More than 1 billion people watched the 2014 World Cup final, according to FIFA figures published yesterday. A total of 1.013 billion saw at least one minute of Germany’s 1-0 win over Argentina in extra time at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, according to research by FIFA and Kantar Media. Television audiences at home and people watching in public spaces are counted, but not online viewers and mobile phone users. FIFA reported a seven percent rise in a TV rating that is often seen as the broadcasting industry’s most accurate. The 2014 final had an “average in-home global audience” of 570.1 million. It was 530.9 million for the 2010 World Cup final.
River Plate reaches final of Club World Cup after 19 years
South American champion River Plate booked a place in the Club World Cup final for the first time in 19 years by beating Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-0 yesterday. River was matched for large spells by the J-League champion, but Lucas Alario scored in the second half with a header after Hiroshima goalkeeper Takuto Hayashi could only half-punch away a Carlos Sanchez free kick. “We knew Hiroshima would be an organized team,” River coach Marcelo Gallardo said. “But we tried to adjust and be persistent, and were able to score from the free kick.”
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