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BBC SPORT Fun and Games Commentators' classics


Commentators' classics
These are all quotes sent in by readers from around the world about the world cup. Follow the link if you have any to contribute.

"Yorke took the full force of Gerrard's shot right in the...Michael Ballacks"
Canadian commentary during England-Trinidad game...wonder how long commentators having been waiting to use that one! (Simon Foxcroft, Canada).
Rooney looks like he's been called in for his tea.Gareth Southgate on Wayne Rooney's petulant reaction after being substituted against Sweden. (Johnny, UK).

The goalkeeper wants locking up!
BBC's Mark Lawrenson on the hapless performance of Tunisia goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel against Spain.

"I hope he'd put up more of a fight if he was trying to nick his wallet!"
Mick McCarthy after Serbia & Montenegro's Mateja Kezman crumples under a challenge from Gabriel Heinze of Argentina. (Nick Turnbull, UK).

"Brazil were Kaka!"
Best Comment of the Brazil match by Gary Lineker. (Stan Holcroft, Netherlands).

"I knew the Australians were in town when I was sat next to an inflatable Kangaroo on the train this morning."
John Helm Commentating on Australia v Japan for Canadian TV. (John Beeden, Canada).

David Pleat: "The USA are playing a 4-3-2 formation."
Peter Drury: "It can't be 4-3-2 - there are only eight outfield players!"
ITV commentary team during USA-Italy game. (Stephen W, UK).

"Serbia & M have made one change for the second half, while Argentina are still Argentina."
Jonathan Pearce commentating for BBC1 during Argentina v Serbia & Montenegro game. (Stephen W, UK).

"The goal is coming. It's whether or not the clock runs out."
ITV pundit Gareth Southgate is hardly going to give Nostradamus a run for his money. (Erik Sharman, UK).


Lawro: "He took out his standing leg."
Motty: "That's the sort of thing Fifa want to stamp out."
Lawro: "What, his leg?"
Typical dialogue between Motty and Lawro during the Italy-Ghana game, after De Rossi scythed down Essien.


"Its like a big yellow banana running at you!"
The BBC's Mark Lawrenson on Paul Robinson in the England Paraguay match. (Alastair McCrea, Northern Ireland).

"He's a part-time wally."
Mick McCarthy on the Russian referee during the France v Switzerland game. (Dougie Ferguson, Scotland).

"Have we got a team in there?"
American voice, on being asked by Radio Deutsche Vella: "Who will be the two teams in the World Cup final?". Only in America! (Bill Maddock, Brit in Australia).

"The King of Saudi isn't here today as he was detained by domestic matters - mind you, so would you if you had 30 wives and 35 children..."
ITV's Jon Champion. (Stephen W, UK).

"If the United States beat Italy, call this the World Cup FINAL.""I'm not bothered by McBride's nose. It's the own goal that's making me laugh.""Look at that tackle! Fifa should look into having players wear helmets."
All by one of our TV football 'experts'. (Jackie Pike, USA).


"Frankfurt is only two hours from London, so this is just like a home game for England!"
Commentator on ABC Sport channel in USA. (Lee Newton, USA).

"Valencia has made a big impression on the Poland players today, mostly around the shins."
ESPN's Irish commentator Tommy Smyth during the coverage of Poland v Ecuador. (Ben Leyland, USA).

"The referee isn't biased...he's just rubbish."
Alan Green commentating on Five Live Sport during England v Paraguay clash. (Chris Davis, England).

"The ball is an essential part of the game."
Johan Cruyff on Dutch TV after the Holland-Serbia match.

"The most famous football player in the world, Michael Beckham."
An American World Cup commentator for television Station ABC, commenting on how famous David Beckham is - unfortunately he can't get his name correct. (Charlotte Brennand, America).

"And there's a joke on the German bench...Oliver Kahn."
During the England match...I think it was John Motson as the camera panned over to the German bench who were laughing at something. (Andrew, England).
"They couldn't bring him on, he was having his afternoon nap."
Gary Lineker after Ian Wright suggested bringing on Theo Walcott. (Stacey, England).


"He's got a skunk on his head!"
Mick McCarthy on Danijel Ljuboja and his barnet during the Serbia & Montenegro v Holland match. (Gareth Robinson, England).

"Some of the referee's decisions have been very one-sided, with both teams getting an equal share of his mistakes."
Commentator from ART sports on the England v Paraguay game. (Matthew Kirkman, Bahrain).

"It was getting 'Klose' all the time, but 'Frings' worked out in the end!"
Gary Lineker after the Germany-Costa Rica Game. (Andy, UK).

"Goooooooooooooooal to Iraq...Iran."
Commentary on Brazilian TV during the Iran v Mexico game. (Tim, Brazil).