The world of soccer is an actual world, these days. People all across the globe have totally embraced this frenetic, skill-filled sport. It's even taken hold in the U.S. I remember when soccer was one of those things that you only saw on television occasionally and that maybe one kid you knew played. These days the world of soccer really is the world. It's gone global.
World of Soccer Comes to the USA and France
Of course, we still call it soccer over here, but European football has made a definite, permanent home here in the states. No longer the sport people watch when nothing else is on, soccer has become just as much a part of the fabric of the United States as it is in Europe. Heck, we even have our own professional soccer teams, and I don't just mean the global American team. I mean we have soccer franchises these days. I think that's really cool, because it's just another way for the U.S. to relate to the rest of the world.
This year, something very cool is happening. The Americas Cup and European Championship are taking place at the same time. These events are huge. This year is the Centennial year for the Americas Cup and the 15th edition of the Euro Cup. It's also the first year ever for the Americas Cup tournament to be held in the states. It's a big, big deal!
Both the Americas Cup and the Euro Cup are slated to be gargantuan this year. The Centennial Americas Cup will take place across 10 cities in the U.S. with 24 total matches. Expected attendance is 1.5 to 2 million people, and over 530 million people across 185 countries are expected to watch the tournament on television. The Euro Cup will be held in France, with 51 matches between 24 teams across 10 cities. Expected attendance will be around 2.5 million with another 377 million watching at home, a number expected to be in the top 5 sports events broadcasts ever.
The World of Soccer Meets the World of Business with SAP
The world of soccer isn't all about the game. The reality is that professional sports are also a business. The German National Football Tema, or DFB, knows this all too well. That's why they've partnered with SAP, a word leader in business solutions, including the massive sports venues of the world of soccer, to help them leverage this historic year in soccer and prepare for upcoming matches like never before.
That's because SAP knows how to get people excited. They're entire sports business model is based on getting people excited and keeping them excited before, during, and after the game. By leveraging the power of the tournament buzz, existing fan base, and other aspects of the team and the sport itself, SAP can use its considerable knowledge to help the DFB get more attention, keep that attention, and translate that attention into long-term fans, which is something every franchise team needs.
In addition to the marketing aspect of their formula, SAP can help teams in the world of soccer - and other sports - improve their game. Their Sports One app helps the team recognize where they'll need to focus their efforts. In order to win their 4th cup.
SAP Sports One
- Penalty Insights - Insights to which players take the most kicks and where they aim. Watch video clips of kicks. Real time historical reference data.
- Challenger Insights - See offensive and defensive tendencies of teams, along with formations. Create match plans based around Challenger Insights data and use that data and plans in real time throughout the match.
The World of Soccer Really is Worldwide
I have to admit it. When I was a kid, I was like, "Soccer? Pfft. I'm too cool for that." Not. Any. More. Soccer is actually really cool. The level of skill is just astounding to me, and it's great to watch the way the weave that soccer ball in between their feet and off of their heads. I can see why people get so crazy excited over the whole thing. With both the Americas Cup and the Euro Cup happening at the same time on two continents, the world of soccer is actually the world of soccer. How cool!
Are you a backyard soccer hooligan? Will you be watching either of the cups this year?
Jeanette
My has been raised with soccer. He's not from this country and soccer was number one over there he's so happy to see that it is becoming more popular here.
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations
What an informative post. Soccer is one of my fave sports.
Sarah
I LOVE soccer. Played for a long time when I was younger and most of the way through high school 🙂
Tara
I know soccer was a popular sport but I didn't realize it was this big. Canada even has a few teams in the MLS.
Aimee Smith
My husband has always been a soccer player, but he really fell in love with Football after living in Mexico for a few years. I am sure we will be watching a few games!
Cathi Crismon
Ahhhh.... soccer! My husband's brother and nephews are huge soccer fans. They have traveled the USA to attend games and cheer on their teams.
Danielle
Our family has gotten quite into soccer this past year. Even though it's been around for some time, it just seemed to come knocking on our door out of the blue. It's now a family favorite.
Janeane Davis
Recently I took my children to see our local professional soccer team play and it was thrilling. I was not familiar with the sport so it was new and exciting for me.
Val
Love soccer, but don't watch it on TV at all. It's actually my favorite sport so I should start watching it!
Lisa Favre
Oh boy - my husband would totally appreciate this! He's a huge soccer buff so I should definitely share this info with him!
Kathy
I think soccer is a great sport. I really wish that I had joined back in high school. That was the one sport I actually enjoyed. My youngest daughter wants to join, so I'm going to sign her up soon!
Alicia
My husband loves soccer. Of course, since he is European, he refuses to actually call it soccer. It will always be FOOTBALL to him lol
janis
I don't follow soccer all that much, but I know it has been getting a lot of attention recently. Thanks for teaching me a bit more about the sport!
Dawn gibson-thigpen
oh this is awesome. my brother lovveee soccer. i watched it a few times with him and i have to admit it is exciting.
Becca Wilson
I played soccer when I was a child and I really would like to get my son into playing it too. It was a great team sport and built up my confidence when I was around his age.