Netherlands Mexico World Cup - H 2014
AP ImagesMEXICO CITY – As Mexico continues to mourn Sunday’s heartbreaking knockout-round loss to the Netherlands, networks here are quietly celebrating a huge ratings victory.
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According to a Nielsen IBOPE electronic poll taken from 28 major Mexican cities, about 10.2 million viewers tuned in to over-the-air broadcasts of the much-hyped match between Mexico and the Netherlands.
Networks Televisa and TV Azteca are airing World Cup matches here. The ratings for group play increased significantly leading up to Sunday’s big elimination game: Mexico-Cameroon drew 6 million viewers; Mexico-Brazil spiked to 8.2 million; and Mexico-Croatia captured 9.3 million.
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The Mexican national team also scored big time among U.S. Latinos: With some 10.4 million viewers, Mexico-Netherlands ranks as Spanish-language broadcaster Univision’s most-watched telecast ever.
Mexico’s controversial loss to the Netherlands remains a hot topic in local and social media. In the final minutes of the match, the Netherland’s Arjen Robben drew a questionable foul that led to the game-winning goal. Mexico coach Miguel Herrera accused Robben of taking a dive in order to get a free kick.
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Breaking Bad actor Aaron Paul agreed, calling Robben’s spill an “Oscar-worthy performance.”
“Mexico, sorry you got robbed in such a huge way,” he tweeted.
