We're working with 2015 impressions of how the economy works when we're in an entirely different financial network. In that system, there *should* be plenty for varied experiences. I also think the type of international visitor is quite different from one we might expect from 2015.
I mean, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense to pay Temwa around as much or more than Trinity with HIP money.
And there are some allocations for small business, but these are meted out in a very controlled environment and in a way that mitigates criticism, a cover for allegations that this is all top-down.
Most of these small businesses are known, widely profiled, and not exactly mom-n-pops.
Not only that, $200 of food at Walmart is now $300 of food. That means I have $100 less in entertainment budget. Full stop.
Cabo Verde has some *elite* passers. Absolutely could have won that match. 2-2 not an upset, they were just underrated.
I see a lot of people speculating that Temwa has signed a contract extension. It’s possible, she signed in January 2025 after winning MVP and Golden Boot.
Unless it’s Putellas, Bonmatí, Marta, or Hegerberg it’s a bit presumptuous to say there’s a second “GOAT” with Temwa. None of those seem likely.
You don't need to collude, you just need to infer what incoming fans have to spend, FIFA's take for tickets, stadium items, and fanfest, Hilton's take for a hotel night, the airlines take for a flight, and then leave as little for food and discretionary spending as is possible.
Thinking about how this is probably not a KC issue but more indicative of the whole economy. So much effort & energy is being spent maximizing profit by major corporations to everyone else's detriment, incl. small business. Every dollar spent at a small business is a dollar lost by these companies.