Soccer fans will often remember exactly where they were during famous events on the pitch. Whether it’s their team winning the league title for the first time, or a legendary goal being scored at the World Cup, these moments stay with us as memories for a lifetime. Often, the commentary that goes with the championship triumph or last-minute goal is what sticks in the mind.
Broadcasters speak directly to millions of people, whether sharing news of the mega millions draw to players all around the world, presenting the music charts or commentating on major sporting clashes, broadcasters bring global events into our living rooms on television or into our cars via the radio. Soccer commentators in particular have to describe often fraction and paint a picture for the viewers home, informing the masses of what is happening in each second. This article will run through the most iconic commentaries in football history.
They Think It’s All Over, It is Now
Perhaps the most famous commentary line ever uttered, Kenneth Wolstenholme aired a fantastic voiceover as England won the World Cup in 1966. Facing West Germany in the final at Wembley, the game was 2-2 after ninety minutes and so headed for extra-time. The Three Lions took the lead as Geoff Hurst scored his second goal with some doubting the ball had crossed the line. Then, into the dying stages of the encounter, Wolstenholme noted some spectators entering the field of play and the timing could not have been more perfect.
“Some people are on the pitch, they think it’s all over! It is now!”
The moment the commentator observed some people making their way from the stands, Hurst struck to make sure of the victory and write his name into the history books as he scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final. Sixty years later, it is still a line so associated with the game of soccer in England and all generations are fully aware of its meaning and relevance.
Aguerroooo!
Manchester City were battling rivals Manchester United for the Premier League title back in 2012 and the final game of the season through up one of the most frenzied, iconic moments in the history of English football. For decades, City had to watch on as the Red Devils lifted trophy after trophy at home and abroad. However, by the 2010s, the Sky Blues could now compete thanks to fresh investment and had pushed their foes all the way.
United were taking on Sunderland up at the Stadium of Light while City hosted Queens Park Rangers. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men earned a 1-0 victory and thought they had done enough to be crowned champions again as City were trailing QPR. Then, something crazy happened. Edin Dzeko equalized in the 92nd minute and the team rallied.
Suddenly City attacked again and Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler said: “Manchester City are still alive here… Balotelli… Aguerrroooooooooo!” The Argentine striker Sergio had been played in the area and struck a ferocious strike to send the Etihad Stadium into complete raptures. The fact Tyler then stayed silent for a short time as millions of viewers watched the unfolding scenes merely added to the magic of the moment. Nearly 15 years later, it’s one of the lines that will be shouted back at the legendary broadcaster by fans.
The Magic of Maradona
Back in 1986, Argentina faced England in the quarter-finals of the World Cup at the famous Azteca in Mexico. It was a game in which Diego Maradona was a hero, and a villain, depending on your loyalties or football principles and led to one of the most iconic pieces of commentary which remains so synonymous with that summer.
Only five minutes after scoring the ‘Hand of God’ goal when the Argentine number ten scored with his fist to get the ball past Three Lions stopper Peter Shilton, Maradona then went on a mazy run, gliding past virtually the entire team before rounding the goalkeeper and scoring.
Victor Hugo Morales was reporting for Radio Argentina and was swept away my the emotion and majesty of the moment.
“¡Barrilete cósmico! ¿De qué planeta viniste?” he beamed in Spanish, which translates to “Cosmic kite! From what planet did you come from?” Maradona’s goal was so out of this world, it did give the player deity status in his homeland and it will forever remain one of the most iconic games in World Cup history.
Soccer is considered one of the greatest sports on the planet and the art of scoring goals can create beautiful moments that stay will people forever. However, often, it is the commentating mastery with which a strike or header is described to watching viewers that also sticks in the memory and ensures the goal remains alive for years to come.
