Governors of both parties endorsed education, a perennially popular issue with voters, especially soccer moms.

CNN

But in the carefree world of 1970s Brazilian soccer it had its place, especially when used as effectively as Socrates used it.

WSJ: Soccer: Socrates, Brazil's Philosopher King - Marcotti

Instead, especially in Saudi Arabia, attendance at live matches is falling, soccer stadiums are in disrepair, and the national team won only one game in this year's Gulf Cup a debacle that led to the ouster of Dutch legend Frank Riijkaard as the Saudi team coach.

WSJ: Saudi Arabia Seeks to Upgrade Domestic Professional Soccer

One must also factor in that soccer is probably the most televised sport in China, although basketball, especially with Chinese stars in foreign leagues, has exploded in programming during the past decade.

FORBES: Why China Isn't At The World Cup