British to call every World Cup soccer game… in America

For Americas who tune in to this summer’s World Cup on ESPN and ABC, they’ll be greeted with foreign accents. Four of them. British to be exact. And that’s not a good thing, says NY Time’s columnist Jack Bell.

Will it be soccer or football? Pitch or field? Will players wear kits and boots or uniforms and cleats? Stop me before I have an aneurysm.

As for me, I like a good British accent, especially one that’s more informed than an American soccer commenter that tries too hard. But I really think ESPN/ABC should have used one Martin Tyler (pictured) for play-by-play, with a fresh American voice for color commentary. Then have Dan Fowler, who does awesome work for ESPN Tennis, host a half-time show with Andy Gray and another American commenter to fill in the gaps. Done and done.

Ah, well. Too late now.

March 8, 2010
2 comments

Comments (2)

  1. 1. Ultan says...

    Someone needs to call the NYT a Wahbulance. Ian Darke and Martin Tyler are complete experts in their field and amongst the finest football commentators in the English speaking world. ESPN should be commended for splashing out and bringing in some genuine commentary…

  2. 2. Blake says...

    I guess the point is, would it have hurt to try and find a fresh American commentator to help call the games with Tyler as the primary voice? I suspect casual soccer fans might balk at the exclusive foreign accent broadcast.


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