Half time in the match between Nigeria and Argentina, time for a quick review of the footballers and managers (current and ex) filling what would be dead air otherwise with their views and opinions on the World Cup matches.
Back in April I previewed the respective line ups of ITV and BBC for their World Cup coverage and gave my opinion on each of the pundits and commentators that would be assaulting our ears for a whole month.
I have to say, there have been some real surprises.
The Hits
I gave the selection of Emmanuel Adebayor by the BBC a real roasting. I thought they’d chosen him purely because he is African and would be a box ticker. Couldn’t see what he would bring to the punditry team at all.
How wrong I was. He is passionate, intelligent, well spoken and puts the monotone Alan Shearer (who I also gave a hard time to) right in the shade. He’s proved a real hit for the Beeb and I can only eat my England hat.
I did give a big thumbs up to Jurgen Klinsmann, however, and he has proved to be an excellent pundit. His knowledge of the game is impressive and provides a calmness that isn’t dull. Take note Shearer.
Providing co-commentary during the Nigeria Argentina game is a real hate figure of mine, Mick McCarthy. Can’t stand him. Yet I have to admit, his forthright, pull no punches style is growing on me. He seems slightly more polished than in the past. Has he been having media training on the quiet?
Over on ITV, presenter Adrian Chiles has been very good. He’s doing what he is paid to do, present well and provide a level of humour to alleviate tensions. I couldn’t stand him on The One Show but he suits sports presenting very well.
One pundit I didn’t know about in April was Lucas Radebe and I like him. He’s ITVs Adebayor if you don’t mind the comparison. And, of course, he ticks the channel’s ‘African’ box.
The Africans really are doing well this World Cup. Good on ‘em.
The Misses
I’m afraid ITV is going to get a kicking now. You would think Edgar Davids would be a good guy to have in the studio given his vast experience and success as a player. Far from it. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt that he knows what he is trying to say, ,but I’m the left footed player England have been crying out for if I know what the hell he’s on about. He made Robbie Earle look like the font of all football knowledge.
Which brings me on to the seriously annoying co-commentator Jim Beglin. Very, very annoying to listen to, often wrong in his calls, correcting himself when the replays show him up and just plain boring. When his microphone failed during his commentary on the opening match I thanked God. Only to have my prayers thrown back at me when his voice came back.
Over on the BBC there is very little to criticise as yet so I am perhaps being a little unfair in my attempt to balance the argument. But Alan Shearer won’t make an entertaining pundit as long as I am breathing…which I sometimes forget to do when he’s talking, so brain dead do I go.
As I said in April, the Beeb has the premier line up while ITV is struggling mid table in the Championship and nothing has so far changed my mind. Nice to have a few surprises in Adebayor and McCarthy though.
I haven’t seen Gordon Strachan yet. Looking forward to that.
