"Though the vast majority of fans will still watch World Cup matches on TV, the marketing battle has gone online. Nike says its TV ad buying during the World Cup is declining as it increasingly uses Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to reach fans in a battle with Adidas for supremacy in the global soccer-products market. Corporations will spend about $68.5 billion on TV this year and $56 billion online. The monthlong World Cup is the planet’s most-watched sporting event — largely on television."
I will watch because I view it as a duty I can share with the world and my beloved readers, much the way I view this blog, but the amount of corporate ca$h being poured into this thing is ob$cene.
What do you mean I can't get to the stadium?
"Rail strike imperils World Cup traffic" by Stan Lehman | Associated Press June 06, 2014
SAO PAULO — The Brazilian city that will host the World Cup’s opening match in a week was thrown into transit chaos Thursday as subway and overland commuter train operators went on strike, imperiling the only means that most soccer fans will have to reach the stadium.
The strike stranded many of the 3.5 million people who use Sao Paulo’s public transport systems on an average weekday.
Enraged passengers kicked in large doors at some stations when they arrived to find them closed for their morning commute.
The station nearest the Itaquerao stadium that will host the Cup’s opening match on June 12 was damaged by commuters who kicked down metal barriers at two entry ways.
Angry passengers jumped onto the tracks to protest at some stations, though they dispersed when police arrived.
Other commuters rushed to bus stops to squeeze into the packed vehicles.
Thursday’s strike follows others by bus, subway, and overland train operators that have frustrated passengers.
Late Wednesday, a judge ordered the train operators to work at full capacity during rush hours and at 70 percent capacity in off hours. Union members voted to strike anyway, despite the judge fining the union $44,000 each day it ignores the ruling.
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Related: Beating the Brazilian Drum
At least they won't be blowing those damn horns.
Also see:
IOC and FIFA: Monopoly power makes pricey games
World Cup: Boston-area Brazilians sound a cautionary note
Brazil’s World Cup troubles reveal country’s deeper woes
Let the games begin!
If you call in the score you will be done for the night, just as I am now.
NEXT DAY UPDATES:
Spurs beat Heat, take 2-1 Finals lead
Brazilians in Framingham catch World Cup fever
USOC silent after 2024 Olympic host city meeting
I only saw the first match, sorry.
Also see: World Cup 2014 photos
