"Estimated ratings continue to be necessary in much of Africa, the Middle East, Caribbean, Pacific Islands and smaller markets in the Asia subcontinent," football's governing body said. The federation earned $2.4 billion in broadcasting deals tied to the 2010 tournament, according to its financial report published in March.įIFA said its ratings research included audited audience figures from 80 territories covering 70 percent of the world's population. "These results show that the FIFA World Cup remains a compelling spectacle for viewers around the world," secretary general Jerome Valcke said in a statement. The average official rating was 188.4 million for each match. More than 3.2 billion people, or 46.4 percent of the population, watched live coverage for a minimum of one minute, FIFA's research said. The Olympics' opening at Bird's Nest stadium drew an average audience of 593 million.įIFA said the 2010 World Cup - 64 matches played by 32 countries over one month - was broadcast in every territory in the world. In a surprising turn of events, three key players. However, the official ratings for soccer's biggest match seems to have been beaten by the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony as the world's most-watched live event.įIFA says the "average in-home global audience" was 530.9 million for the final played July 11, 2010, at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium. FIFA World Cup 2010 Preview: France Squad announced, Nasri misses out. and promote his first novel A GAME APART, the real story behind this World Cup.ZURICH - The 2010 World Cup final was probably seen by at least 1 billion people, though the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony appears to retain top spot as the most-watched televised event.įIFA says 909.6 million television viewers watched at least one minute of the 2010 World Cup final at home between Spain and the Netherlands, and the total likely topped a billion when adding online and public places.įIFA's research says 619.7 million people watched 20 consecutive minutes of Spain's 1-0 extra-time win. Neal Collins is in South Africa to marvel at the South Americans, mourn England. “We know the Netherlands are a very difficult team to beat and they are very able technically, they play their football like South Americans.”Īt this World Cup, with Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina also through to the last eight, that might be the only way to play. Build your Ultimate Team or play as your favorite for the first time as you take on your friends or other top teams in the heart-pounding football action. The players did well and we got forward a lot in our 3-0 win over Chile. He says: "We have already said we are trying to play the open football which everyone wants to see. With all four quarterfinals featuring clashes against Latin American opposition, the final word from Dunga, the man who has added grit to the Brazilian flair. Months ago, when I booked my tickets for this tournament, I was lucky enough to get a posh seat for game 57, the quarterfinal at the brand new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, before I head off to talk at the National Arts Festival in nearby Grahamstown. We know what people have said in the past, that we play well but we don't get to the end. "I hope we will save our best match for our next game. We didn't play our best game but, at the end of the day, it's all about winning. Robben growled: "It was a difficult match. I am not yet at my top level but I was pretty confident."īut despite their fourth consecutive triumph at this World Cup and a record-breaking run of 23 unbeaten games, Dutch experts decried their lack of style and panache. I think it was also good to feel important for this team. He said: "It was a great feeling to start this game. Robben made his first start in the last 16 clash win over Slovakia and scored after 18 minutes. Up front we all know about Kaka, Robinho and the rest.īut Holland boast Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and a fit-again Arjen Robben, three of Europe’s form players. In rock-hard centre-back Lucio and goal-scoring fullback Maicon, they offer two of the best defenders in the world. Holland have won two, Brazil three and they’ve fought out four draws in nine games, with the Dutch scoring 13 and Brazil 14. Brazil, in case you’ve been camping in the Antarctic, are the best side in the world. Officially, Holland is the fourth-best side in the world. The Brazilians have won five global crowns on four continents – Asia, North America, Europe and at home – and appear destined to win Africa’s first World Cup. Lively Lambertus, 58, knows the Dutch have never won “the big prize”, though they reached the final in Germany (1974) and Argentina (1978). But you have to show a real mentality, a constant focus. “People laughed at us when we said we were capable of winning the World Cup. Gamespot takes a look at the FIFA 10 Ultimate Team add on in their Daily Demo.