Smithy said:
I mean, I appreciate you're trying to 'big up' Americas achievements. But suggesting people care about womens soccer (After numerous pro leagues in the US have folded due to no interest), basketball (which only the US truly cares about), volleyball (which nobody cares about)? Hilarious.
Ok, it's true that nobody really gives a damn about women's soccer, in this country or any other. But soccer
is the most-played and most-watched team sport worldwide, so I'm glad we're at least competitive at it in some aspect. Also (and I admit I don't watch much soccer except when I'm with friends who do), I personally found the drama and quality of play in the women's matches on par with those of the men's matches. Both are capable of making spectacular plays, and though the men do play harder and faster, I find them both about equally watchable. [/tangent]
I'm also conceding that nobody cares about volleyball except for once every four years - during the Olympics. Same for track & swimming. However I will point out that, in terms of number of countries with national governing bodies for the sport, volleyball is actually one of the most-played team sports in the world. So even if the average spectator doesn't care about it at all, many countries participate and prepare teams for Olympic competition.
Basketball, though, has become very popular globally, and is probably the fastest-growing international team sport today. It's not going to supplant soccer as THE international team sport, but it's pretty solidly moved into #2. There are highly competitive pro leagues in Europe, South America, and Asia, many of which didn't exist 20 years ago.