Abstract
Two key factors often influence the shaping of broadcast commentary: (a) if one of the teams portrayed is considered the sportscasters’ ‘home’ team and (b) if one of the teams is viewed to be the superior or ‘superstar’ team. This analysis compares and contrasts these two factors by analyzing sportscaster portrayals of the United States 2002 World Cup team (‘home’ team) and the Brazilian 2002 World Cup team (champion/‘superstar’ team). Analysis of the preliminary games of both teams indicated that, while Brazil received a greater share of the comments about personality and creativity, the US team received the bulk of the overall commentary. Additionally, the US team was often portrayed as failing because of ‘bad luck’ rather than lack of athletic skill or other more immediate factors. Discussion and directions for further research are articulated.
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