Fox’s coverage of Copa America is slowly coming into gear. Really, it’s probably fair to say that about the entire tournament with national anthems being botched and some crowds not quite filling up to capacity.
With the group stage reaching their final matches, Fox is making a big-name addition to their coverage with former USMNT star Landon Donovan officially joining the party.
Via Fox Sports:
World-renowned soccer icon Landon Donovan joins FOX Sports as studio and game analyst for the network’s continuing coverage of COPA AMERICA CENTENARIO: THE CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE AMERICAS. The announcement was made today by David Neal, Executive Producer, FIFA World Cup on FOX. Donovan most recently contributed to FOX Sports’ soccer coverage during the Copa America tune-up between Mexico and Paraguay on May 28.
The U.S. Men’s National Team all-time leading scorer, Donovan contributes to FOX Sports’ pregame and postgame studio coverage and also serves as a game analyst for multiple matches. Donovan makes his first studio appearance on Saturday, June 11, just in time for the highly-anticipated showdown between the USA and Paraguay, in which a loss would eliminate the Americans, while a win clinches a spot in the quarterfinals. Coverage begins at 6:00 PM ETon FS1.
“Copa America is really hitting another gear, as we are seeing from the TV ratings to the play on the field,” said Neal. “So to build on that, we are really excited about bringing in someone of Landon’s pedigree, especially after he so greatly impressed us with his work during our coverage of the Copa America tune-up.”
Donovan’s illustrious career spans 15 years and includes 12 FIFA World Cup appearances, a record 57 goals for the U.S. including five World Cup goals, six MLS Cup titles and the MLS’s all-time records in goals and assists.
Donovan joins FOX on the heels of the United States’ crucial 4-0 win over Costa Rica averaging 1.6 million viewers on FS1 Tuesday night, ranking as the most-watched men’s soccer match in the network’s history.
Donovan has done some spot duty television work with both ESPN and Fox covering major tournaments but he’s never gone down the road of a full-time analyst position. He’s been ok in his previous appearances working soccer telecasts but like usual, all eyes will probably be on what he has to say about current USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann, with whom he shares some history with. If the USMNT lose in their crucial last group stage game against Paraguay and are eliminated from the Copa America on home soil, the pressure will truly be on.
One thing we ask with Fox adding Donovan to their coverage – just don’t take any airtime away from Fernando Fiore.
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