25 April 2023 , 13:22
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“It gets better and better and better” – or does it? Take this quiz on iconic football commentary moments to find out if you’re worthy of a seat in the commentary box.
Lines like “they think it's all over...”, “the Crazy Gang has beaten the Culture Club”, and “AGUEROOOOOOOO!” are etched in the memory of fans of the beautiful game.
But do you know who uttered these special words, or when they said them? Put your knowledge to the test.
CopyBet.com, which developed the quiz, also commissioned a poll of 2,000 adults who watch football – and found John Motson is their favourite commentator of all time.
A spokesman for the sports betting site said: “We've been blessed with some amazing commentators over the years, and sadly we’ve lost some of the true greats in recent years.
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“For many of us, our memories of particular moments are likely entwined with the lines of commentary.
“It’s hard not to think of that winning goal from Aguero and not hear the words of Martin Tyler, or England winning the World Cup and not hear “they think it’s all over…”.”
But Kenneth Wolstenholme had the most memorable line of commentary, at the 1966 World Cup final (Allsport/Getty Images)Fittingly, these two lines of commentary were voted as the most iconic by those polled – with Kenneth Wolstenholme’s “They think it’s all over…” coming top, followed by Martin Tyler’s “Agueroooooooooooooooo!!!!”.
And the third spot went to Bjørge Lillelien’s “Maggie Thatcher, your boys took a hell of a beating”, from Norway vs England in 1981.
The study also revealed who the dream football broadcast team would be made up of.
In addition to featuring commentary from John Motson, it would feature punditry from Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane – and would be presented by Gary Lineker.
The study also revealed what characteristics make for a winning commentator, entertaining pundit, and a game-changing presenter.
For commentators, player knowledge (33%), impartiality (26%), and the ability to create an engaging narrative (24%) are important.
With pundits, having a solid understanding of the game (36%) is key, as is not being afraid to disagree with colleagues (28%), and an unbiased approach (26%).
And when it comes to presenters, knowledge (59%) also appeals to viewers, followed by an ability to keep conversation flowing (38%), and good banter (36%).
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The topics fans especially enjoy their favourite experts discussing include controversial decisions (32%), analysis of individual players (25%), and good attacking moments (22%).
Part of their fondness for particular pundits, presenters, and commentators also appears to be due to familiarity – as 62% said watching or listening to coverage is like spending time with mates.
And Gary Lineker has been voted the favourite football presenter (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)And 62% also said their favourite football broadcaster takes their mind off worries they might have.
The study, carried out through OnePoll, found those polled listen to two hours and seven minutes of football coverage on the radio a week, and watch three hours and 28 minutes on TV.
Their top three favourite shows are BBC ’s Match of the Day, Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, and the soon to be departed, Soccer AM – also a Sky Sports show.
And the most popular broadcast network for football fans is Sky Sports, followed by the BBC, and BT.
The spokesman for CopyBet.com added: “Football coverage has evolved quite significantly over the years.
“It’s much more in-depth and detailed in the modern era – especially among networks which are able to air hours of matches and analysis.
“And while that’s enhanced the viewer experience, one constant has been the personalities involved, and the chemistry particular pundits, presenters, and commentators have with one another.”
TOP 10 MOST ICONIC LINES OF COMMENTARY:
- “Some people are on the pitch, they think it’s all over, it is now!” (Kenneth Wolstenholme – England vs West Germany 1966 World Cup Final)
- “Manchester City are still alive here. Balotelli…Agueroooooooooooooooo!!!! I swear you’ll never see anything like this ever again!” (Martin Tyler – Manchester City vs QPR 2012)
- “Maggie Thatcher your boys took a hell of a beating” (Bjørge Lillelien – Norway vs England 1981)
- “Is Gascoigne going to have a crack? He is you know. Oh, I say! Brilliant! That is schoolboys own stuff!” (Barry Davies – Arsenal vs Spurs 1991 FA Cup semi-finals)
- “The Crazy Gang has beaten the Culture Club” (John Motson – Wimbledon vs Liverpool 1986 FA Cup final)
- “What a save, what a save! Gordon Banks!” (David Coleman – England vs Brazil 1970 World Cup)
- “And Solskjaer has won it!” (Clive Tyldesley – Manchester United vs Bayern Munich 1999 Champions League Final)
- “Oh, this is getting better and better and better. One, two, three for Michael Owen!” (John Motson – England vs Germany 2001)
- “Oh you beauty! What a hit, son! What a hit!” (Andy Gray – Liverpool vs Olympiacos 2005 Champions League)
- “Roma have risen from their ruins! Manolas, the Greek God in Rome! The unthinkable unfolds before our eyes! This was not meant to happen! This could not happen! THIS IS HAPPENING!” (Peter Drury – Roma vs Barcelona 2018 Champions League quarter final)
TOP FIVE BEST COMMENTATORS:
- John Motson – 32%
- Brian Moore – 14%
- David Coleman – 13%
- Clive Tyldesley – 11%
- Martin Tyler – 11%
TOP FIVE BEST PRESENTERS:
- Gary Lineker – 34%
- Jeff Stelling – 24%
- Des Lynam – 21%
- Jimmy Greaves – 13%
- Brian Moore – 12%
TOP FIVE BEST PUNDITS:
- Alan Shearer – 16%
- Ian Wright – 16%
- Roy Keane – 14%
- Gary Neville – 14%
- Ally McCoist – 12%