http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/soccer/wires/06/30/2050.ap.soc.euro.2012.final.espn.0884/index.html?sct=obinsite

Excerpt:

"In an era when many sports struggle to maintain ratings, U.S. viewership of international soccer is increasing at a startling rate. The two [Euro 2012] semifinals averaged 1.91 million viewers, a 46 percent increase from 1.31 million four years ago...Spain's penalty kicks victory over Portugal was seen by 1.95 million on Wednesday, and Italy's 2-0 upset win over Germany was viewed by 1.85 million the following day. ESPN said the semis averaged 576,000 additional viewers on computers, smart phones, tablets and Xbox.

"The first 31 matches averaged 1.2 million viewers on ESPN's networks, up 61 percent from 2008."

This bodes well for the 2014 World Cup, when games will be played at much more favorable hours for TV-watching in the US.