I saw that and I just stared at the screen. But I just had a thought, no info to back it up with... Since all of the "biggest clubs in Europe" have been knocked out, will this change their broadcasts of doing both? Do you think they will only show one, or stick with both? I hope to God they stay with both, that will be crazy.
If they don't show both, I'm going to sue them for false advertising and make millions. Either way it's a win-win situation.
I'll let the "biggest clubs in Europe" thing go.... However, there sems to be quite a bit more interest in this seasons semi-finals by virtue of the fact that the "traditional" powerhouses are not there. Neutrals casting a second look at it now as it has a "something different" feel about it. Of course, with the whole Abramovich thing and the stunning victory of Depor, it would have caught the attention of quite a few passive fans anyway.
Indeed, since ole' Sven Goran thinks that Chelsea have the best line-up in the whole Premiership, even if it is taking time to gel.
Here's the link that shows ESPN's schedule: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tvlistings/index (Click 'complete listing' under ESPN2, then use calendar) Yes, they'll be showing both legs of both semifinals. But the REAL question is: Will they show the final on May 26?? As of right now, ESPN has not made a decision. Check out the listing on the link to find out. It would be pretty sad if they showed all semi-finals, but not the finals, as a stunt to promote that hideous garbage of an excuse called ESPNDeportes. And yes, there is a God.
I don't know if they will show it on ESPN or not; but I'm really getting pissed about those pay-per-view prices. Generally Setanta shows them for unrealistic prices. (10 to 20$) If you want to see it on a pub; the pub charges you at least 20$ because they are paying 500$ for the game. Hopefully ESPN or any regular channel will show them ...
It really pisses me off when the commentators say: ...And for our international audience only we will televise the other match right after the current one... And then those who are doomed to North American ESPN have to watch Bass Fishing or some crap like that.
The final was confirmed for ESPN2 several months ago. Nothing has been confirmed for ESPN2 for the 2004-2005 season. I expect UEFA CL to be moved exclusively to ESPN Deportes sometime in the near future when ESPN Deportes become widely available.
Drug dealers make more than School teachers... your point is? I think it is morally wrong to play bass fishing, curling, ice skating, chess or scrabble above soccer...
Unfortunately, this is most likely true because they pay so little for the rights to the, um, "event", while having way more advertising room. This is discussed more in other places, but basically soccer on TV in America starts out a leg down because you can't run commercials every 5 minutes.
I know it was a joke reply, but do you really have fishing on TV? The commentary must be great. "...welcome back viewers for this match-up between two stars of today's fishing game. Davey "quick-hands" McGuire and his old nemesis Archie "the reach" Jones. Twenty minutes gone and still no fish, but we've seen some technically excellent waiting by these two competitors. Your thoughts Jim." "Thanks Bob. You're right, no fish yet, which some viewers may be a little disappointed with, but with two heavyweights like these you often get a little probing, looking for weaknesses in the other's game. No, wait! Did you see that? An amazing piece of skill by quick-hands there, doing absolutely nothing." "Excellent Jim. That's top-drawer standing around by quick-hands there." "Right Bob. I don't think I've seen quality standing around waiting for something to happen like this since 1976 and the days of the legendary Steve "the statue" Johnson. It reminded of a non-move he did in the world championships that year." "Let's look at that non-movement from another angle." "Well from that angle Bob you can see just what skill he used there. That's one they'll be showing on highlights tapes for years to come"..............
This guy Richard is sadly living in deprivation. Cable TV in the US now has the Outdoors Life Network, chock full of hunting, fishing, hiking and such. They carried the America's Cup races, also. How do the poor slobs in perfidious albion get thru the day without this?
classic stuff. Unfortunately you could pretty much get the same type of commentary for any "American" team sport, with the possible exception of basketball (but only for the first 3 quarters). but, yes, we do get fishing along with guys pretending to play pool, women's amateur softball, etc. etc all thanks to ESPN (channel for the sheep).