Soccer women outshine Vettel on TV

27 June 2011 - 13:53 By Sapa-dpa
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Germany during the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup match between Germany and Canada at Olympiastadion on June 26, 2011 in Berlin, Germany
Germany during the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup match between Germany and Canada at Olympiastadion on June 26, 2011 in Berlin, Germany
Image: Amin Mohammad Jamali

Germany’s opening 2-1 victory over Canada generated record television ratings for a women’s football match in the World Cup host country and left Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel trailing.

State network ARD said on Monday that 14.09 million viewers watched Sunday’s broadcast, for a market share of 58%.

The previous record was 10.48 million for the 2003 World Cup final in which Germany beat Sweden.

   Vettel’s latest success in Valencia, Spain, earlier Sunday was watched by 6.35 million fans, a marker share of 38.3 per cent.

   However, the women’s opener trailed the ratings the men’s team had in their opening match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, when 28.03 million fans watched the 4-0 victory over Australia.

   The women’s World Cup runs until July 17 in nine German cities.

The German game in Berlin’s Olympic stadium on Sunday drew a European record attendance of 73,680.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now