Arguably (or statisically) one of the best World Cups ever. But, one major drawback is the content of commentaries for me.
Have broadcasters lost the plot with the people they are employing as colour commentators? The Phil Neville situation aside, I particularly find that it isn't tone or delivery, it's just the sheer amount of mindless drivel and stats that might be thrown up. It does make me want to do that.
My particular gripe is with Clark Carlisle. For a supposedly educated man, he talks absolute pub banter. If I want to hear that, I can go watch the game in the pub with the sound turned off (or being drowned out by music) and have a random bloke or a mate bend my ears with the same kind of stuff.
And, colour commentary should be exactly that. Occasional, and with real insight. How many World Cups has Clark Carlisle played in (or even been to before this one)? Maybe it's just because the commentators are no good. I must admit to avoiding ITV wherever possible, but unfortunately for World Cups there is no option. So, I have no idea where they found Sam Matterface.
Is it because they fit within the budget (i.e. as cheap as ****) because I can see no other reason why they were chosen?
And finally, punditry - whether pitchside or studio, too many ex-players, just too many people not contributing to any kind of meaningful debate or decent analysis. BT, yes I certainly include you, even though you're nowhere near the World Cup.
****ing overpaid drivel. Overpaid if they're being paid anything.
Have broadcasters lost the plot with the people they are employing as colour commentators? The Phil Neville situation aside, I particularly find that it isn't tone or delivery, it's just the sheer amount of mindless drivel and stats that might be thrown up. It does make me want to do that.
My particular gripe is with Clark Carlisle. For a supposedly educated man, he talks absolute pub banter. If I want to hear that, I can go watch the game in the pub with the sound turned off (or being drowned out by music) and have a random bloke or a mate bend my ears with the same kind of stuff.
And, colour commentary should be exactly that. Occasional, and with real insight. How many World Cups has Clark Carlisle played in (or even been to before this one)? Maybe it's just because the commentators are no good. I must admit to avoiding ITV wherever possible, but unfortunately for World Cups there is no option. So, I have no idea where they found Sam Matterface.
Is it because they fit within the budget (i.e. as cheap as ****) because I can see no other reason why they were chosen?
And finally, punditry - whether pitchside or studio, too many ex-players, just too many people not contributing to any kind of meaningful debate or decent analysis. BT, yes I certainly include you, even though you're nowhere near the World Cup.
****ing overpaid drivel. Overpaid if they're being paid anything.