The USA-Portugal World Cup soccer (football) game doesn’t start at 5 p.m. EDT, as ESPN is advertising.
If you tuned in and were confused, you probably weren’t alone. The network has been advertising games as if they start when the pre-game coverage starts.
Most days include three World Cup games--one at 12 p.m., one at 3 p.m., and one at 6 p.m. ESPN advertises these 30 minutes early. For instance, for the Algeria-Korea game earlier, ESPN said that it started at 2:30 p.m. instead of 3 p.m.
The network is basically trying to get viewers to tune in early, but American sports fans will be unfamiliar with this way of advertising as networks for other sports, such as basketball, clearly state when the pre-game coverage starts versus the actual game.
Instead of the usual 30 minute difference, the network was advertising 5 p.m. for the United States vs Portugal match on Sunday night.
The match actually kicks off at 6 p.m.
See an Associated Press story below.
Ronaldo plays for Portugal against US at World Cup
MANAUS, Brazil—Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Portugal against the United States on Sunday in a crucial Group G match at the World Cup.
Ronaldo, who has been hampered by a left knee injury, has been training regularly with the team but wearing some wrapping just below his knee.
Portugal will be without usual starters Fabio Coentrao and Hugo Almeida, who are both injured and out of the World Cup. Pepe is suspended.
The United States will play Graham Zusi in a five-man midfield with Jozy Altidore out injured. Clint Dempsey will be the lone striker.
The U.S. would advance to the second round with a victory.
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United States: Tim Howard; Fabian Johnson, Geoff Cameron, Matt Besler, DaMarcus Beasley; Kyle Beckerman, Jermaine Jones, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Graham Zusi; Clint Dempsey.
Portugal: Beto; Andre Almeida, Ricardo Costa, Bruno Alves, Joao Pereira; Miguel Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Raul Meireles, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo; Helder Postiga.
