How Sports Commentators Make a Difference…..
Well, I guess this is a bit of a rant - while trying not to offend anyone!
Last night I watched Slavia Prague v Spurs in the UEFA Cup live on five (UK TV Station). Now, time to be honest, I’m a passionate Spurs fan and have been all my life so either way I was going to make sure I watched the game.
But, here is my rant, why is the commentary on five so uninspiring and - I hate to say it - BORING! I wish I’d taken notice of the names of the 2 commentators during last nights game, but the truth is I tried to forget they were even there.
This made me think…… Sports commentators have a bigger part to play in a viewers enjoyment of a live sporting event than I’ve ever imagined them having.
What we want is PASSION. When you are watching football (or any other sport) the commentator becomes part of the atmosphere. What these two on five achieved last night was nothing short of abysmal.
There was no passion for the game. Instead, we had to experience monotone droning, with frequent long pauses of…………well nothing! Being a Spurs fan I enjoyed the game (2-1 to us!), but listening to those two was almost like being in hell.
It’s not just this game. Five seem to have use the same commentators for all there live games, and every time it’s the same. So, please, take note five management - your commentary sucks!
If we have any budding sports commentators reading, tune into the next five live football event and take note of what not to do, how NOT to engage the audience, how NOT to create excitement and drama.
Ok, rant over. I’d be interested to hear if you agree or disagree. Maybe it’s just me!
On a positive note it was a great night for English clubs in the UEFA Cup last night. As already mentioned Spurs beat Slavia Prague 2-1 away. Bolton beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 and Aberdeen managed a 2-2 draw at home to Bayern Munich - however, it has to be said that you wouldn’t bet on them getting a result in Munich next week - especially having conceded 2 away goals.
Personally I only watched the Spurs match and 2-1 was not a true reflection of the match. Spurs were 2-0 up after 30 minutes and should have been at least 4 up by half time. They were in complete control of the match and were making it look like a training match almost.
Just after the hour mark Robbie Keane was substituted for Darren Bent with Spurs still in the ascendancy. However, in the 69th minute keeper Radek Cerny (playing against his former club) made a hash of a cross delivered underneath his crossbar. It should have been a basic catch for any keeper, however he misjudged it and the ball dropped right at Strihavka’s feet for an easy tap in.
Spurs then became very nervous and could easily have conceded more. However, the mighty Spurs (biased - sorry!) survived and we take 2-1 back to White Hart Lane next Thursday.
Anyone else see this game? Or the other UEFA Cup games? What did you think? Oh……. and I’d love to hear about your comments on the five commentary…….!
