipated Soccer Match in U.S. History!!!"?

Yes, yes, we have a running thread, yadda yadda. ESPN's hype over this one, coupled with the fact that England is where many American soccer fans choose to latch onto a team, has me asking the question. And I think that considering the fact that this is indeed a match that ESPN has "shoved down our throats!" it should be posed to everyone, not just those who check the World Cup thread or the hater thread. Yes, there might actually be someone who is indifferent either way.

Anyway, ESPN is pushing the idea that this is "The Most Anticipated Soccer match in U.S. history!" yesterday , Around the Horn attempted to put forth the notion that this is the Biggest Match in our history as a soccer-playing nation.

Thoughts?

 

We have a running thread for this kind of shit.

 

ESPN over-hyping sommething? I'm shocked!
They have been over-hyping the entire World Cup for months now... add some major league flag-waving jingoism today and you've got a perfect strom.

 

Typical ESPN over-the-topness. Of course, that won't stop me from heading out shortly to watch the game. But I have to wait for my red shorts and blue sleeveless shirt to dry. The sleeveless shirt is key because it allows me to show off my eagles, American flag, American shield and red, white and blue stars. Gotta support the team! [/putty]

 

They can't ram it down your throat if your TV is tuned to History Channel or something else.

 

So there are bars within a 30-minute drive where you are now? Better enjoy it while you can.

 

You mean, just like the U.S.-Canada prelim game was the most-anticipated hockey game EVAH?

 

I'm pretty sure the History Channel is running a replay of the 1950 Cup match between the U.S. and England, then a Hitler marathon.

 

It's not close to the Biggest In U.S. History.

And Switzerland or Colombia in 1994 might have been just as anticipated by hardcore soccer fans, as far as what they would mean for the sport in this country.

But this is what ESPN does when it shells out the money for a major event.

 

174 commercials for it during the NBA Finals. Twice that many mentions of it during any random thing shown on ESPN.

Should I stop watching the NBA Finals just because I don't want to hear the commercials for the World Cup? Should I stop watching SportsCenter or anything else on ESPN just because I don't want to hear the commercials for the World Cup?

I don't think so.

 

Downtown WC is less than half an hour away, and the lone sports bar in Strasburg is a 20-minute drive.

 

I remember England/Portugal in the round of 16 back in 2006 was highly anticipated by Brits.
I don't need a commercialized John Legend/Black Eyed Peas/etc. concert to hype me, or any ESPN over-the-topness.
This stuff is fun to watch by itself.