The final may have been one of the all-time clunkers–a 5-2 United States victory over Japan that was decided in the first 15 minutes when the Americans blitzed the flat-footed Japanese with four goals–but the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup will go down as a major success.
Twenty-four teams playing games in six Canadian cities across five time zones. Record attendance, (over 1.25 million, including over 53,000 at the B.C. Place final on Sunday) was mixed with excellent television ratings and coverage in newspapers and on social media that would serve any press agent’s wildest dreams.
Never mind that–despite organizers’ best efforts–Canada bombed out in the quarter-finals–losing 2-1 to England–after essentially being handed a clear path to the knockout stage.
To wit: In one quarter-final, the No. 1 team in the world (Germany) faced the No. 3 team (France) while the No. 6 team (England) faced the No. 8 team (Canada). Make of that what you will.
Still, to anyone who loves sports, this tournament provided all one could ask for: terrific athletes competing full out at the highest level.
Among those watching was Bruce Dowbiggin, who a great many people believe is Canada’s foremost sports commentator.
Dowbiggin, an author, journalist and radio host, spoke to RCI from his home in Calgary.
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