Commentators considered
Eager for some football – any football – I watched two “re-wind” programmes yesterday.
The first was on the BBC and featured previous World Cups and the second in the ITV classic series the 1979 Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester United.
I recently participated in a poll amongst friends to choose the best-ever sports commentator and reporter.
Some considered were covering the games I watched.
John Motson commentated on the England v Germany semi-final of 1990, Barry Davies Belgium v USSR in 1986 in Mexico and David Coleman the World Cup Final between Holland and West Germany of 1974.
David Coleman won the poll and to my mind his commentary was the best.
He assessed the game analytically, noting quite early that whilst the Dutch attacked well they had defensive frailties, a big problem as Germany’s forward Gerd Muller was one of the finest-ever strikers.
He noted that Germany had not touched the ball in the 80 seconds that Holland took to take the lead. That goal exemplified the fluidity of the Dutch total football system.
Their deepest player was Johan Cruyff, who then attacked the German defence from afar and was fouled in the box.
Neeskens scored from the penalty.
It was a better final – I was disappointed for the Dutch – than I remember with West Germany, technically weaker, showing what a strong tournament team they are. Players like Rainer Bonhof were not in the Cruyff class but they just get better during the tournament.
Barry Davies had difficulties with identifying players whilst John Motson did not assess the England v Germany game as well.
Two things I noted from that game.
Des Walker had a fine tournament that earned him a move to serie a but his game was based on speed.
He could turn quickly and knock the ball back to the keeper. When the pass back to the keeper was outlawed he was not nearly as effective.
Secondly, in the penalty shoot out Peter Shilton guessed the direction correctly for each penalty but did not save one. Had his reactions gone?
Arsenal 3 Manchester 2 was not a great game but memorable for its 3 goals in the last 6 minutes. Arsenal were two-up and surely home and hosed but United scored twice to get level only for Alan Sunderland to win the game and FA Cup for the Gunners.
Both sides fielded huge talents like Arsenal’s Liam Brady and more workaday players like Pat Rice, David Price, Willie Young and Brian Talbot – United had Lou Macari and Sammy Mcilroy and lesser lights like Jimmy Nicholl.
Arsenal was managed by Terry Neill and their fans had to wait a bit longer for sustained success under George Graham and Arsenal Wenger.
So did Manchester United fans till Alex Ferguson came along after Ron Atkinson despite his two Cup Final victories of 1983 and 1985.
Brian Moore ‘s analyst was Brian Clough who was surprisingly low-key but as ever Brian Moore delivered an enthusiastic, well-informed and fitting commentary.
