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FOX Sports Showcases All 24 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015 Teams in Unprecedented Series of Features

June 3, 2015 By admin

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Emmy Award-Winning Producer Jennifer Pransky

Leads Unit Telling More than 60 Unique and Compelling Stories

Think fast: Which member of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is the youngest of seven children? Which player turns 40 years old during the FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP™ 2015?

FOX Sports answers these questions and many more about the players comprising the 24 international teams competing in this month’s FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP™ 2015 with more than 60 features airing throughout the tournament on FOX, FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. Every feature – including extended “director’s cut” versions for many – is available on demand on www.FOXSports.com and distributed across FOX Sports Digital social media accounts. During its nearly 200 hours of FIFA Women’s World Cup™ programming, FOX Sports offers more comprehensive human interest coverage of players and teams than any other network in the event’s history, beginning with FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SPECIAL, a live one-hour preview show airing on the eve of match play, Friday, June 5 (7:30 PM ET) on FOX Sports 1.

Spearheading the production of the FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP™ 2015 features is Jennifer Pransky, Coordinating Producer for the Features Division.  Pransky, a multiple Emmy Award-winner, plays a central role in creating features and vignettes for FOX Sports’ expansive coverage of the tournament and is charged with telling the athletes’ stories in unique and compelling ways.  In her daily role outside of women’s soccer, Pransky produces specialty features, projects and shows across all sports for every FOX Sports outlet, including broadcast and cable television and digital.

“The level of athleticism and training these women put into the FIFA Women’s World Cup is astounding, but their stories don’t end with the endless hours on the field,” said David Neal, FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on FOX Executive Producer.  “FOX Sports is delving deep into each team to unearth the most interesting aspects of who these superstars are. Jen Pransky and her group have done an outstanding job of painting these players not only as world-class athletes but as human beings. Their personal triumphs are as compelling as their professional ones, and fans will be able to identify with the athletes as they cheer them on.”

One prime example of the work Pransky’s unit has produced is the feature focused on USWNT midfielder Megan Rapinoe.  The piece shows that she is as much an artist off-field as she is an athlete on-field.  We learn that she is an avid guitar player, a style aficionado and loves the diverse community that is her home in Seattle.  Openly gay, Rapinoe shares her personal story, including her use of art and music to express her individuality while growing up as a teenager who struggled to reveal her true self. Watch a preview of the feature here.

“I love soccer, I always have and I always will, but there is more to me than just soccer, more that I love, more that I am proud of, more that I am passionate about and more that I want to be,” said Rapinoe. “I have and will always live my life by a simple rule: always be yourself.”

“We’ve spent over a year coming to know many of the women playing in this tournament, and we can’t wait for America to learn more about them through the work of the talented people in our unit,” said Pransky. “Our piece on Megan Rapinoe is a great example of what viewers can expect. She’s honest, unique, and has tons of moxie!  Megan reminds us that being different is cool, which is one of the many positive messages that will come from getting to know her and the remarkable women playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

Highlights of the 60-plus features include:

Japan – Four years ago, Japan shocked the world by beating the United States in an unforgettable World Cup final. Players from the 2011 championship team recount that fateful match and how it changed their lives.

Carli Lloyd – By virtue of her regimented training and meticulous eating plan, Lloyd is considered one of the hardest working players in the game today. However, she wasn’t always as dedicated.  Lloyd reveals the challenges she faced when graduating to the national level and the realization she no longer was the best on the field, which prompted her to make drastic changes in her mindset and daily training.

Dzsenifer Marozsan – The German midfielder describes herself as quiet on the field but cheeky off of it. Soccer is in her DNA. Born in Hungary, her family moved to Germany when her father had the chance to play for FC Saarbrϋken. Meet the rising star of the No.1-ranked team in the world.

Maren Mjelde – Mjelde has lived and played abroad for many years but is always honored to play for her home country of Norway. She takes FOX Sports to her picturesque home to meet her family. Mjelde’s mother is battling cancer, but through supporting her, the family has become stronger than ever.

Alex Morgan – Morgan, one of the most high-profile players on the USWNT, takes viewers behind-the-scenes of what it means to be an ambassador for the sport and role model for younger, aspiring players.  Cameras follow Morgan through commercial and promotional shoots to learn more about the responsibilities of being a team member both on and off the field, as well as the woman who was virtually unknown in the last FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP™ but whose face now is everywhere.

Christie Rampone – Rampone, a longtime captain of the USWNT, is participating in her fifth and final FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP™, and turns 40 years old during the tournament (June 24).  Rampone, also a soccer mom to two children, takes viewers through a day in her life as a mother, wife and world-class athlete.

 

Pia Sundhage – One of the great players in women’s soccer history, Sundhage was born in Sweden, but coached the USWNT from 2008-12. Now coaching for her home country, she looks to deliver glory to her native Sweden after leading the USWNT to two Olympic gold medals and a second-place World Cup finish. FOX Sports soccer insider Grant Wahl goes one-on-one with the head coach.

Abby Wambach – One of the biggest names in the history of the USWNT, Wambach’s mother checked out a library book on soccer because one of her seven children wanted to play.  Wambach, lucky number seven of her siblings, heads home to Rochester, N.Y., with FOX Sports to introduce viewers to her dozens of family members, including many boisterous nieces and nephews, at her parents’ home.  The group reminisces and shares interesting stories about life growing up as a Wambach.

Women’s Soccer – Equality between men’s and women’s sports has always been a topic of discussion in the United States, and the conversation is reaching global levels. Many of the top players in the world grew up playing on boys’ teams because there were no girls’ teams. FOX Sports talks to players around the world about how women’s soccer has changed in their lifetimes, and what steps the sport still needs to take to become the global force it has the potential to be.

FOX Sports plans the most expansive and comprehensive multi-platform coverage ever of the FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP™, including an unprecedented 16 matches airing live on FOX broadcast network, when the tournament commences on Saturday, June 6. FOX Sports televises all 52 games in the expanded tournament from six cities across Canada between June 6 and July 5, live on FOX, FOX Sports 1, America’s fastest growing sports network, and FOX Sports 2.  All games are available on tablets and mobile devices via the FOX Sports GO app and online at www.FOXSportsGO.com.

For more information on FOX Sports’ comprehensive coverage of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™, please visit FOX Sports Press Pass.

— FOX SPORTS —

Filed Under: FIFA, FOX

espnW’s Julie Foudy and Former U.S. Soccer Teammates Kristine Lilly and Kate Markgraf Headline ESPN’s Women’s World Cup Coverage

May 29, 2015 By admin

1999 Women’s World Cup Champions to Appear on SportsCenter, ESPN FC, espnW and Other Platforms

espnW’s Julie Foudy, captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team that captured the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will be joined by two of her 1999 teammates Kristine Lilly and Kate Markgraf to headline ESPN’s comprehensive analysis, news and information coverage of the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.

The three are among the most accomplished and decorated players in international women’s soccer, collectively with five World Cup titles and six Olympic gold medals among them and combined 825 international appearances for the USWNT.

Foudy will provide analysis for ESPN’s news and information programs including SportsCenter and ESPN FC, and offer previews, reports and commentary for espnW.com.

Lilly and Markgraf will join ESPN FC beginning Saturday, May 30, from Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., the site of the USWNT’s final send-off match before the World Cup, against South Korea.

Additionally, ESPN digital anchor Antonietta “Toni” Collins will join the rotation as a host of ESPN FC during the Women’s World Cup. ESPN reporter Bob Holtzman will follow the U.S. team throughout the tournament, providing updates for SportsCenter.

espnW will be onsite providing original content for all 52 games of the tournament – with a collection of veteran writers from espnW, ESPN FC and ESPN.com, including Andrea Canales, Jim Caple, Jeff Carlisle, Kate Fagan, Ben Gladwell, Graham Hays, Doug McIntyre, D’Arcy Maine, Elizabeth Merrill, Graham Parker and Sarah Spain. espnW will provide comprehensive coverage of the Women’s World Cup at espnW.com/WWC, which will include automated stats, rosters, game previews and recaps powered by ESPN FC.

Bios:

Canales covers Liga MX and Mexico National Team for ESPNFC.com.

Caple is an award-winning columnist and senior writer for ESPN.com, who has reported from 17 World Series, nine Olympic Games and six continents.

Carlisle has covered MLS and the U.S. national teams for ESPN since 2005, and provided on-site coverage from the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. He began his soccer journalism career in 2002 when he wrote for QuakeMagic.com, covering the San Jose Earthquakes and the WUSA’s San Jose CyberRays.

Collins joined ESPN in 2013 as a digital anchor. She played for the Mexican Women’s National Team’s under-19 squad and has previously reported on MLS’ FC Dallas, among other assignments. Collins also contributes to various platforms for ESPN Deportes.

Fagan has been a columnist for espnW.com since 2012 who has covered a variety of sports for the site, including college and professional basketball, women’s soccer, the NFL and more. She spent three seasons reporting on the Philadelphia 76ers for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 2009 – 2012 and played women’s basketball at the University of Colorado from 1999 – 2004. Last October, she wrote the in-depth profile “After the Storm” about USWNT star Abby Wambach for espnW and ESPN The Magazine.

Foudy is one of the most accomplished female soccer players in the world. She joined ESPN in 2005 as women’s soccer and FIFA World Cup analyst. Following her work during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Foudy’s role at ESPN was expanded to include serving as a features reporter and a spokesperson for select company initiatives. She served as a host, analyst and reporter for ESPN’s productions of the the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and was an analyst during ESPN’s presentation of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In 2015, Foudy was named espnW’s primary representative at major sporting events.

Gladwell is a writer for ESPNFC.com, covering international soccer.

Hays began his career with ESPN in 1999, and has since become one of the preeminent women’s college sports writers in the country, covering basketball, soccer and softball for espnW. In 2015, Hays was honored with the Mel Greenberg Media Award from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association for his women’s college basketball writing.

Holtzman joined ESPN in November 2000 as a Cincinnati-based reporter. He primarily covers stories that are featured on the network’s award-winning news and information shows including SportsCenter, Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, Outside the Lines and Baseball Tonight. A seasoned international sports reporter, Holtzman has covered the U.S. National Soccer Teams for SportsCenter and other shows.

Lilly is the most-capped player in international soccer history, appearing 352 times for the USA. A midfielder, she scored 130 goals in her career – good for fourth-most all-time — and played in five Women’s World Cups. Lilly is a three-time U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the year. She was inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2014.

MacIntyre is a staff writer for ESPN The Magazine and a U.S. Soccer Insider for ESPNFC. He has covered American and international soccer since 2002.

Maine is a staff writer for espnW, covering culture and sports, and highlighting some of the top trending sports social media topics the espnW’s The Buzz. She previously served as SportsNation’s mobile correspondent, hosting chats from some of the biggest sporting events in the country.

Markgraf was one of the best defenders in U.S. Women’s National Team history. Though she was the least experienced starter in 1999, having joined the team a year earlier, Markgraf helped anchor the defense for the United States’ 1999 Women’s World Cup winning team. Markgraf played in 201 international matches from 1998 – 2008, the seventh-most in the U.S. women’s team history. She previously served as an analyst for ESPN during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Merrill is a senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine who has written extensively on the NFL and several Olympic sports. She previously wrote for The Kansas City Star and The Omaha World-Herald.

Parker is a soccer columnist for ESPNFC.com and Grantland where he writes “The Designated Player” column, and serves as the chief U.S. soccer writer for The Guardian US

Spain is the co-host of espnW Presents: Spain & Prim on ESPN Radio, a SportsCenter anchor for ESPN1000 and has been an espnW columnist since 2010, covering a variety of sports including the NFL, NBA and soccer.

– 30 –

 

Filed Under: ESPN, FIFA, Soccer

ESPN Weekly Enterprise jOURnalism Release

May 28, 2015 By admin

Reporter Jeremy Schaap & host Bob Ley discuss the issues on Wednesday’s expanded OTL.

“The FIFA Crisis”

ESPN Platforms

ESPN continues its extensive FIFA indictments coverage highlighted by tonight’s Outside the Lines Special: The FIFA Crisis at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Below, some examples of the reports, analysis and commentary which have appeared across various ESPN platforms:

may28 otlpod

Wednesday’s Outside the Lines’ podcast

may28 538

How FIFA’s Structure Lends Itself To Corruption

By Carl Bialik, FiveThirtyEight’s lead writer for news

may28 fc

Sepp Blatter’s Future – What You Need to Know

By Gabriele Marcotti, columnist for ESPN FC

may28 .comm

The Buck Stops with Blatter

Video commentary by soccer play-by-play commentator Ian Darke

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The FIFA Crisis 

SportsCenter’s Robert Flores’ “Top Takes” video commentary

may28 e60

An Examination of the Most Powerful Man in Sports

Jeremy Schaap focuses on Sepp Blatter’s leadership of the organization overseeing world soccer.

 

The Ugly Game

ESPN The Magazine (“World Football Issue” on newsstands on Friday)

may28 theuglygame

Sepp Blatter is on the brink of winning his fifth term as FIFA president, even as the staging of the next two World Cups looks more contentious than ever. Based largely on a recent in-depth documentary produced by E:60 in which Jeremy Schaap told the tale of corruption, injustice and moral depravity behind FIFA’s naming Russia and Qatar as World Cup hosts, ESPN The Magazine presents a guide explaining just why everyone is so outraged with FIFA.

 

Life on the Streets

SportsCenter (Sunday, 10 a.m., ESPN)

ESPN.com (to be posted Sunday)

may 28 homeless

In an effort to get a closer look at the hardships homeless people in America endure every single day, two St. Louis Rams defensive linemen took to the streets for 24 hours with no place to sleep or eat, no connection to the outside world and only $4 each. SC Featured followed their story.

“It was the worst night I’ve ever had in my life for sure. My body hurts so bad right now.” — William Hayes, St. Louis Rams defensive end

“It’s amazing though when that cop went to talk to me, just how unsettled that felt, compared to like if a cop normally talks to me walking down the street.” — Chris Long, St. Louis Rams defensive end

Check ESPNFrontRow.com for a behind the scenes look at the making of the piece.

  

Cub-struction Project

Outside the Lines (Sunday, 9 a.m. ESPN; 10 a.m., ESPN2)

may 28 2015Credit: ESPN/Producer Willie Weinbaum

Cubs fan Holly Swyers at the May 11 re-opening of Wrigley’s bleachers

Their ballpark is 101 years old and their championship drought is 107. As the Chicago Cubs renovate the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, many question the effect on the park’s allure and whether it can help the team reach its first World Series since 1945. Cubs officials say modernization is a must to compete financially and on the field. Four

 Chicagoans discuss the contentious construction project as told to reporter T.J. Quinn and producer Willie Weinbaum.

“Part of being a Cubs fan is discovering there are ways to lose a game that you’ve never seen before and never imagined were possible. It is an incredibly frustrating experience, but it’s also part of, I think, what draws us together.” — Holly Swyers, Lake Forest College anthropologist & author of “Wrigley Regulars: Finding Community in the Bleachers”

“Will Wrigley Field lose some of its character? Sure. And it won’t be the same ballpark that I’ve walked into over the years. But if it brings us that championship, I’m all for it.” — Mike Reischl, Chicago police officer

 

What’s next for Kurt Busch and Patricia Driscoll

ESPN The Magazine (“World Football Issue” on newsstands Friday)

ESPN.com

may28buchhh

When Patricia Driscoll accused Kurt Busch of domestic violence, it made news. When Busch accused her of being an assassin, it went viral. Seth Wickersham reports.

 

Sports Reporters

This week’s Panel* (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ESPN; 10:30 a.m., ESPN2)

sportsreporters_small

John Saunders

Howard Bryant

Jemele Hill

Bob Ryan

*Subject to change

 

Filed Under: ESPN, FIFA, Soccer, Uncategorized

FOX Sports Announces Television Schedule for FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015™

May 21, 2015 By admin

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Record 16 Matches Scheduled for Over-the-Air Broadcast on FOX;

First on Broadcast TV Since 2003

All 52 Matches Air Live on FOX, FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports 2;

Every Match and Program Streamed Live on FOX Sports GO & Alternate Streams Offered

 New York — FOX Sports is planning the most expansive and comprehensive multi-platform coverage ever of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ when the 2015 tournament in Canada kicks-off in just over two weeks, including an unprecedented 16 matches airing live on FOX broadcast network.

FOX Sports is televising all 52 games live from six cities across Canada between June 6 and July 5, live on FOX; FOX Sports 1, America’s fastest growing sports network; and FOX Sports 2.  Digitally, all games are available on tablets and mobile devices via the FOX Sports GO app and online at www.FOXSportsGO.com.

No broadcast network has ever televised 16 FIFA Women’s or Men’s World Cup matches in a single tournament, and the 2015 event marks the first time since 2003 that any FIFA Women’s World Cup™ matches are scheduled for over-the-air broadcast in the U.S.  In addition to the 16 matches committed to FOX, five of which are in primetime and include one semifinal, the third place match on July 4 and the final on July 5, FOX Sports 1 carries 29 matches, including all eight in the round of 16, two quarterfinals and one semifinal.  The remaining seven games are slated for FOX Sports 2.

Combining games with anticipated pregame, postgame and complementary programming, FOX Sports is expected to provide almost 200 hours of coverage from FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™ averaging between six and seven hours a day over the month-long tournament.

Calling FOX Sports’ coverage of the 52 matches are Glenn Davis & Christine Latham; JP Dellacamera, Cat Whitehill & Tony DiCicco; Jenn Hildreth & Kyndra de St. Aubin; Justin Kutcher & Aly Wagner; and John Strong & Danielle Slaton.  In addition, Angela Hucles also provides game analysis. Dellacamera, Whitehill and DiCicco have been assigned to the three U.S. games in the group stage: Monday, June 8 vs. Australia (7:30 PM ET/FOX Sports 1), Friday, June 12 vs. Sweden (8:00 PM ET/FOX) and Tuesday, June 16 vs. Nigeria (8:00 PM ET/FOX).

Complementing FOX Sports’ extensive live match coverage all month is studio programming originating from its specially-constructed set located at Jack Poole Plaza in Vancouver.  FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY provides pre-match, halftime, post-match and bridge show coverage, while FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT offers the definitive last word on the day’s action.  Most matches are preceded by a 60-minute edition of FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY, though there are occasional 30- and 90-minute shows. Leading-off FOX Sports’ FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015™ coverage is FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SPECIAL, a live one-hour preview show airing on the eve of match play, Friday, June 5 (7:30-8:30 PM ET) on FOX Sports 1.  Besides FOX Sports’ Women’s World Cup-specific programs, ample tournament coverage is planned daily on FOX Sports 1’s signature news programs AMERICA’S PREGAME and FOX SPORTS LIVE.

Kate Abdo and Rob Stone share anchor duties for FOX Sports’ studio coverage from Vancouver and are joined analysts Monica Gonzalez, Ariane Hingst, Alexi Lalas, Christine Latham, Heather Mitts, Leslie Osborne, Kelly Smith, Eric Wynalda and Dr. Joe Machnik.  In addition to her match analysis, Hucles also contributes to studio coverage.

Jenny Taft, Julie Stewart-Binks and Grant Wahl serve as reporters during the four-week event.  Taft has been assigned the major role of being embedded with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), providing in-depth reports, breaking news and features on the squad throughout the tournament as she has since World Cup Qualifying.  Stewart-Binks, a native Canadian, serves as a roving reporter, and is expected to report from at least 11 different games in four different cities during the group stage.  Wahl serves as correspondent-at-large, covering the wide-array of stories that develop naturally during a month-long tournament.

On the digital front, besides all matches and studio programs being streamed live on FOX Sports GO, the critically-acclaimed mobile app also offers three alternate streams during the tournament.  The first, Match 360, offers exclusive backstage access to the walk players take from locker room to field and pregame warm-ups before every game, in-progress highlights throughout matches and post-match press conferences.  A second feed offers a non-stop in-game view from the tactical cameras showing all 22 players, while the third feed comes directly from cable-cam as it flies above the field during play.  The Tactical Cam feed is available for 41 of the 52 matches, while the Cable Cam feed is available for 23.  Finally, FOX Sports Digital video offers extended versions of more than 60 player profiles and team features produced specifically for FOX Sports’ coverage of the Women’s World Cup.

The last five FIFA Women’s World Cup™ tournaments were televised by ESPN or ESPN-related networks and game coverage featured 32 matches in 1999, 2007 and 2011; 18 matches in 2003; and six matches in 1995.  ABC last broadcast FIFA Women’s World Cup™ matches over the air in 2003, carrying three.  ABC combined to air seven FIFA Women’s World Cup™ matches in the three tournaments from 1995 to 2003.

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015 GROUP ASSIGNMENTS

(Includes match venue, city & province)

Group A                                                                     Group B        

Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, Alberta      Lansdowne Stadium, Ottawa, Ontario

Canada                                                                       Côte D’Ivoire*

China PR                                                                    Germany

Netherlands*                                                               Norway

New Zealand                                                               Thailand*

Group C                                                                     Group D

BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia                Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Cameroon*                                                                   Australia

Ecuador*                                                                       Nigeria

Japan                                                                            Sweden

Switzerland*                                                                  USA

Group E                                                                     Group F

Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Quebec                     Moncton Stadium, Moncton, New Brunswick

Brazil                                                                             Columbia

Costa Rica*                                                                   England

Korea Republic                                                             France

Spain*                                                                           Mexico

*Denote countries making first appearance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final.

 

 

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015 MATCH TELECAST SCHEDULE

FOX, FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports 2

(All times ET; Subject to change)

 

 

Day/Date           Time (ET)    Group       Match                                       Location           Network

Sat., June 6      6:00 PM            A          Canada vs China PR                  Edmonton         FOX Sports 1

9:00 PM            A          New Zealand vs Netherlands      Edmonton         FOX Sports 2

Sun., June 7      1:00 PM            B          Norway vs Thailand                   Ottawa              FOX

4:00 PM            B          Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire           Ottawa              FOX

Mon., June 8     4:00 PM            D          Sweden vs Nigeria                     Winnipeg          FOX

7:00 PM            C          Cameroon vs Ecuador               Vancouver        FOX Sports 2

7:30 PM            D          USA vs Australia                       Winnipeg          FOX Sports 1

10:00 PM          C          Japan vs Switzerland                 Vancouver        FOX Sports 1

Tue., June 9      1:00 PM            F          France vs England                    Moncton           FOX

4:00 PM            F          Colombia vs Mexico                  Moncton           FOX

4:00 PM            E          Spain vs Costa Rica                  Montreal           FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM            E          Brazil vs Korea Republic            Montreal           FOX Sports 1

Thur., June 11   4:00 PM            B          Germany vs Norway                  Ottawa              FOX Sports 1

6:00 PM            A          China PR vs Netherlands           Edmonton         FOX Sports 2

7:00 PM            B          Côte d’Ivoire vs Thailand            Ottawa              FOX Sports 1

9:00 PM            A          Canada vs New Zealand            Edmonton         FOX Sports 1

Fri., June 12      5:00 PM            D          Australia vs Nigeria                    Winnipeg          FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM            C          Switzerland vs Ecuador             Vancouver        FOX Sports 1

8:00 PM            D          USA vs Sweden                        Winnipeg          FOX

10:00 PM          C          Japan vs Cameroon                  Vancouver        FOX Sports 1

Sat., June 13     1:00 PM            F          France vs Colombia                  Moncton           FOX

4:00 PM            F          England vs Mexico                    Moncton           FOX

4:00 PM            E          Brazil vs Spain                          Montreal           FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM            E          Korea Republic vs Costa Rica    Montreal           FOX Sports 2

Mon., June 15   4:00 PM            B          Thailand vs Germany                 Winnipeg          FOX

4:00 PM            B          Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway             Moncton           FOX Sports 1

7:30 PM            A          Netherlands vs Canada              Montreal           FOX Sports 1

7:30 PM            A          China PR vs New Zealand          Winnipeg          FOX Sports 2

Tue., June 16    5:00 PM            C          Ecuador vs Japan                     Winnipeg          FOX Sports 1

5:00 PM            C          Switzerland vs Cameroon           Edmonton         FOX Sports 2

8:00 PM            D          Nigeria vs USA                          Vancouver        FOX

8:00 PM            D          Australia vs Sweden                  Edmonton         FOX Sports 1

Wed., June 17   4:00 PM            F          Mexico vs France                      Ottawa              FOX

4:00 PM            F          England vs Colombia                Montreal           FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM            E          Costa Rica vs Brazil                  Moncton           FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM            E          Korea Republic vs Spain           Ottawa              FOX Sports 2

Sat., June 20     4:00 PM                        Round of 16                              Ottawa              FOX Sports 1

7:30 PM                        Round of 16                              Edmonton         FOX Sports 1

Sun., June 21    1:00 PM                        Round of 16                              Moncton           FOX Sports 1

4:00 PM                        Round of 16                              Montreal           FOX Sports 1

7:30 PM                        Round of 16                              Vancouver        FOX Sports 1

Mon., June 22   5:00 PM                        Round of 16                              Ottawa              FOX Sports 1

8:00 PM                        Round of 16                              Edmonton         FOX Sports 1

Tue., June 23    10:00 PM                      Round of 16                              Vancouver        FOX Sports 1

Fri., June 26      4:00 PM                        Quarterfinal                               Montreal           FOX

7:30 PM                        Quarterfinal                               Ottawa              FOX

Sat., June 27     4:00 PM                        Quarterfinal                               Edmonton         FOX Sports 1

7:30 PM                        Quarterfinal                               Vancouver        FOX Sports 1

Tue., June 30    7:00 PM                        Semifinal                                  Montreal           FOX

Wed., July 1      7:00 PM                        Semifinal                                  Edmonton         FOX Sports 1

Sat., July 4       4:00 PM                        Third Place Match                      Edmonton         FOX

Sun., July 5       7:00 PM                        Final                                         Vancouver        FOX

 

 

FOX SPORTS’ FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015 COMPLETE TELECAST SCHEDULE

FOX, FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports 2

(All times ET; Subject to change)

 

 

Day/Date           Time (ET)    Group       Program/Match                        Location           Network

Fri., June 5        7:30 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SPECIAL FOX Sports 1

Sat., June 6      5:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

6:00 PM            A          Canada vs China PR                 Edmonton        FOX Sports 1

8:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 2

9:00 PM            A          New Zealand vs Netherlands    Edmonton        FOX Sports 2

2:00 AM*                       FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Sun., June 7      12:00 PM                      FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX

1:00 PM            B          Norway vs Thailand                  Ottawa              FOX

3:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX

4:00 PM            B          Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire         Ottawa              FOX

12:00 AM*                     FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Mon., June 8     3:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX

4:00 PM            D          Sweden vs Nigeria                   Winnipeg         FOX

6:30 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1 & 2

7:00 PM            C          Cameroon vs Ecuador              Vancouver        FOX Sports 2

7:30 PM            D          USA vs Australia                      Winnipeg         FOX Sports 1

9:30 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

10:00 PM          C          Japan vs Switzerland               Vancouver        FOX Sports 1

2:00 AM*                       FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Tue., June 9      12:00 PM                      FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX

1:00 PM            F          France vs England                   Moncton           FOX

3:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX & FOX Sports 1

4:00 PM            F          Colombia vs Mexico                 Moncton           FOX

4:00 PM            E          Spain vs Costa Rica                 Montreal           FOX Sports 1

6:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM            E          Brazil vs Korea Republic          Montreal           FOX Sports 1

11:00 PM                      FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Thur., June 11   3:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

4:00 PM            B          Germany vs Norway                 Ottawa              FOX Sports 1

5:30 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 2

6:00 PM            A          China PR vs Netherlands          Edmonton        FOX Sports 2

6:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM            B          Côte d’Ivoire vs Thailand          Ottawa FOX Sports 1

9:00 PM            A          Canada vs New Zealand           Edmonton        FOX Sports 1

12:00 AM*                     FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports1

 

Fri., June 12      4:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

5:00 PM            D          Australia vs Nigeria                  Winnipeg         FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM            C          Switzerland vs Ecuador           Vancouver        FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX

8:00 PM            D          USA vs Sweden                        Winnipeg         FOX

9:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

10:00 PM          C          Japan vs Cameroon                 Vancouver        FOX Sports 1

1:00 AM*                       FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Sat., June 13     12:00 PM                      FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX

1:00 PM            F          France vs Colombia                 Moncton           FOX

3:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX

3:30 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

4:00 PM            F          England vs Mexico                   Moncton           FOX

4:00 PM            E          Brazil vs Spain                         Montreal           FOX Sports 1

6:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM            E          Korea Republic vs Costa Rica  Montreal           FOX Sports 2

12:00 AM*                     FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Mon., June 15   3:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX & FOX Sports 1

4:00 PM            B          Thailand vs Germany               Winnipeg         FOX

4:00 PM            B          Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway            Moncton           FOX Sports 1

6:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1 & 2

7:30 PM            A          Netherlands vs Canada Montreal           FOX Sports 1

7:30 PM            A          China PR vs New Zealand        Winnipeg         FOX Sports 2

10:00 PM                      FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Tue., June 16    4:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1 & 2

5:00 PM            C          Ecuador vs Japan                    Winnipeg         FOX Sports 1

5:00 PM            C          Switzerland vs Cameroon        Edmonton        FOX Sports 2

7:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX & FOX Sports 1

8:00 PM            D          Nigeria vs USA                         Vancouver        FOX

8:00 PM            D          Australia vs Sweden                 Edmonton        FOX Sports 1

11:00 PM                      FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Wed., June 17   3:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX & FOX Sports 1

4:00 PM            F          Mexico vs France                     Ottawa              FOX

4:00 PM            F          England vs Colombia               Montreal           FOX Sports 1

6:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1 & 2

7:00 PM            E          Costa Rica vs Brazil                 Moncton           FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM            E          Korea Republic vs Spain          Ottawa              FOX Sports 2

12:00 AM*                     FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Sat., June 20     3:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

4:00 PM                        Round of 16                             Ottawa              FOX Sports 1

6:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

7:30 PM                        Round of 16                             Edmonton        FOX Sports 1

1:00 AM*                       FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Sun., June 21    12:00 PM                      FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

1:00 PM                        Round of 16                             Moncton           FOX Sports 1

3:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

4:00 PM                        Round of 16                             Montreal           FOX Sports 1

6:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

7:30 PM                        Round of 16                             Vancouver        FOX Sports 1

9:30 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Mon., June 22   4:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

5:00 PM                        Round of 16                             Ottawa              FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

8:00 PM                        Round of 16                             Edmonton        FOX Sports 1

12:00 AM*                     FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Tue., June 23    9:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

10:00 PM                      Round of 16                             Vancouver        FOX Sports 1

1:00 AM*                       FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Fri., June 26      3:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX

4:00 PM                        Quarterfinal                              Montreal           FOX

7:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX

7:30 PM                        Quarterfinal                              Ottawa              FOX

12:00 AM*                     FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX

Sat., June 27     3:30 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

4:00 PM                        Quarterfinal                              Edmonton        FOX Sports 1

6:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

7:30 PM                        Quarterfinal                              Vancouver        FOX Sports 1

2:00 AM*                       FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Tue., June 30    6:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX

7:00 PM                        Semifinal                                 Montreal           FOX

10:00 PM                      FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

Wed., July 1      6:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX Sports 1

7:00 PM                        Semifinal                                 Edmonton        FOX Sports 1  

12:00 AM*                     FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Sat., July 4       3:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX

4:00 PM                        Third Place Match                    Edmonton        FOX

6:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

Sun., July 5       6:00 PM                        FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY               FOX

7:00 PM                        Final                                        Vancouver        FOX

10:00 PM                      FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT FOX Sports 1

*Plus 1 day

– FOX SPORTS –

Filed Under: FIFA, FOX

FOX Sports Announces Five Broadcast Teams for FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015

May 20, 2015 By admin

fox-sports-logoAnnouncers & Analysts Bring Wide-Ranging On-Air & On-Field Experience

To World’s Biggest Women’s Sports Event

Dellacamera, Whitehill & DiCicco Draw U.S. Matches in Group Stage

New York – FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015 is set to begin in exactly 24 days, and today FOX Sports unveils the five gifted broadcast teams set to call game action during the network’s unprecedented coverage from Canada beginning Saturday, June 6. The announcement was made today by David Neal, FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX Executive Producer.

The broadcast teams FOX Sports has developed to call the Women’s World Cup mix many of the top play-by-play voices in American soccer with former standout players on the international stage.  Below are the teams listed in alphabetical order by play-by-play announcer (left):

Glenn Davis & Christine Latham

JP Dellacamera, Cat Whitehill & Tony DiCicco

Jenn Hildreth & Kyndra de St. Aubin

Justin Kutcher & Aly Wagner

John Strong & Danielle Slaton

In addition, Angela Hucles, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who helped the U.S. Women’s National Team to a pair of third-place Women’s World Cup finishes as a midfielder, is also assigned to analyze games in the tournament.

Together the play-by-play announcers have combined broadcasting experience spanning 15 World Cups and four Olympic Games, and boast innumerable seasons calling international and domestic club soccer competitions and big-game assignments.  The game analysts, former international soccer stars and the winningest coach in U.S. international history, have extensive on-field experience, playing or coaching at the highest level.  The group has a combined for six Olympic Gold medals, eight World Cup appearances, one World Cup championship, plus a host of domestic club soccer victories.

“Our dynamic group of game commentators brings world-class knowledge and diverse experience to our coverage of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Neal said. “Each has their own unique style and perspective on the game and as a group they are ideally suited to our unprecedented coverage of the world’s most important women’s sports event.”

The U.S. Women’s National Team has three matches scheduled in the Group Stage, and Dellacamera, Whitehill and DiCicco call each one.  The first is Monday, June 8 in Winnipeg against Australia (FOX Sports 1, 7:30 PM ET); followed by Friday June 12 versus Sweden, also in Winnipeg (FOX, 8:00 PM ET); and Tuesday, June 16 against Nigeria in Vancouver (FOX, 8:00 PM ET.  Remaining Group Stage network and broadcast team assignments are coming at a later date.  Dellacamera, Whitehill and DiCicco called last weekend’s 3-0 U.S. Send-Off Series victory over Ireland, and also call this Sunday’s (3/17) match in Los Angeles against Mexico.  Pre-match coverage begins at 9:00 PM ET with action beginning at 9:30 PM ET

FOX Sports recently announced the studio analysts headlining the network’s pregame, halftime and postgame coverage of the Women’s World Cup, as well as live hits into FOX Sports 1 signature programs AMERICA’S PREGAME and FOX SPORTS LIVE. Alexi Lalas, Heather Mitts, Eric Wynalda, Leslie Osborne, Angela Hucles, Kelly Smith, Ariane Hingst, Monica Gonzalez, Christine Latham and Dr. Joe Machnik are joined by hosts Kate Abdo and Rob Stone from a brand-new state-of-the-art studio in Vancouver beginning Thursday, June 4.

Thumbnail biographies on each play-by-play announcer and analyst, in alphabetical order by play-by-play announcer, are below:

Glenn Davis is a seasoned soccer announcer, having called FIFA World Cup matches on television and radio for ESPN; the Olympics for NBC; and MLS matches on several national and local channels. Davis has lent his voice to FOX Sports’ coverage of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), CONCACAF Champions League and U.S. Men’s Youth National Teams.

Christine Latham played with the Canadian Women’s National Team for over a decade, from 1995 to 2006, as a striker, amassing 15 goals in 49 games. She scored a team-high three goals in six games during the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup, helping Canada to the semifinals – the country’s best World Cup showing. Latham has also called 2014 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament games for FOX Sports.

 

#     #     #

JP Dellacamera, one of the pioneering voices of American soccer, brings decades of experience covering 12 FIFA World Cups (eight men’s, four women’s). With FOX Sports, he calls matches for Major League Soccer, CONCACAF Champions League and UEFA Europa League matches.

Cat Whitehill was a member of the USWNT for a decade, from 2000 to 2010, and played in the 2003 and 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cups and 2004 Olympics, where she helped Team USA to a gold medal. She has called previous USWNT games for FOX Sports, including the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament and served as an analyst for ESPN’s coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany.

Tony DiCicco is a former USWNT head coach and guided the squad to a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta and the squad’s last Women’s World Cup title in 1999.  DiCicco’s 103 wins with the USWNT is the highest total is U.S. Soccer history. DiCicco has called the 2000 Olympics for NBC and the 2003, 2007 and 2011 Women’s World Cups for ESPN before calling several USWNT games for FOX Sports, including the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

#     #     #

Jenn Hildreth is a former three-sport collegiate athlete with an extensive background in soccer. She has served as a play-by-play and color analyst on college and professional soccer, including Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) Sundays on FOX Soccer Channel. She has also covered a variety of other sports, including MLB and college football.

Kyndra de St. Aubin has been part of FOX Sports’ soccer coverage since 2001, having called International Champions Cup games on FOX Sports 1 in 2013 and 2014. She also called Women’s Professional Soccer League and National Women’s Soccer League games for FOX Sports and has worked for the Pac-12 Networks. A standout collegiate soccer star at Minnesota, de St. Aubin has also called games for the Big Ten Network.

#     #     #

Justin Kutcher calls play-by-play across a variety of FOX Sports properties, sitting behind the microphone for college football, college basketball, Major League Baseball, NFL and soccer, including USWNT matches at the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

Aly Wagner is a former USWNT midfielder, two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup athlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist. As a national player of the year at Santa Clara, Wagner led her team to a national championship, scoring the game-winner in the title game. The first selection in the 2003 Women’s United Soccer Association Draft, Wagner played several years professionally.

#     #     #

John Strong joined FOX Sports in January to call play-by-play for the network’s coverage of MLS, FIFA Women’s World Cup and other national soccer events. Strong regularly contributes to FOX Sports’ UEFA Europa League, CONCACAF Champions League, CONCACAF Women’s World Cup qualifying and has called various U.S. Soccer friendlies.

Danielle Slaton played for five years on the USWNT, owning a third-place finish at the 2003 Women’s World Cup and a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. She also played professionally in the U.S. and in France and has coached at the high school and collegiate levels. The 2001 NCAA Scholar Athlete of the Year, Slaton was a three-time All-American at Santa Clara and helped the Broncos to the 2001 NCAA Championship. She has called soccer previously for the Big Ten Network and FOX Sports, most recently at the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship and 2015 Algarve Cup.

#     #     #

Angela Hucles is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and helped the USWNT to a pair of third-place Women’s World Cup finishes as a midfielder (2003, 2007). She played 109 matches with the team and has since contributed to FOX Sports’ coverage of the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament. Hucles currently serves as president of the Women’s Sports Foundation, and her fiancée, Meg Mangano, is the team nutritionist for the Los Angeles Clippers.

#     #     #

FOX Sports plans the most expansive and comprehensive multi-platform coverage ever of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, including an unprecedented 16 matches airing live on FOX broadcast network, when the tournament commences on June 6. FOX Sports televises all 52 games in the expanded tournament from six cities across Canada between June 6 and July 5, 2015 live on FOX; FOX Sports 1, America’s fastest growing sports network; and FOX Sports 2.  All games are available on tablets and mobile devices via the FOX Sports GO app and online at www.FOXSportsGO.com.

-FOX SPORTS-

FOX SPORTS TABS JENNY TAFT & JULIE STEWART-BINKS REPORTERS FOR FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015™

Grant Wahl Serves as Correspondent-at-Large

New York – It is 18 days and counting down to the start of FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015™, and today Jenny Taft, Julie Stewart-Binks and Grant Wahl have been formally named to the team FOX Sports is assembling to cover the world’s biggest and most exciting women’s sports event.  The announcement was made by David Neal, FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX Executive Producer.

Taft has been assigned the major role of being embedded with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), providing in-depth reports, breaking news and features on the squad throughout the tournament as she has since World Cup Qualifying.  Stewart-Binks, a native Canadian, serves as a roving reporter, and is expected to report from at least 11 different games in four different cities during the group stage, among them the opening match between Canada and China (Edmonton); the tilt between title contenders France vs. England (Moncton); and top-ranked Germany taking on Norway (Ottawa).  Wahl serves as correspondent-at-large, covering the wide-array of stories that develop naturally during a month-long tournament.

In addition to the match telecasts they’re assigned, their reports also appear during FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY, FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT,  AMERICA’S PREGAME, FOX SPORTS LIVE and the popular @TheBuzzer feature made available via FOX Sports’ social and digital platforms.

“We’re very fortunate to have these three gifted, energetic professionals contributing to our Women’s World Cup coverage,” offered Neal.  “Jenny and Julie are both rising stars at FOX Sports and have spent the last two years demonstrating their reporting skills and versatility, while Grant is one of the top soccer journalists in the world.  When there’s news to report during the tournament, we have a team in place that can cover it.”

A former collegiate athlete possessing broad knowledge across several sports, Taft’s profile has expanded greatly since joining FOX Sports in 2013.  In addition to her position as a reporter embedded with the USWNT, which began during the CONCACAF Women’s Championship in 2014, she works as a reporter for the network’s Pac-12 college football coverage and other events, as a fill-in host on AMERICA’S PREGAME and also as an anchor at the FOX Sports 1 update desk.  Additional assignments have included Supercross, the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs and MLB games.  (Link to full biography here.)

The Canadian-born Stewart-Binks has proven herself to be a versatile on-air personality since moving to the U.S. in time for the launch of FOX Sports 1 in 2013.  She has served as a news update anchor, studio show host, soccer sideline reporter, a live event reporter and one-on-one interviewer.  In addition to news updates, Stewart-Binks hosted FOX SOCCER DAILY during its run.  She also provided daily segments from the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, served as a reporter during the NHL playoffs for FOX SPORTS LIVE in 2014 and covered the Guinness Champions Cup soccer tournament as a sideline reporter last summer.  Stewart-Binks is also a regular event correspondent for AMERICA’S PREGAME, and in 2011 anchored FOX Soccer Channel’s flagship program, FOX SOCCER REPORT. (Link to full biography here.)

Grant Wahl is one of the world’s leading soccer journalists, and has been reporting for FOX Sports channels since 2012.  He joined Sports Illustrated in November 1996 as a reporter and was promoted to his current position of senior writer in October 2000.  Wahl has covered eight World Cups (five men’s, three women’s) and four Olympics for SI. (Link to full biography here.)

Kate Abdo and Rob Stone anchor FOX Sports studio coverage from a brand-new state-of-the-art studio in Vancouver beginning Thursday, June 4 on AMERICA’S PREGAME and FOX SPORTS LIVE.  FOX Sports’ studio analysts headlining the network’s pregame, halftime and postgame coverage, as well as providing live hits into FOX Sports 1 signature programs AMERICA’S PREGAME and FOX SPORTS LIVE, are Monica Gonzalez, Ariane Hingst, Angela Hucles, Alexi Lalas, Christine Latham, Heather Mitts, Leslie Osborne, Kelly Smith, Eric Wynalda and Dr. Joe Machnik.

Match broadcast teams are: Glenn Davis & Christine Latham; JP Dellacamera, Cat Whitehill & Tony DiCicco; Jenn Hildreth & Kyndra de St. Aubin; Justin Kutcher & Aly Wagner; and John Strong & Danielle Slaton.  In addition to her studio work, Hucles also provides game analysis. Dellacamera, Whitehill and DiCicco have been assigned to the three U.S. games in the group stage.

FOX Sports plans the most expansive and comprehensive multi-platform coverage ever of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, including an unprecedented 16 matches airing live on FOX broadcast network, when the tournament commences on June 6. FOX Sports televises all 52 games in the expanded tournament from six cities across Canada between June 6 and July 5, 2015 live on FOX; FOX Sports 1, America’s fastest growing sports network; and FOX Sports 2.  All games are available on tablets and mobile devices via the FOX Sports GO app and online at www.FOXSportsGO.com.

— FOX SPORTS –

Filed Under: FIFA, FOX

NBCUNIVERSAL’S TELEMUNDO AND NBC UNIVERSO Unveil 2015 Plans For FIFA Soccer Events

March 24, 2015 By admin

 NBCUNIVERSAL’S TELEMUNDO AND NBC UNIVERSO UNVEIL 2015 PLANS FOR FIFA SOCCER EVENTS

FEATURING A RECORD 560 HOURS OF WORLD-CLASS SOCCER ACROSS MULTIPLE PLATFORMS

Telemundo and NBC UNIVERSO to Leverage Storytelling Expertise of Award-Winning Team of Sportscasters Led by Andrés Cantor

Miami – March 23, 2015 – NBCUniversal’s Telemundo and NBC UNIVERSO, the official broadcaster for Spanish-language of the FIFA World Cup™ in the U.S. across all video platforms, announced details of their plans to telecast four 2015 FIFA Soccer Events. Both networks will deliver to sports fans throughout the U.S. an unprecedented 560 hours of soccer action in 2015. The extensive coverage will include 344 hours of online and mobile live-streams making it the first time that all the matches of four FIFA Soccer Events are made available in Spanish to a nationwide audience. In addition, coverage and editorial emphasis will be placed on storytelling around the development of the future soccer star players as they captivate audiences around the world on their way to the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™.

Between May and October of this year, Telemundo and NBC UNIVERSO will feature comprehensive FIFA coverage and showcase exclusive content including country and player profiles, behind-the-scenes footage from each venue, pre-match analyses, every play-by-play call and much more. Fans will be able to access every entertaining and action-filled moment on all their devices across multiple platforms including live telecasts, live streams, VOD, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

“We are proud to be the first media company to offer such a comprehensive coverage of FIFA World Cup™ events in the United States in Spanish,” said Joe Uva, Chairman, Hispanic Enterprises and Content, NBCUniversal. “Starting in May, we will leverage all of our linear and digital platforms to bring to U.S. Hispanics the best soccer in the world presented by an experienced team of talent and professionals with a deep understanding of sports broadcasting and storytelling.”

The first FIFA tournament will feature the Men’s U-20 national teams, hosted by New Zealand from May 30 to June 20. Telemundo and NBC UNIVERSO will stream live all 52 matches. In addition, Telemundo will air live 10 matches including all competition involving the Mexican National Team, two Round 16 matches, two Quarter Final matches, one Semifinal and the Championship Final. The NBC UNIVERSO telecasts will include 21 live matches, including the FIFA U-20 World Cup Opening Match, all USA National Team group stage matches, two Mexican National Team simulcasts, four Round 16 matches, two Quarterfinal matches and one Semifinal match. NBC UNIVERSO will also air an encore presentation of the Championship Final.

One week following the start of the FIFA U-20 World Cup tournament, the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ will kick off in Canada with matches taking place June 6 through July 5. Again, Telemundo and NBC UNIVERSO will stream live all 52 matches. Telemundo also will air 10 women’s matches including the opening game of the tournament, every competition featuring the Mexican National Team, three Round-of-16 matches, one Quarterfinal match and the Championship Final. NBC UNIVERSO will feature 21 live matches, including all USA National Team group stage matches as well as a simulcast of Team USA competition, if it advances to the later rounds; four Round-of-16 matches, two Quarterfinal matches and two Semifinal matches. NBC UNIVERSO will also re-air both the opening and Championship Final matches.

Four days after the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ champion is decided, the Men’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup hosted by Portugal will take place July 9 to July 19. It will be followed by the final FIFA World Cup competition of 2015 featuring U-17 national teams, which will take the pitch in Chile from October 17 to November 8. Many of these future soccer superstars will have the opportunity to represent their country and display their skills on the world stage. Additional programming details for these the U-17 and Beach tournaments will be forthcoming.

“Telemundo will take the 2015 FIFA soccer events coverage to an unprecedented level,” said Luis Silberwasser, President of Telemundo Network. “We will broadcast more Women’s and U-20 matches than any other broadcast network in the history of Spanish-language TV, including the final match for the Women’s World Cup, which will return to Spanish-language network TV after eight years. Ultimately, our viewers will enjoy the best soccer in the world with the high quality and expert commentary they have come to expect from us.”

“Soccer has a unique and passionate relationship with Latino sports fans, and as a Spanish-language cable TV home for world-class soccer all summer long, NBC UNIVERSO will immerse our viewers in all of the excitement, drama and heart-pounding action around the ‘beautiful game,” said Rubén Mendiola, President, NBC UNIVERSO. “We continue to evolve as a leading sports and entertainment destination across multiple platforms by delivering the biggest moments, best events and remarkable storytelling that resonate with Hispanics throughout the U.S., as well as connects with our diverse Latin culture.”

Digital content development and programming will be at the forefront of Telemundo and NBC UNIVERSO’s 2015 FIFA World Cup competitions coverage. For the first time in the history of Spanish-language TV, all matches of four FIFA World Cup Events will be online and mobile live-streamed for a total of 344 hours. This will also be the first-time that online exclusive content will be produced on-site during the four tournaments. Content will cover both real-time tournament specific data and analysis appealing to the hardcore fan and general interest reports, including color stories, profiles, photo galleries and exclusive interviews and videos.

Award-winner and internationally acclaimed sportscaster Andrés Cantor will bring his unique style and soccer expertise to the broadcast booth for both Telemundo and NBC UNIVERSO during the 2015 FIFA World Cup competitions. Cantor, who has made the call during every FIFA World Cup since 1990, will lead a talent roster of sports broadcasters including Emmy-award winner Sammy Sadovnik; and former Mexican soccer players Carlos Hermosillo and Manuel Sol. The broadcast team will deliver a distinctive blend of knowledge, grace and passion that are synonymous with “The Beautiful Game.” Cantor is the only US-based and Spanish-speaking announcer included in FIFA’s Magazine list of the world’s top legendary soccer commentators.

About Telemundo:

Telemundo, a division of NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises and Content, is a world-class media company, leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content across its multiplatform portfolio to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. Telemundo’s multiple platforms include the Telemundo Network, a Spanish-language television network featuring original productions, theatrical motion pictures, news and first-class sports events, reaching U.S. Hispanic viewers in 210 markets through its 17 owned stations, broadcast and MVPD affiliates; Telemundo Digital Media, which distributes Telemundo’s original content across digital and emerging platforms including mobile devices and www.telemundo.com; an owned and operated full power station in Puerto Rico that reaches 99% of all TV households in that DMA; and Telemundo Internacional, the international distribution arm which has positioned Telemundo as the second largest provider of Spanish-language content worldwide by syndicating content to more than 100 countries in over 35 languages.

About NBC UNIVERSO:

NBC UNIVERSO is a modern general entertainment cable channel for Latinos, bringing the world’s top sports franchises and edgy, emotional programming to more than 40 million households in the U.S. As one of the most widely available modern cable channels for U.S. Latinos, NBC UNIVERSO delivers a thrilling mix of exclusive sports action – including FIFA World Cup™, NASCAR Mexico Series, NFL, Premier League and the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio – along with signature series, blockbuster movies, music, must-see live events and strategic acquisitions, on TV, online and mobile devices. NBC UNIVERSO is part of Hispanic Enterprises and Content, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. For more information, please visit www.NBCUNIVERSO.com.

LAS CADENAS DE NBCUNIVERSAL, TELEMUNDO Y NBC UNIVERSO, PRESENTAN SU PROGRAMACIÓN PARA LOS CAMPEONATOS MUNDIALES DE LA FIFA DE 2015

TRANSMITIRÁN 560 HORAS DE FÚTBOL DE CLASE MUNDIAL EN MÚLTIPLES PLATAFORMAS

Telemundo y NBC UNIVERSO contarán con la narración del galardonado equipo de comentaristas deportivos liderado por Andrés Cantor

Miami –23 de marzo de 2015– Telemundo y NBC UNIVERSO, de NBCUniversal, las cadenas oficiales en español de la Copa mundial de la FIFA™ en todas las plataformas de video en los Estados Unidos, anunció los detalles de las transmisiones de cuatro eventos de fútbol de la FIFA para este año. Ambas cadenas ofrecerán a los fanáticos de los deportes en todo Estados Unidos un número sin precedentes de 560 horas de acción futbolística en 2015. La extensa cobertura incluirá 344 horas de transmisión en vivo, en línea y en dispositivos móviles, siendo esta la primera vez que todos los encuentros de los cuatro eventos de fútbol de la FIFA estén disponibles en español en todo el territorio estadounidense. Además, el énfasis de la cobertura y la parte editorial, estarán enfocadas en la narración del desarrollo de los futuros jugadores estrella del fútbol que cautivarán las audiencias mundiales camino a los Juegos Olímpicos de Río 2016, la Copa Mundial de la FIFA Rusia 2018™ y la Copa Mundial de la FIFA Qatar 2022™.

Entre mayo y octubre de este año, Telemundo y NBC UNIVERSO ofrecerán una amplia cobertura de los torneos de la FIFA y presentarán contenido exclusivo, incluyendo información sobre los países y los jugadores, vistazos detrás de las escenas de cada lugar, análisis previos al partido, narración jugada por jugada y mucho más. Los fans podrán tener acceso a toda la acción en todos sus aparatos a través de plataformas múltiples, incluyendo transmisiones en vivo, streams en vivo, Video on Demand (VOD), Facebook, Instagram y Twitter.

“Estamos orgullosos de ser la primera empresa de medios en ofrecer una cobertura tan amplia de los eventos de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA™ en español en los Estados Unidos”, dijo Joe Uva, Presidente de Empresas Hispanas y Contenido de NBCUniversal. “Comenzando en mayo, emplearemos todas nuestras plataformas en línea y digitales para traerles a los hispanos de Estados Unidos el mejor fútbol del mundo presentado por un experimentado equipo de talentos y profesionales con una gran trayectoria en la transmisión y la narración deportiva”.

El primer torneo de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA™ con sede en Nueva Zelanda, contará con los equipos masculinos nacionales menores de 20 años de edad, U-20, del 30 de mayo al 20 de junio. Telemundo y NBC UNIVERSO presentarán el stream en vivo de los 52 partidos. Además, Telemundo transmitirá en vivo 10 partidos, incluyendo todas las competencias del equipo nacional mexicano, dos partidos de la ronda 16avos de final, dos partidos de cuartos de final, uno semifinal y la gran final del campeonato. Las transmisiones de NBC UNIVERSO incluirán 21 partidos en vivo, incluyendo el partido de la apertura de este evento, todos los partidos del equipo nacional de los Estados Unidos, dos transmisiones simultáneas del equipo nacional mexicano, cuatro partidos de la ronda de 16avos de final, dos partidos de cuartos de final y uno semifinal. NBC UNIVERSO también transmitirá una repetición de la final del campeonato.

Una semana después del comienzo del torneo masculino U-20, dará inicio la Copa Mundial Femenina de la FIFA Canadá 2015™, del 6 de junio al 5 de julio. De nuevo, Telemundo y NBC UNIVERSO presentarán el stream en vivo de los 52 partidos. Telemundo también transmitirá 10 partidos, incluyendo el juego inaugural del torneo, cada encuentro del equipo nacional mexicano, tres partidos de la ronda de 16avos de final, uno de cuartos de final y la gran final del campeonato. NBC UNIVERSO ofrecerá 21 partidos en vivo, incluyendo todos los partidos del equipo nacional de los Estados Unidos, también una transmisión simultánea del equipo estadounidense si avanza a las ronda final; cuatro partidos de la ronda de 16avos, dos partidos de cuartos de final y dos partidos semifinales. NBC UNIVERSO también retransmitirá los partidos de la apertura y la gran final del campeonato.

Cuatro días después que se decida el equipo campeón de la Copa Mundial Femenina de la FIFA Canadá 2015™, comenzará la Copa Mundial de Beach Soccer de la FIFA Portugal 2015™, que será del 9 al 19 de julio. Después de este evento en Portugal, dará inicio la Copa Mundial Sub-17 de la FIFA Chile 2015™, del 17 de octubre al 8 de noviembre. Muchas de estas futuras superestrellas del fútbol tendrán la oportunidad de representar a sus países y mostrar sus habilidades en el escenario mundial. Los detalles adicionales de la programación de estos torneos de playa U-17 serán dados a conocer próximamente.

“Telemundo llevará la cobertura del fútbol de la FIFA 2015 a un nivel sin precedentes”, dijo Luis Silberwasser, Presidente de la Cadena Telemundo. “Nosotros transmitiremos más fútbol femenino y torneos U-20 que cualquier otra cadena en la historia de la televisión en español, incluyendo el torneo final de la Copa Mundial Femenina, que regresará a la televisión de habla hispana después de ocho años. Por último, nuestros televidentes disfrutarán del mejor fútbol del mundo con la gran calidad y experiencia que ya esperan de nosotros”.

“El fútbol tiene una relación única y apasionada con los latinos aficionados al deporte, y como la cadena de televisión por cable en español, sede del fútbol de clase mundial para este verano, NBC UNIVERSO también llevará a los televidentes toda la emoción, el drama y la acción que rodea a este ‘hermoso juego’ ”, dijo Rubén Mendiola, Presidente de NBC UNIVERSO. “Nosotros seguimos evolucionando como una fuente líder en deportes y entretenimiento a través de múltiples plataformas, ofreciendo grandes momentos, los mejores eventos y una excelente narración que reconocen los hispanos en los Estados Unidos, al mismo tiempo que nos conecta con nuestra diversa cultura latina”.

El desarrollo del contenido digital y programación estará al frente de la cobertura de las Copas Mundiales de la FIFA 2015 en Telemundo y NBC UNIVERSO. Por primera vez en la historia de la televisión de habla hispana, todos los partidos de los cuatro eventos de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA se transmitirán en línea y en streams en vivo con un total de 344 horas. Esta también será la primera vez que un contenido exclusivo en línea será transmitido durante los cuatro torneos. El contenido cubrirá la información específica en vivo de los torneos y los análisis que serán de interés para los seguidores y el público en general, incluyendo historias locales de color, perfiles, galerías fotográficas, entrevistas y videos exclusivos.

El galardonado y reconocido cronista deportivo internacional, Andrés Cantor, ofrecerá su estilo único y su experiencia en las transmisiones, tanto para Telemundo como para NBC UNIVERSO, durante las competencias de la Copa mundial de la FIFA 2015. Cantor, que ha narrado cada Copa Mundial de la FIFA desde 1990, liderará a un talentoso equipo de narradores deportivos, incluyendo al ganador del Emmy, Sammy Sadovnik y los ex jugadores mexicanos de fútbol, Carlos Hermosillo y Manuel Sol. El equipo de transmisión ofrecerá una distintiva mezcla de conocimiento, originalidad y pasión que es sinónimo del este deporte. Cantor es el único narrador de habla hispana, con sede en los Estados Unidos, incluido en la lista de legendarios comentaristas de fútbol de la revista de la FIFA.

Acerca de Telemundo:

Telemundo, a division of NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises and Content, is a world-class media company, leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content across its multiplatform portfolio to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. Telemundo’s multiple platforms include the Telemundo Network, a Spanish-language television network featuring original productions, theatrical motion pictures, news and first-class sports events, reaching U.S. Hispanic viewers in 210 markets through its 17 owned stations, broadcast and MVPD affiliates; Telemundo Digital Media, which distributes Telemundo’s original content across digital and emerging platforms including mobile devices and www.telemundo.com; an owned and operated full power station in Puerto Rico that reaches 99% of all TV households in that DMA; and Telemundo Internacional, the international distribution arm which has positioned Telemundo as the second largest provider of Spanish-language content worldwide by syndicating content to more than 100 countries in over 35 languages.

Acerca de NBC UNIVERSO:

NBC UNIVERSO is a modern general entertainment cable channel for Latinos, bringing the world’s top sports franchises and edgy, emotional programming to more than 40 million households in the U.S. As one of the most widely available modern cable channels for U.S. Latinos, NBC UNIVERSO delivers a thrilling mix of exclusive sports action – including FIFA World Cup™, NASCAR Mexico Series, NFL, Premier League and the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio – along with signature series, blockbuster movies, music, must-see live events and strategic acquisitions, on TV, online and mobile devices. NBC UNIVERSO is part of Hispanic Enterprises and Content, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. For more information, please visit www.NBCUNIVERSO.com.

Filed Under: FIFA, NBC

Rob Stone Named Prime-Time Studio Host for FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2015

February 27, 2015 By admin

fox-sports-logoVeteran Anchors Live From Spectacular Vancouver Locale

Los Angeles — FOX Sports’ lead soccer studio host Rob Stone has been officially tabbed as the prime-time studio host for the network’s unprecedented coverage of FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2015 in Canada later this year.  The announcement was made today by David Neal, executive producer for FOX Sports’ FIFA Women’s World Cup™ coverage.

“Rob is an exceptional studio host with a deep understanding of international soccer, so he is the perfect choice to anchor our Women’s World Cup coverage in prime time,” Neal said. “An event like this is similar to an Olympics, with many moving parts, and excellent hosts are smart, personable and have a little traffic cop inside them. Rob brings those attributes to the job every day.”

Stone anchors FOX Sports’ studio shows, including pregame, halftime and postgame coverage, and other FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2015 related programming throughout the month-long tournament from the network’s state-of-the-art two-story studio on picturesque Coal Harbor in Vancouver.  The former Division I soccer player, who joined FOX Sports from ESPN in January 2012, takes on the most high-profile assignment of his career to-date as the prime time studio host of this summer’s Women’s World Cup.  Stone has hosted FOX Sports’ coverage of the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and other top soccer leagues in Europe, in addition to hosting college football and college basketball studio programming. Stone is set to work with a team of FOX Sports soccer analysts to be announced at a later date.

“Covering a massive global tournament in this role is what few in our industry get the opportunity to do, and I am honored that FOX Sports has entrusted this responsibility to me,” Stone said. “I passionately care about this sport and am excited to get started, especially following the excitement we saw during last summer’s World Cup.”

FOX Sports is planning the most expansive multi-platform coverage ever of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, including an unprecedented 16 matches airing live on FOX broadcast network when the tournament commences in Canada this June.  FOX Sports televises all 52 games in the expanded tournament from six cities across Canada between June 6 and July 5, live on FOX; FOX Sports 1, America’s fastest growing sports network; and FOX Sports 2.  Digitally, all games are available on tablets and mobile devices via the FOX Sports GO app and online at www.FOXSportsGO.com.  No broadcast network has ever televised 16 FIFA Women’s or Men’s World Cup matches, and the 2015 event marks the first time since 2003 that any FIFA Women’s World Cup™ matches are scheduled for over-the-air broadcast in the U.S.  Combining games with anticipated pregame, postgame and complementary programming, FOX Sports is expected to provide almost 200 hours of coverage from FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™.  Coverage begins with reports in AMERICA’S PREGAME and FOX SPORTS LIVE, Thursday, June 4, a preview show on Friday, June 5 and Group Stage matches on Saturday, June 6.

— FOX SPORTS —

Filed Under: FIFA, FOX

2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Group Stages Set On FOX Sports 1

December 12, 2014 By admin

fox-sports-1-logoUSWNT Forward Alex Morgan: It’s Definitely the Group of Death

Former USWNT Defender Heather Mitts: To Be the Best, You Have To Beat the Best

U.S. Soccer star Alex Morgan joined as a guest analyst and shared her reaction to the draw:

“It’s pretty unbelievable. We knew this was going to happen. That’s why when you saw the reaction from the rest of the team in Brazil, they were laughing, because we knew it. We got the toughest countries in all of the pots, the strongest seeds. It’s definitely the group of death. We can’t count out any team.”

Former U.S. Soccer defender and three-time Olympic Gold medalist Heather Mitts added her thoughts on the group:

“To be the best, you have to beat the best. This group of death is very fitting for us. We always struggle against Sweden and Australia. I do think we will beat them, but Sweden is going to be a very tough match. Pia Sundhage (head coach of Sweden and former head coach of USWNT) knows how our team plays and she will be prepared.”

USWNT head coach Jill Ellis joined the show from Ottawa post-draw:

“Overall it’s going to be a physically demanding group and I think that serves us well because we are deep. We are going to have to play very well to get out of there. I feel confident in the next six months to get this team primed and ready.”

Legendary 1999 USWNT head coach Tony DiCicco also weighed in on-site from Ottawa:

“This is the worst case scenario for the USA because they are playing the best team from every pot.”

Two-time World Cup winner with Germany, Ariane Hingst, thinks Germany will come out on top of its group:

“No disrespect to the other teams, but you can easily say this is a really easy group for Germany to play. Ivory Coast and Netherlands are new names on the pitch. Norway is always hard to play, but Germany definitely has to come out as position one in this group. No doubt about that.”

Retired Mexican defender Monica Gonzalez said the Mexican Women’s National Team has to win next summer:

“What Mexico is looking to do at the very minimum is get a win in this group. Mexico has never gotten a win in a major tournament neither in the World Cup or the Olympics.”

England Women’s National Team all-time leading goal scorer Kelly Smith offered her thoughts on her former team’s match-ups:

“I think coach Mark Sampson will be quite happy with this group. He has brought in a lot of youth, vibrant players that want to do well. The team is in a good place, but we have a lot of work to do. Obviously you don’t want to lose the opening game against France, that will be tough.”

All 52 matches of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 are carried live on FOX and FOX Sports 1. Coverage kicks off on June 6 at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium with hosts Canada, while the USWNT begin its campaign on June 8. The final takes place on July 5 in Vancouver. For more information and analysis, please visit FOXSoccer.com.

– FOX SPORTS –

Filed Under: FIFA, Fox Sports1

USA-Portugal: Most-Viewed Soccer Match Ever in U.S.

June 23, 2014 By admin

FIFA-World-Cup-2014_Logo-espnUSA-Portugal: Most-Viewed Soccer Match Ever in U.S.
  • ESPN Telecast Averages 18,220,000 Viewers and Peaks with 22,961,000 viewers
  • Match Generates WatchESPN Viewership Records
  • Most-viewed Non-Football Telecast on ESPN Ever
  • Significant Viewership Growth Over 2010 and 2006, including in All Key Demos
  • Sets Rating Record in 18 markets; Washington, D.C.; New York and San Francisco Highest-Rated Thru 32 Games
 
ESPN’s telecast of the United States’ 2-2 tie against Portugal in the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, June 22, is the most-viewed soccer match in the United States ever, across all networks, averaging 18,220,000 viewers based on a 9.6 HH US rating. It surpassed the previous high of 17,975,000 viewers for the 1999 Women’s World Cup final (USA vs. China) on ABC. Additional television highlights:
 
  • The telecast peaked from 7:30 to 8 p.m. ET with an average of 22,961,000 viewers and an 11.9 HH US rating.
  • The match is ESPN’s most-viewed program excluding NFL and college football telecasts.
  • While Sunday’s 9.6 HH US rating is the highest-rated men’s soccer telecast ever (topping a 9.5 for Italy vs. Brazil in the 1994 final), it is the second highest-rated soccer match overall behind an 11.4 HH US rating for 1999 Women’s World Cup final (USA vs. China) on ABC.
  • The first 2014 FIFA World Cup match involving the United States (a 2-1 victory over Ghana) averaged 11,093,000 viewers and a 6.3 HH US rating, making it the highest-rated and most-viewed men’s soccer match on ESPN or ESPN2 on record at the time.
 
In addition to setting a television viewership record, Sunday’s match also set product records on WatchESPN with a 490,000 average minute audience, and total of 1,373,000 viewers and 61,691,000 minutes viewed.
 
Significant Television Viewership Increases Over 2010 and 2006
Overall, ESPN’s 2014 World Cup coverage is posting significant viewership increases over 2010 and 2006. ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC have combined to average 4,273,000 viewers and a 2.6 HH US rating through the first 32 matches, marking increases of 50 percent and 109 percent (vs. 2,857,000 in 2010 and 2,048,000 in 2006), and 44 percent and 86 percent (vs. 1.8 in 2010 and 1.4 in 2006), respectively.
 
In addition, ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC have posted significant audience increases in every key people and male demographic, highlighted by double-digit growth in the 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 categories.
 
WatchESPN Growth Over 2010
WatchESPN has averaged 259,000 viewers in the average minute across 32 World Cup matches, which represents a six percent lift over the ESPN Networks’ English language TV audience for a total of 4,533,000 viewers across TV and WatchESPN.
 
In addition, WatchESPN has posted a 158 percent increase in viewers and 167 percent in minutes through the first 32 games, averaging 759,000 viewers and 33,319,000 minutes viewed per match.
 
Success beyond USA Matches
In addition to Sunday’s record telecast, ESPN tied the record for the highest-rated World Cup match not involving the United States on ESPN or ESPN2, averaging a 3.4 US HH rating and 5,735,000 viewers for Germany vs. Ghana on Saturday, June 21 (tied with the 2006 Italy vs. Germany semifinal). Overall, the 2014 World Cup coverage has delivered six of the highest-rated and most-viewed Group Play matches not involving a United States team on ESPN and ESPN2.
 
Metered Markets
Washington, D.C., led all markets for ESPN’s USA vs. Portugal telecast with a 13.3 rating, followed by Columbus (12.6), New York (12.5), Boston (11.5), Hartford/New Haven (11.3), Providence (11.2), Atlanta (11.1), Baltimore (11.0), Norfolk (10.5), Orlando (10.5) and Sacramento (10.5).
 
Eighteen markets recorded their highest overnight rating for a World Cup match on ESPN or ESPN2, including seven that were among the top 10 largest for the telecast: Columbus, Boston, Hartford/New Haven, Providence, Atlanta, Baltimore and Sacramento. The additional 11, ordered by highest rating: Kansas City (10.1), Dayton (8.9), St. Louis (8.7), Jacksonville (8.4), Tampa/St. Petersburg (8.3), Nashville (7.8), Greenville (7.6), Greensboro (7.5), Memphis (7.5), Pittsburgh (6.9) and Birmingham (5.8).
 
Overall, Washington, D.C., continues to lead all markets for matches on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC through the first 32 games with a 5.0 average rating, followed by New York (4.3), San Francisco (4.1), Orlando (3.8), Los Angeles (3.7), Hartford/New Haven (3.7), Atlanta (3.6), San Diego (3.5), Boston (3.5), West Palm Beach (3.5) and Richmond (3.5).
 
Upcoming ESPN World Cup Coverage
ESPN’s FIFA World Cup coverage continues this week with two matches at 11:30 a.m. and two at 3:30 p.m. each day from today through the completion of Group Play on Thursday, June 26. The match for the United States (against Germany) airs on Thursday, June 26, at 11:30 a.m. (on ESPN).
 
ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of the tournament includes all 64 matches televised live on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, ESPN3 and WatchESPN, as well as 54 matches on ESPN Deportes and another 10 on ESPN Deportes+.  ABC’s matches will also available on WATCH ABC. Schedule.
 
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Filed Under: ESPN, FIFA, Ratings

ESPN TV and Radio Commentators for 2014 FIFA World Cup, Through June 26

June 20, 2014 By admin

FIFA-World-Cup-2014_Logo-espnESPN’s month-long coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil continues with of Group Stage matches, culminating Thursday, June 26. Lead play-by-play commentator Ian Darke and analyst Taylor Twellman will call the much-anticipated United States vs. Portugal match from Manaus on Sunday, June 22, at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN3 and WatchESPN, while JP Dellacamera and Tommy Smyth will provide commentary on ESPN Radio’s broadcast of the match. Other weekend highlights:

  • Jon Champion and Stewart Robson will call Germany vs. Ghana, a key match in Group G, on Saturday, June 21, at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN;
  • Fernando Palomo and Alejandro Moreno, ESPN’s English-language commentating team for Mexican National Team matches, will describe the action from Croatia vs. Mexico, a decisive Group A match,on Monday, June 23, at 3:30 a.m. on ESPN;
  • Darke and Steve McManaman will call Costa Rica vs. England on Tuesday, June 24, at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN2;

ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of the tournament includes all 64 matches televised live on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, ESPN3 and WatchESPN, as well as 54 matches on ESPN Deportes and another 10 on ESPN Deportes+.  ESPN Radio is also broadcasting all 64 matches.

ESPN 2014 FIFA World Cup Media Kit

2014 WORLD CUP TV SCHEDULE – ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC (All matches also airing on ESPN Radio)

u  All times EASTERN  u  Schedule is subject to change  u  ABC Sports broadcasts in italics

Date Time (ET) Network Match Group Site Match #
Fri 6/20 11:30 a.m. ESPN Italy vs. Costa Rica

TV: Derek Rae, Kasey Keller
Radio: JP Dellacamera, Tommy Smyth

D Recife 24
  2:30 p.m. ESPN Switzerland vs. France

TV: Daniel Mann, Efan Ekoku
Radio: Ross Dyer, Shep Messing

E Salvador 25
  5:30 p.m. ESPN Honduras vs. Ecuador

TV: Fernando Palomo, Alejandro Moreno
Radio: Mark Donaldson, Janusz Michallik

E Curitiba 26
Sat 6/21 11:30 a.m. ESPN Argentina vs. Iran

TV: Adrian Healey, Roberto Martinez
Radio: Donaldson, Michallik

F Belo Horizonte 27
  2:30 p.m. ESPN Germany vs. Ghana

TV: Jon Champion, Stewart Robson
Radio: Dellacamera, Smyth

G Fortaleza 29
  5:30 p.m. ESPN Nigeria vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina

TV: Mann, Ekoku
Radio: Dyer, Messing

F Cuiaba 28
Sun 6/22 11:30 a.m. ABC Belgium vs. Russia

TV: Rae, Ekoku
Radio: Donaldon, Paul Mariner

H Rio de Janeiro 31
  2:30 p.m. ABC South Korea vs. Algeria

TV: Mann, Keller
Radio: Dyer, Michallik

H Porto Alegre 32
  5:30 p.m. ESPN United States vs. Portugal

TV: Darke, Taylor Twellman
Radio: Dellacamera, Smyth

G Manaus 30
Mon 6/23 11:30 a.m. ESPN Netherlands vs. Chile

TV: Champion, Robson
Radio: Dyer, Messing

B Sao Paulo 36
  11:30 a.m. ESPN2 Australia vs. Spain

TV: Mann, Keller
Radio: Dellacamera, Smyth

B Curitiba 35
  3:30 p.m. ESPN Croatia vs. Mexico

TV: Palomo, Moreno
Radio: Donaldson, Michallik

A Recife 34
  3:30 p.m. ESPN2 Cameroon vs. Brazil

TV: Healey, Ekoku
Radio: Dyer, Messing

A Brasilia 33
Tue 6/24 11:30 a.m. ESPN Italy vs. Uruguay

TV: Champion, Robson
Radio: Dellacamera, Smyth

D Natal 39
  11:30 a.m. ESPN2 Costa Rica vs. England

TV: Darke, Steve McManaman
Radio: Dyer, Michallik

D Belo Horizonte 40
  3:30 p.m. ESPN Japan vs. Colombia

TV: Mann, Twellman
Radio: Donaldson, Mariner

C Cuiaba 37
  3:30 p.m. ESPN2 Greece vs. Ivory Coast

TV: Rae, Keller
Radio: Dyer, Michallik

C Fortaleza 38
Wed 6/25 11:30 a.m. ESPN Nigeria vs. Argentina

TV: Rae, Ekoku
Radio: Dellacamera, Smyth

F Porto Alegre 43
  11:30 a.m. ESPN2 Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Iran

TV: Mann, Craig Burley
Radio: Dyer, Messing

F Salvador 44
  3:30 p.m. ESPN Ecuador vs. France

TV: Healey, Moreno
Radio: Dyer, Messing

E Rio de Janeiro 42
  3:30 p.m. ESPN2 Honduras vs. Switzerland

TV: Palomo, Keller
Radio: Donaldson, Michallik

E Manaus 41
Thu 6/26 11:30 a.m. ESPN United States vs. Germany

TV: Darke, Twellman
Radio: Dellacamera, Smyth

G Recife 45
  11:30 a.m. ESPN2 Portugal vs. Ghana

TV: Champion, Robson
Radio: Dyer, Messing

G Brasilia 46
  3:30 p.m. ESPN South Korea vs. Belgium

TV: Healey, Moreno
Radio: Donaldson, Mariner

H Sao Paulo 47
  3:30 p.m. ESPN2 Algeria vs. Russia

TV: Rae, Ekoku
Radio: Dyer, Messing

H Curitiba 48

 

ESPN Inc.’s 2014 FIFA World Cup in the United States

The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be ESPN’s eighth World Cup and most comprehensive presentation to date.  ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC will combine to air all 64 matches live and in high definition (June 12 – July 13). All ESPN and ESPN2 games will be available on WatchESPN, while ABC matches will be available on WATCH ABC. ESPN3, ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network available in more than 85 million homes, will present matches live in multiple languages (other than English and Spanish).

ESPN’s presentation of the 2014 FIFA World Cup will include comprehensive news and information coverage of the month-long soccer showcase with renowned journalists reporting on the tournament and the host country of Brazil. Additional English-language coverage of the quadrennial event will total more than 90 hours of original programming and will include SportsCenter at the World Cup,anightly World Cup Tonight program, ESPN FC World Cup Encore, a 30-minute pre-match show, halftime and post-match segments, as well as a World Cup-branded ESPN Films 30 for 30: Soccer Stories series, E:60 shows, and access-driven long-form storytelling features.

ESPN garnered more than 40 industry awards, including three Sports Emmys, for its presentation of 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa – more accolades than any single event in the company’s history.

ESPN and Past FIFA World Cup Tournaments (Men’s):

South Africa 2010 – All 64 matches live and in high definition. All studio programming originated from South Africa

Germany ’06 – All 64 matches live and in high definition

Korea/Japan ’02 – 58 ESPN and ESPN2 matches live (six tape-delayed broadcasts on ABC)

France ’98 – ESPN 27, ESPN2 23 and ABC Sports 14 (all 64 matches live)

USA ’94 – ESPN, 41, and ABC, 11 (all 52 matches)

Mexico ’86 – ESPN, 15 matches (U.S. cable television rights)

Spain ’82 – ESPN, 7 matches

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Filed Under: ESPN, FIFA

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