Arguing between hockey and soccer is an argument between a cult favourite and an international megastar. Sure, we here might like our hockey, but there's just no contest which way the average person will fall in that debate.
Besides, let's be honest here. Even most hockey fans won't watch a game unless they're invested in at least one of the teams or the game is otherwise of the absolute highest level, like an olympic or Stanley cup playoff game. Heck, considering how much the Stanley Cup Finals ratings vary, it's pretty obvious many NHL fans don't even watch that if their team is not playing. Let's not even talk about how popular an olympic game between two minor countries is.
In comparison, tons of people will tune in to a group stage match between South Korea and Ivory coast in the World Cup even if they don't watch the sport much otherwise. Or they'll take time to watch the Champions League final even if they don't know who's playing before they open the TV.
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