Canada and the 2024 Copa America

[dyslexic nam]

11 minutes ago, Vasi said:

I know ppl want it on onesoccer. But that is a bad idea even if they are on cable by then. 

If you want the game to grow and not stay a niche sport you need to have it accessible to the largest possible audience. Having canada available on CTV is huge. I believe some if not all Canada games were on ctv and TSN. Most people can get that channel with a digital antena, as well as the basic package. 

I know oncesoccer had been there for the sport, but if you want this sport to grow and have money flow in to it and more people playing it, then you need to give maximum access. 1 to 4 million people aint going to tune in to onesoccer. 

I understand that, but the flip side of the argument is that TSN and Sportsnet seem to be fairweather friends at best. They will cover Canada when the stakes are high and then ignore it when the big tournaments are over.  That could easily result in them completely ignoring the Nats for our Gold Cup run or Nations League games.  And if their effort/exposure is limited to Copa 2024 and WC 2026 (which will happen anyway) I am not sure we get further ahead than if we steadily build support for the platform that has undoubtedly increased exposure to the Nats on a gradual and consistent basis.  

[SpursFlu]

Will it conflict with the Euro Cup?

[Obinna]

59 minutes ago, SpursFlu said:

Will it conflict with the Euro Cup?

I don't think so. TSN tends to show both when they overlap with each other. This was the case during the copa america centenario in 2016. Different time zones definitely helps.

Gonna be a great summer. As awesome as it was for us to be in the World Cup, games at 8am kind of suck, and games in winter sucks harder. Having EURO to watch in the afternoon with prime time Copa America games WITH Canada included is going to be fire!

1 hour ago, dyslexic nam said:

I understand that, but the flip side of the argument is that TSN and Sportsnet seem to be fairweather friends at best. They will cover Canada when the stakes are high and then ignore it when the big tournaments are over.  That could easily result in them completely ignoring the Nats for our Gold Cup run or Nations League games.  And if their effort/exposure is limited to Copa 2024 and WC 2026 (which will happen anyway) I am not sure we get further ahead than if we steadily build support for the platform that has undoubtedly increased exposure to the Nats on a gradual and consistent basis.  

I think/expect a TSN World Cup-styled coverage of the Canadian team in the Copa America. I envision it as a round 2 for Canada to get aquianted with this team. It won't have as much hype as the World Cup, but with Euros going on at the same time and TSN likely to be showing Copa America regardless, I think we'll get "Canada in the mainstream" vibes again -which will be critical to keep up the moment and keep the team in the public's mass consciousness!

[dyslexic nam]

16 minutes ago, Obinna said:

I don't think so. TSN tends to show both when they overlap with each other. This was the case during the copa america centenario in 2016. Different time zones definitely helps.

Gonna be a great summer. As awesome as it was for us to be in the World Cup, games at 8am kind of suck, and games in winter sucks harder. Having EURO to watch in the afternoon with prime time Copa America games WITH Canada included is going to be fire!

I think/expect a TSN World Cup-styled coverage of the Canadian team in the Copa America. I envision it as a round 2 for Canada to get aquianted with this team. It won't have as much hype as the World Cup, but with Euros going on at the same time and TSN likely to be showing Copa America regardless, I think we'll get "Canada in the mainstream" vibes again -which will be critical to keep up the moment and keep the team in the public's mass consciousness!

I get that.   My point is just that if they then give us the cold shoulder for 2 years (until WC 2026) will we really have made any real gains in the public consciousness?   Contrast that with drawing more people into the platform that provides comprehensive promotion of Canadian footy (in all aspects) because they have gone all in on it.

Ultimately, I am fine with either option.  I have enjoyed TSN’s WC coverage and recognize that it has helped elevate the game here.   But I would also be fine with OS using the Copa as an opportunity to further build its brand and to gain greater penetration into the market of paying fans.  
 

[Free kick]

2 hours ago, dyslexic nam said:

I understand that, but the flip side of the argument is that TSN and Sportsnet seem to be fairweather friends at best. They will cover Canada when the stakes are high and then ignore it when the big tournaments are over.  That could easily result in them completely ignoring the Nats for our Gold Cup run or Nations League games.  And if their effort/exposure is limited to Copa 2024 and WC 2026 (which will happen anyway) I am not sure we get further ahead than if we steadily build support for the platform that has undoubtedly increased exposure to the Nats on a gradual and consistent basis.  

You have to take emotion out of business decisions.   Rogers and Bell are making business decisions when they decide to cover and not cover something. or even when they buy the rights to something. And the same goes for the specialty on line platforms.    Everybody is Fairweather friend when it comes to business decisions.   

That said,  the large media companies have better production, a wider distribution and a cast of personalities that transcends to the public at large.    We need the product to be viable so that its attractive from a business perspective to the larger media companies with larger reach.   Thats why going three and out at the WC hurts a bit because we might be stuck and relegated to these niche platforms  

Edited December 15, 2022 by Free kick

[Shway]

5 minutes ago, Free kick said:

You have to take emotion out of business decisions.   Rogers and Bell are making business decisions when they decide to cover and not cover something. or even when the buy the rights to something. And the same goes for the specialty on line platforms.    Everybody is Fairweather friend when it comes to business decisions.   

That said,  the large media companies have better production, a wider distribution and a cast of personalities that transcended to the public at large.     we need to product to be viable so that its attractive from a business perspective.   Thats why going three and out at teh WC hurts a bit because we might be stuch and relegated to these niche platforms  

I think we all agree, and understand this. 
It's just some of us are taking the loyalist stand point of "where were you, when everything was falling apart", but I totally agree to the benefits of it being on mainstream TV.

As long as the money goes back to CSB then I'm okay...😈

[Obinna]

1 hour ago, dyslexic nam said:

I get that.   My point is just that if they then give us the cold shoulder for 2 years (until WC 2026) will we really have made any real gains in the public consciousness?   Contrast that with drawing more people into the platform that provides comprehensive promotion of Canadian footy (in all aspects) because they have gone all in on it.

Ultimately, I am fine with either option.  I have enjoyed TSN’s WC coverage and recognize that it has helped elevate the game here.   But I would also be fine with OS using the Copa as an opportunity to further build its brand and to gain greater penetration into the market of paying fans.  
 

I love one soccer and would love nothing more for them to grow their influence and presence, but my mind goes to a cousin of mine, a true hockey guy who over time has seemed to take a liking to soccer.

He's not at a "jump on the EPL bandwagon" level...he's more of a "look Canada has some buzz let me tune in and see" type of guy...ignorant of the club game in general...but he knows who Manchester United are...he's heard of Real Madrid...he knows Brazil and England are good teams...and knows Canada suck (until recently).

To my surprise, during the ocho he started texting me about Canada, asking me what I thought of this game and that player, etc. He started to echo the points made by TSN analyts on David or Larin or Borjan. It meant he was paying attention thanks to TSN, consuming content, and staying informed. He got to know the team along the way, and genuinely seemed to enjoy the journey and the enjoy the team. Again, he's a hockey guy who at best would tune in for a game or two in World Cups past, because it's the "thing" happening and he doesn't hate the sport.

I get your point - and the answer is YES! Showing the team on TSN after two years will absolutely make a difference!

For example, I think it is unlikely said cousin stays informed about NL or GC unless there is mention of it on TSN or Sportsnet. I imagine him seeing an article "Canada make the 2023 GC final"...and then thinking "Good...the boys are doing well heading into the World Cup 2026"....but I can almost guarentee he won't be signing up to One Soccer to make sure he watches said final. Not a chance in hell. At best he'll go on youtube and view the highlights...if it's a reccomended video or something on his homepage.

Guys like this, I believe, are the average fairweather fan on Canada, and quite possibly the majority of Canadian fans out there. Guys who are not even soccer guys, but are growing in appreication for the sport and genuinely wanting to see Canada do well in the sport. 

If Copa America is on TSN or Sportsnet, it signals to guys (and gals of course) that it's a "big deal"...almost like a World Cup-lite. And he'll get pulled in by the buzz I believe, just like he got pulled into the WCQ buzz during the Ocho. It's all about perception with these people. Many of them will never become hardcores or even anything more than casual soccer fans.

Personally, I doubt he'll ever get into the club game, but that is okay because he doesn' need to! We get the boys back on TSN in 2 years time (really 1.5 years) and we will keep the momentum going, I believe!

If we bury it at One Soccer we are missing an opportunity WRT these fairweather fans.

 

Edited December 15, 2022 by Obinna

[Watchmen]

40 minutes ago, Obinna said:

I love one soccer and would love nothing more for them to grow their influence and presence, but my mind goes to a cousin of mine, a true hockey guy who over time has seemed to take a liking to soccer.

He's not at a "jump on the EPL bandwagon" level...he's more of a "look Canada has some buzz let me tune in and see" type of guy...ignorant of the club game in general...but he knows who Manchester United are...he's heard of Real Madrid...he knows Brazil and England are good teams...and knows Canada suck (until recently).

To my surprise, during the ocho he started texting me about Canada, asking me what I thought of this game and that player, etc. He started to echo the points made by TSN analyts on David or Larin or Borjan. It meant he was paying attention thanks to TSN, consuming content, and staying informed. He got to know the team along the way, and genuinely seemed to enjoy the journey and the enjoy the team. Again, he's a hockey guy who at best would tune in for a game or two in World Cups past, because it's the "thing" happening and he doesn't hate the sport.

I get your point - and the answer is YES! Showing the team on TSN after two years will absolutely make a difference!

For example, I think it is unlikely said cousin stays informed about NL or GC unless there is mention of it on TSN or Sportsnet. I imagine him seeing an article "Canada make the 2023 GC final"...and then thinking "Good...the boys are doing well heading into the World Cup 2026"....but I can almost guarentee he won't be signing up to One Soccer to make sure he watches said final. Not a chance in hell. At best he'll go on youtube and view the highlights...if it's a reccomended video or something on his homepage.

Guys like this, I believe, are the average fairweather fan on Canada, and quite possibly the majority of Canadian fans out there. Guys who are not even soccer guys, but are growing in appreication for the sport and genuinely wanting to see Canada do well in the sport. 

If Copa America is on TSN or Sportsnet, it signals to guys (and gals of course) that it's a "big deal"...almost like a World Cup-lite. And he'll get pulled in by the buzz I believe, just like he got pulled into the WCQ buzz during the Ocho. It's all about perception with these people. Many of them will never become hardcores or even anything more than casual soccer fans.

Personally, I doubt he'll ever get into the club game, but that is okay because he doesn' need to! We get the boys back on TSN in 2 years time (really 1.5 years) and we will keep the momentum going, I believe!

If we bury it at One Soccer we are missing an opportunity WRT these fairweather fans.

 

And this sounds like the type of person that if you said "do you want to go to a national team game?" he's now more likely to say yes. Same with getting him out to an MLS or CPL game. He's a fair distance from being a regular, but convincing him to get out to a game is no longer the hurdle it might have previously been.

[Obinna]

Just now, Watchmen said:

And this sounds like the type of person that if you said "do you want to go to a national team game?" he's now more likely to say yes. Same with getting him out to an MLS or CPL game. He's a fair distance from being a regular, but convincing him to get out to a game is no longer the hurdle it might have previously been.

Funny enough, said cousin was very close to coming to Edmonton with me for the CR match, but I never gave him enough notice. He would have been there with me otherwise.

[johnyb]

50 minutes ago, Obinna said:

I love one soccer and would love nothing more for them to grow their influence and presence, but my mind goes to a cousin of mine, a true hockey guy who over time has seemed to take a liking to soccer.

He's not at a "jump on the EPL bandwagon" level...he's more of a "look Canada has some buzz let me tune in and see" type of guy...ignorant of the club game in general...but he knows who Manchester United are...he's heard of Real Madrid...he knows Brazil and England are good teams...and knows Canada suck (until recently).

To my surprise, during the ocho he started texting me about Canada, asking me what I thought of this game and that player, etc. He started to echo the points made by TSN analyts on David or Larin or Borjan. It meant he was paying attention thanks to TSN, consuming content, and staying informed. He got to know the team along the way, and genuinely seemed to enjoy the journey and the enjoy the team. Again, he's a hockey guy who at best would tune in for a game or two in World Cups past, because it's the "thing" happening and he doesn't hate the sport.

I get your point - and the answer is YES! Showing the team on TSN after two years will absolutely make a difference!

For example, I think it is unlikely said cousin stays informed about NL or GC unless there is mention of it on TSN or Sportsnet. I imagine him seeing an article "Canada make the 2023 GC final"...and then thinking "Good...the boys are doing well heading into the World Cup 2026"....but I can almost guarentee he won't be signing up to One Soccer to make sure he watches said final. Not a chance in hell. At best he'll go on youtube and view the highlights...if it's a reccomended video or something on his homepage.

Guys like this, I believe, are the average fairweather fan on Canada, and quite possibly the majority of Canadian fans out there. Guys who are not even soccer guys, but are growing in appreication for the sport and genuinely wanting to see Canada do well in the sport. 

If Copa America is on TSN or Sportsnet, it signals to guys (and gals of course) that it's a "big deal"...almost like a World Cup-lite. And he'll get pulled in by the buzz I believe, just like he got pulled into the WCQ buzz during the Ocho. It's all about perception with these people. Many of them will never become hardcores or even anything more than casual soccer fans.

Personally, I doubt he'll ever get into the club game, but that is okay because he doesn' need to! We get the boys back on TSN in 2 years time (really 1.5 years) and we will keep the momentum going, I believe!

If we bury it at One Soccer we are missing an opportunity WRT these fairweather fans.

 

Kinda expected this kind of stuff would happen and wasn't sure how I would react, but for now, I kinda like when these Hockey guys mansplain Canada Soccer to me. Agree with everything you said here, This is why getting on TSN/Sportsnet is important.

[Obinna]

7 minutes ago, johnyb said:

Kinda expected this kind of stuff would happen and wasn't sure how I would react, but for now, I kinda like when these Hockey guys mansplain Canada Soccer to me. Agree with everything you said here, This is why getting on TSN/Sportsnet is important.

It's equal parts cute and annoying:

- c'mon bro...do you think I don't know this? I live for this.

- aww....look at you go buddy...look at you go!

[gigi riva]

17 hours ago, Free kick said:

It'll bet you its Nashville.  It was almost confirmed.     I was following those stories leading up to the venue selection,  Nashville would have been in as host city were it not for a last minute decision that they made to build a new stadium for the NFL.    The reporting at the time ( from Grant Wahl and others who followed the process) was that they really wanted Nashville and hence would end up with a consolations prize of getting the draw.  Las Vegas pulled out of the bidding process very very early so I cant see them getting rewarded with the draw.   

Nashville is a great choice Its a mini Las Vegas minus the Casinos, Great entertainment too

[Unnamed Trialist]

There is no way you have cities spending millions to be hosts, with major investments in many cases, and then you choose another city to do the draw in.

It is irrational in all respects.

Do the draw in a place where you can showcase a venue and a city as representative of the values and readiness of the host countries and create direct buzz for the world press. 

Imagine how counter-intuitive it would be to invite participating coaches, FAs, the world press, to a city that is not hosting? Where they'd be able to report on absolutely nothing, nor scout potential training and residential facilities, nor arrange anything with an eye to 6 months later. Oh great, our team is going to be playing in Vancouver, Seattle and LA, but here we are stuck in Nashville (With the Memphis Blues Again).

Edited December 16, 2022 by Unnamed Trialist

[gigi riva]

7 hours ago, Unnamed Trialist said:

There is no way you have cities spending millions to be hosts, with major investments in many cases, and then you choose another city to do the draw in.

It is irrational in all respects.

Do the draw in a place where you can showcase a venue and a city as representative of the values and readiness of the host countries and create direct buzz for the world press. 

Imagine how counter-intuitive it would be to invite participating coaches, FAs, the world press, to a city that is not hosting? Where they'd be able to report on absolutely nothing, nor scout potential training and residential facilities, nor arrange anything with an eye to 6 months later. Oh great, our team is going to be playing in Vancouver, Seattle and LA, but here we are stuck in Nashville (With the Memphis Blues Again).

In 1994  when the Yanks last hosted, the Draw took place in Vegas , I remember watching it especially Robin Williams teasing Sepp Blatter , and Vegas was not a host city and no body seemed to care a the time. 

[SpursFlu]

It will happen in Miami but I'll add I don't really care 

I got a better question. What are our expectations? No Messi Argentina. I think final 4 is a definite possibility. Especially with Ancelotti at the helm 😉

[TGAA_Star]

1 hour ago, gigi riva said:

In 1994  when the Yanks last hosted, the Draw took place in Vegas , I remember watching it especially Robin Williams teasing Sepp Blatter , and Vegas was not a host city and no body seemed to care a the time. 

Which is why it makes all the more sense to have it in Vegas or LA as an alternative at least for the Final Draw because then all the stars come out and also gets the most coverage whether it is in Vegas or in LA mostly because of what either city represents but also brings in the most money by having the Draw take place there

[Watchmen]

1 hour ago, TGAA_Star said:

Which is why it makes all the more sense to have it in Vegas or LA as an alternative at least for the Final Draw because then all the stars come out and also gets the most coverage whether it is in Vegas or in LA mostly because of what either city represents but also brings in the most money by having the Draw take place there

I am not sure anyone has ever watched the draw because of "the stars" that came out. If anything, I'm skipping as much of that preamble bullshit as possible. I also don't particularly care where it's being held, in terms of my viewership. Branson or Honolulu, I'm still tuning in.

I also don't agree with UTs assessment that coaches and federations would use this as some sort of scouting mission. That would end up mattering to maybe 5 or 6 teams, depending on how they do the groups. Any real federation would just do their scouting independently. 

Let's face it, the draw is mostly a party for the rich and famous at FIFA. So it depends on where they want to do that.

[Unnamed Trialist]

5 hours ago, gigi riva said:

In 1994  when the Yanks last hosted, the Draw took place in Vegas , I remember watching it especially Robin Williams teasing Sepp Blatter , and Vegas was not a host city and no body seemed to care a the time. 

See, it was stupid af.

Or they figured it was better to take FIFA delegations to the action than have the action go to FIFA.

[gigi riva]

If I were John Herdmann I would bring a B team to The Gold Cup next year to evaluate  new talent with some of the current first teamers ., Unfortunatly I think the Gold Cup is a bit of a farce, and no matter what we do it will not matter Cause CONCACAF has to cater to Mexico, and The USA , and they wonder why CONCACAF teams do poorly in International tournaments. I would treat The Copa with greater importance  

[An Observer]

1 hour ago, gigi riva said:

If I were John Herdmann I would bring a B team to The Gold Cup next year to evaluate  new talent with some of the current first teamers ., Unfortunatly I think the Gold Cup is a bit of a farce, and no matter what we do it will not matter Cause CONCACAF has to cater to Mexico, and The USA , and they wonder why CONCACAF teams do poorly in International tournaments. I would treat The Copa with greater importance  

I suspect without any World Cup qualifying, we will treat the two gold cups before 26 and the Copa as of great importance. That being said, I suspect some players will want a break and some will retire so it will give an opportunity for Herdman to evaluate some new talent. 

[TGAA_Star]

2 hours ago, An Observer said:

I suspect without any World Cup qualifying, we will treat the two gold cups before 26 and the Copa as of great importance. That being said, I suspect some players will want a break and some will retire so it will give an opportunity for Herdman to evaluate some new talent. 

Even if that is the case, it really helps Canada become much more battle tested going into our own home World Cup

[Vasi]

With listening to Herdamns talks about duel nats, I would not be surprised if they bring in a bunch of new blood for the Gold Cup, and try bringing in as many duels as possible. 

[mrtoddcan]

35 minutes ago, Vasi said:

With listening to Herdamns talks about duel nats, I would not be surprised if they bring in a bunch of new blood for the Gold Cup, and try bringing in as many duels as possible. 

 

[SpursFlu]

This tournament just got a bit more interesting. Messi says he's not retiring from international competition after all 

[Shway]

3 hours ago, SpursFlu said:

This tournament just got a bit more interesting. Messi says he's not retiring from international competition after all 

As long as he’s active, I think he’ll play for Argentina, especially with the weight off his shoulder now he’s gets to play for fun.