I guess that's because it was fairly close to the South Americas, where people are probably even crazier about football than in the rest of the world. And Mexicans of course, it was almost a homegame for them. :D

Oh yes there is. When it comes to media attention and commercial interest, it's the WC football without any doubts. No other sport in the world has the power to get a slumping economy back on track, and no other sport brings forth so much nationalistic pride and international friendship at the same time.

World Cup wins hand down. It's a great event to win lots of money by heavily fleecing on those greedy punters. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Another event I like to watch is the Thomas Cup (Badminton). I just love to watch the Malaysians shouting "Malaysia Boleh" (Malaysia Can) and then they'll become "Malaysia Tak Boleh" (Malaysia Cannot). :D

Oh yes there is. When it comes to media attention and commercial interest, it's the WC football without any doubts. No other sport in the world has the power to get a slumping economy back on track, and no other sport brings forth so much nationalistic pride and international friendship at the same time. </font>[/QUOTE]I was actually speaking about martial arts competitions, which aren't listed.

I don't think the Stanley Cup is an international event, is it? Or possibly USA and Canada... the fact that I don't know anything about it suggests to me that it doesn't really qualify. Anyway, while it may be your personal favourite to watch or attend, it does not have the world significance that I'm going for here.

Similarly martial arts etc., I'm certainly not dissing people's personal preferences or saying that one sport is better than another, but considering major world sporting events. For instance, I did think about whether a boxing event could be included because major fights are a huge deal, but I don't think there is a specific regular match/event in boxing that would qualify.

Again, millions would disagree with you about cricket... a tad hypocritical to chastise someone for critising a sport while doing the same thing to a sport that you don't happen to like.

Who voted for the Rugby WC? Tell me whyyyyyyy [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Anyway, I voted for the Tour. The World Cup, I agree, is fabulous and hugely significant. Inspirational, especially for smaller or poorer countries that aren't heavily represented in other sports. But for me, in terms of pure sporting achievement, the Tour stands out as a massive spectacle. It also draws huge crowds both live and in TV viewing. I also think the team vs. individual aspect is very interesting, and unique to this type of event, where team mates support one individual in winning and rarely get many accolades for doing so, even though the winner could not have won without them.

What no state of origin ???? [img]tongue.gif[/img] (which would get my vote)

Ashes over the world cup cricket anyday.


I also find that the FA cup is a genuine classic. Not just the history (since 1871) but the fact that in this day and age of 100 million dollar teams and international tv contracts you can still get Ecllethorpe upon Ramsbottom rovers with there star player over 40 years old and on 50 cigs a day playing at old trafford against the likes of manchester united.

Priceless [img]graemlins/heee.gif[/img]

The FA cup is only interesting for the English Wellard, so that's not really an option. If you think the average footballfan in Europe, whereever he may live, rearranges his schedule because of the English FA cupfinal, you're giving the FA way too much credit. It's just another national event, it's quite different than international tournaments.

No motor sports? :( I know, i know. You're looking for singular events. In which case, the Football World Cup wins hands down methinks.