Strong ratings, even with vuvuzelas

NEW YORK - The World Cup is causing quite a buzz on US television.

Preliminary estimates indicate the quadrennial soccer tournament is off to a fast start with viewers, even with the odd, horn-blowing soundtrack ESPN has sought to minimize on its broadcasts.

Saturday's first-round tie by the US and English teams was seen by an estimated 13 million on ESPN, the Nielsen Co said on Sunday. It was the nation's most-watched soccer telecast since the 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France and the most-watched involving the US men's national team since 1994.