Women’s national soccer teams are leaving it all on the field to make the Paris Olympics 2024 memorable. Even though we are close to the conclusion of the summer games, remarkable performances from the contesting nations aren’t stopping as they fervently showcase their zeal. However, such hunger is entirely lacking from the fans, evident from today’s attendance during the USWNT vs Germany semifinal clash which left many infuriated.

Though the exact numbers are yet to be revealed by the Olympic committee and both the teams, Stade de Lyon or Lyon Stadium looks almost empty today. The iconic French stadium which boasts a capacity of 59,186, isn’t filled as expected to be. Of course, eyebrows are being raised more due to the fact that it is not any regular match. A semifinal clash hosting two formidable nations is desired to do well in the attendance numbers.

Also, it’s not like either nation’s fan following is limited. Past instances have shown both Team USA and Germany draw a decent crowd in their respective matches. In fact, during the group stages and quarter-finals, there have been no complaints regarding the atmosphere of the stadium.

However, today, there has been a significant drop in numbers. During the match, it was witnessed that only one of the stands was half filled, with only 50-60 spectators spread across other stands of the Lyon Stadium. Nonetheless, for now, fans have taken over the internet to express their anger.

Soccer fan raises fingers on Paris Olympics’ arrangements amid poor attendance during USWNT vs Germany

The attendance for the USWNT vs Germany has left netizens on X, formerly Twitter, in disbelief. They aren’t holding back on slamming the Olympic Committee for the lack of drawing supporters in the stadium by questioning the arrangement for supporters.

One may argue that other sports in the Olympics like Tennis or swimming are being watched in numbers compared to soccer, especially the women’s game. Yet, one should not forget that France is a country where the popularity of the beautiful game knows no bounds. Their failure to make the attendance raises fingers on them.

Remember pandemic days when during the lockdown, the matches were played in empty stadiums? When things started coming back to normal, the venues were operated with less attendance. Today’s match was no different as it made former USMNT star Alexi Lalas nostalgic about those days.

Perhaps, the low attendance might be because French spectators were only eager to support their own country, who were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Brazil. Yet, that is still no reason as it brings their lack of support for the women’s game into the negative limelight.

More than the players, soccer is known for drawing up wild and energetic crowds. French clubs like PSG and even Lyon for that case are the biggest examples of all. The ultras light up the stadiums with flares and bring out massive banners. We know asking for a similar atmosphere would be far too much but at least some energy is expected at such a crucial stage of the tournament from the host country.

In the end, it’s women’s soccer that comes into the negative picture with such kinds of attendance. Had it been a men’s game, for sure then we wouldn’t have been talking about this. However, the lack of supporters turning to women’s games continues to remain a major challenge in the growth of the sport.

It’s indeed sad to see that there was almost nil attendance in today’s game. Let’s hope the final of the Paris Olympics turns out to be a blast. Otherwise, France may have a serious problem on the supporters front.