ESPN announcers I know the mute button was created for such things as this, but does anyone else think that the new announcer, play-by-play, color commentator...whatever he is, Dave O'Brien....or the "other guy" as I refer to him as, as being the "soccer mom's" announcer.....he is pulling out bits and saying lines that assume we all just learned that you are not supposed to use your hands when playing footey???? I also appreciate knowing about Mr. Roid Bonds breaking the record...our nations team is playing its last match before they go to compete for the World Cup...which means WORLD CHAMPION.......last check MLS and NFL Champs dont take on other teams from around the world for a title.....in baseball's case....ouch! I know its because we live in a country that is bombarded (sp) sports of all kinds, but just think they could keep soccer people on there that can appeal to those that love the game, and those that may be trying to pick it up.......just another rant....or what Peter Griffin would say "what the hell is a rant?" ........ anyone know if FSC will be picking up the matches this summer? days away from that little "sunday league" cup.... :wink:
RE: ESPN announcers unfortunately, it's the bozos for us with the world cup. Della Camera and Smyth are probably the best we'll get. ABC outbid Fox and that's where we are. I always know when I'm on ABC/ESPN because they're never identifying the good pass, the good turn, the blown assignment until 5 minutes later. Good goal, though, huh?
RE: ESPN announcers I will not complain about the announcers for the simple fact that the ESPN family of networks will be showing all 64 matches of the World Cup LIVE. This is huge and while ESPN could do a heck of a lot better with their coverage of footie-related events outside of the World Cup, they are doing a bang up job with the World Cup. They are advertising, talking about the team(s) and getting the stage set for what will be a great sporting event. Whether it be BigSoccer or sometimes on here, everybody just loves complaining about all aspects of the soccer media in this country. We are lucky to even have channels like Fox Soccer Channel and that ESPN is showing all the World Cup matches. I can't imagine the ratings are going to be all that great! That being said, who cares who is announcing the matches. Not all people watching do know a lot about soccer. Therefore, the announcers sometimes do have to simplify things for the general audience. It is much better than not having any coverage at all!!
RE: ESPN announcers Thanks for the reality check, Tom. You're right. Death. Taxes. Complaints. That's us!
RE: ESPN announcers I don't mind the ESPN announcers, other than that Tye KeoughSp? guy. People complain about their "crude" terminology and the style in which they call the game. To me it?s a bunch of BS. If you haven't noticed this is the United States. I would fully expect them to incorporate terms from the American sports landscape and American English in general in the broadcast. It would be disappointing if they insisted on trying to replicate the English style. Two different countries with two different styles. I wouldn't want Stoner and Wynalda to call my EPL games or the EPL guys to call my MLS games. And yes ESPN is doing a great job of promoting the World Cup. I love the "one simple ball? ads, and they are shown constantly. Any average Joe who watches ESPN, even if only one hour a week, has to know the World Cup is about to start. It will be interesting to see the ratings. I've talked to a lot of people who rarely watch soccer who are very intrested in the world cup. Four years ago I was far from a soccer fan but I watched all the USA games and a few others.
