World Cup 2006 Blog

Paul, you can tell your TV crew out there (behind and in front of the cameras) that they're way ahead of your commercial rivals.

Keep up the good work.

beeb coverage is the best

BBC Coverage is better than ITV's, but that really doesn't say too much at all. The quality is pretty dire this time round in most departments.

The only good commentators are Simon Brotherton, Steve Wilson and Peter Brackley but they're all shunted on to the second string matches. Pundits aren't up to much on either side (O'neil and Hansen excluded) but at least the BBC graphics are a bit snazzy.

As nerdboy says, the BBC coverage is better than ITV's but that isn't saying a great deal. The main problem with nearly all TV football is the employment of former-footballers as co-commentators. No doubt they were great footballers, but they are largely poor commentators and rarely transmit any of their wisdom to the public. Has David Pleat EVER said anything even vaguely intelligible. As for the main commentators, at least the BBC doesn't get sucked into the ITV world of hype, hype, hype, whereby every goal is a wondergoal, every victory is nailbiting, and every footballing underdog is a plucky minnow. Sadly, you're still stuck with John Motson and his yelps of disbelief anytime anything happens.

I do not like watching England games on ITV. For some reason i don't seem to enjoy the game as much. BBC commentary and pundits are far better.

Very very intresting to read...

I was wondering about 1/2 way in whether the england vs argentina '98 game would come up - which i still rate in my top 10 games of football i've ever seen. That game is something that they still say got the most viewing audience for an england game and if the game had been on the BBC it would have got around the same audience as well.

It's intresting to read that theres a mutual 'rivalry' between the beeb and the itv sport ppl, both coperations in my opinion offer excellent sports coverage. Both channels have always covered football well, and have both given the british public 2 of the greatest commentators in my lifetime - John Motson n Brian Moore - who between them captured the spirit and passion of a game brilliantly.

Anyway i found that really intresting to read, keep up the good work and good luck with the ratings war - which as ever will be noted by the papers after the tournament, dosnt matter to me but then im not on either network!

enjoying the bbc's coverage of the world cup, only one thing spoiling it..........Ian Wright

Ian Wright Spoling it, i dont think so...Wrighty's said it himself that he gets a little bit too eccentric and exicited but he makes it brilliant.

He by no means spoils it, he's someone that the every-day fan can relate to and we all love Ian Wright because of that.

Speaking about Wrighty, i loved it when he said during one of the earlier matches (think it was the paraguay game) that if he'd been to a world cup he'd been SENT home for being too EXICTED...which had me in hysterics.

Its a shame that one of the best english goalscorers in the last 20yrs or so never graced a major tournament - and im a Man Utd fan!

Why is the BBC not reporting Crouch's evil Hand of God?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2WxxwYBvrk

England have a much to defensive mindset,and I believe Ericksons tactics totally go against what the players believe is their best srategy.
They look like fish out of water and unless he changes this they will lose badly against any stronger opposition.

much much prefer the bbc coverage. for a start there aren't any adverts! also love gary lineker and ian wright: they're so fun :)

Congratulation for your victory but in this blog please give more coverage of Brazil and Argentina. Most people of Asia are supporters of these two teams and I can see that even in your blog, we are a large crowd. For example, yesterday, after Argentina won you have more than 160 comments and just for writing comment in that entry about a Bangladeshi tea seller giving 33% discount to Argentine supporters, I have received more than 200 hits in my blog and even after 18 hours, I am getting hits. So, this shows that many of your visitors are passionate supporters of Argentina like me and millions of people of Asia. Please cover Brazil too.

I for one have very much enjoyed the bbc's coverage - I think Gary Lineker is streets ahead of the competition as a presenter i'm also disappointed when the games are on ITV for a very different reason.... ITV does not yet transmit the games in high definition for those lucky enough to have sky's new box... and believe me - what a difference it makes - also without advert breaks it allows for a more thorough analysis at half time - keep up the good work! :)

yeh no ads best itv has adverts after pre match info, then goes to commentator, players walk out and adverts again!

BBC the best, good graphics, etc...

Southgate is awful on ITV. Pleat too.

I think BBC has good commentators and good co-commentary, bar Mick McCarthey, but I suppose he does talk alot of sense.

Keep it up BBC cannot wait till monday for HD!

It's great that the BBC now streams sports video live on the internet. It seems to me that this must be an extremely cost effective way of increasing the potential audience. What I don't understand is why other people aren't doing this also (eg ITV), and why does the internet coverage have to only go as far as the game? Surely it would make sense for viewers and broadcasters if people could watch their channel live on the internet at any time, whatever was on.

On-screen, John Motson sounds confused, and Mark Lawrenson doesn't seem to have much personality to comment. It's the worst duet since Sonny & Cher.

For ITV, Gareth Southgate isn't much better, if we're honest, but Lawrenson sounds dull and monotonous- unlike a chap called Andy Gray at one of your competitors!!

Bring on Hansen to do the co-commentary with Motty, and life might be better.

Now who regrets letting Clive Tyldesley go? Without being rude, but Tyldesley's commentary beats the BBC's into a cocked hat. But your online digital stuff and MOTD programming late at night is fantastic- MUCH better than ITV!

A few points:

1) Motty's getting worse and worse in his commentary. Now who regrets getting rid of Clive Tyldesley?

2) Mark Lawrenson has no personality. But then again, nor does Gareth Southgate at ITV. Sky's Andy Gray eclipses the lot. Oh, and he waa a much better club player than the pair of them!!

3) Love Lineker and love Wrighty. Can we get Wrighty and Peter Schmeical back on screen together- please? Remember England vs Denmark in the Euros?

4) MOTD late night is far, far better than ITVs. The name "Match of the Day"'s not a better selling point, is it?

The BBC's coverage has been spot on. I'm also starting to like Jonathan Pearce. Wasn't a fan previous to this tournament.

As for enjoying Chasetown V Oldham? I'm an Oldham fan and that was not enjoyable for me! Great drama though you're right.

in my opinion itv has many good points aswell as bad points, this also applies for the bbc, itv has the ads just before kick of which really annoy me!! itv have poor graphics and worst of all ITV HAVE DAVID PLEAT!!! THAT MORON DOSENT HAVE A CLUE, HE CANT PRONOUNCE ANYTHING RIGHT AND WORST OF ALL.. HE JINXED ARSENAL IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL!!! "THE END IS IN SIGHT FOR ARSENAL" ILL SHOW HIM THE END OF MY BOOT!!! the bbc is great , the only thing id change with the bbc is the commentators, id try do get john champion, hes great!!

Get Gab Marcotti as a pundit!!! Best Journo around and he is so wasted on TalkSport.

Wouldn't it be great if the BBC or ITV for that matter got a pundit who wasnt a 'know it all' ex pro or manager.

Gab Marcotti would be loved by the audiences if he was put on shows such as MOTD and Football Focus and he knows almost everything about world football and would be great for future World Cups and Euros.

Also, can the BBC not tell that nobody across the Uk actually likes 'Lawro'. Does he actually say anything of not about football, or does he actually believe he is Prestons Peter Kay?

I prefer BBC coverage to ITV coverage, mainly because the pundits are of much higher quality. John Motson and Mark Lawrenson annoy me though with their campy banter.

What ITV has over BBC though are the genuinely funny Bud******r sponsorship ads.

Totally agree that BBC's coverage is once again far better than ITV's. Plus the BBC have the gorgeous Celina Hinchcliffe! (why isn't she on screen more!). Much better than Gabby Logan in the battle for the World Cup totty!

Yes bbc keep up the good work,best coverage of football and all sport why not start a dedicated sports channel and be free

I am in football heaven - imagine every game live (or slightly delayed) with brilliant commentary (from ex-pat Englishmen on the whole) ALL FOR FREE. Only trouble is that the first match is at 10pm each night and the last 4.0am in the morning but a very small price to pay. Where? Australia on SBS with only ads at the break. Fantastic. Eat your heart out BBC and ITV.

There's the other option of watching the games the bbc shows on UKTV G2. I find Jonathan Pearce that annoying that I watched the first England game on there. They also had the advantage of having big Ron as co-commentator. The rest of the bbc coverage has been excellent though I would like to see more of Martin O'Neil.

It has to be said the BBCs coverage of the world cup is far better.

I guess this can all be traced back to the Reithan tradition to Inform, Educate and Entertain. Public Service Broadcasting states that broadcasters must recognise national identity and no-one does this better than the BBC. The BBC gives an intelegent outlook to the world cup.

Watching ITVs coverage is far too much like the american model, dummed down and tacky. And i'd much rather have Mr Lineker, than an F1, and former horse racing commenter as my host :) even if he does have an obsession with crisps.

Without a shadow of a doubt the Beeb's coverage of this World Cup, and indeed football in general, is far superior to other channels. ITV get too strung up on trying to look cool, which inversely makes them look lame - they remind me of your dad putting a baseball cap on backwards and trying to rap! Keep up the good work Beeb.

I think the bbcs coverage is streets ahead of ITV's, although i enjoy the way ITV cover UEFA Champions League, and wouldn't like to see it on BBC. Motty is always a leagendary commentator, but he seems to be increasingly repetitive, and Clive Tyldsleys voice sometimes annoys me. Overall, Martin Tyler and Andy Gray are the best duo. BBCs half time coverage is the very best around and is streets ahead of Sky and ITV. Their pundits are also the best. ITVS studio is so samll!

Hi Paul...love the blogs!

It amuses when when you talk of the "competition" with ITV, and winning the "ratings war", as though it was a level playing field.

How much licence payers' money do you think the BBC is prepared to throw at this World Cup to ensure it comes out on top?

Arent the bbc a public broadcasting company they shouldnt be competing for ratings. They should be providing a service. Fools.

I believe the BBC is leagues above ITV. Comparing presenters, Lineker is far superior to Steve Ryder / Gabby Logan - he is a footballing legend himself, poses good questions to the pundit panel and his jokes at the end are corny but clever,"you into s and m wrighty?" In terms of pundits, BBC is superior, Hansen is a rock, he possesses good knowledge and is a strong deliverer. Wright adds some excitement and energy, which contrasts well with Shearer's calmer approach. Martin O'Neill also knows his stuff, however Lee Dixon is dull and uninspiring and Marcel Desailly needs to learn some English.
ITV has some good pundits in Terry Venables, and Sam Allardyce who is consice and down to earth, although Pearce is dull, Gullit and Okocha stutter in delivery and McCoist cant criticise well.

In terms of commentators, I believe Motson is a legend as he creates a sense of excitement and tension. Lawrenson is average, slightly dull and his jokes are feeble, but Pearce is developing a unique style. McCarthy is comedy as well, even though he can speak alot of rubbish.
ITV have Tyldsley, who is good, however Southgate is dreadful - he says very little and often meaningless. Drury's voice is annoying and David Pleat is absolutely diabolical. Andy Gray for Sky is the best co-commentator, great passion, delivery, and knowledge.

Mmmm no mention of the overwhelming numbers of staff and managers the BBC is rumoured to have taken to Germany? Four times as many as any of its commercial rivals?

Come on Paul, you can't post a blog entry like that while avoiding the elephant in the room. Are the rumoured figures true? Exactly how much does it cost to take all those staff and execs to Germany? With the taxpayer picking up the tab?

I actually find that I prefer the ITV coverage, which is odd for me as usually I am with BBC.
ITVs punditry is far superior, over there Big Sam, Terry Venables, Robbie Earle, etc. etc. They all actually apply some thought to the tactics of the game instead of weak matey cliches.

Listening to Alan 'paint drying' Shearer, or the much lauded insights of Alan 'stength, pace, agression' Hansen (give it a rest).
Oh and lets not forget the inevitable weak punning of Gary, or the puddle deep, stilted delivery and inoffensive platitudes of Garth Crookes's interviews. At least Ian Wright injects some life into the sad "ex-player resting on laurels, can't wait to get to the golf club" brigade you have sitting there.

That said, I did enjoy listening to Martin Jol on the 5 live coverage of the Sweden game. That was actual incisive intelligent analysis. Not just the usual BBC guests waffle and cliches.

I very much doubt this comment will make it onto your blog.

Hi,

BBC is much better than ITV due to the fact when i was watching the 2nd Ivory Coast match and they lost and are now out I wanted to catch the players reactions but NO, ITV went to a long break and then back to the studio without any reactions!
I felt this is an important part of the world cup and missing out on how players and fans are feeling is missing out on how much the competition means to the players and the fans. I trust the BBC will NOT follow ITV's bad example please.

Agree, the BBC coverage is better, but where are the glory days of 1990? I've never seen anything better than the elegant previews for Italia 90 that were aired prior to the tournament. Classic slow-mo footage in widescreen set to the wonderful crescendo of Nessun Dorma. Less is more. Unfortunately, all the montages of goals nowadays are impossible to watch: odd angles, stuttering footage, inexplicable sheens of saturated colour for what reason? Keep it simple, it's not a pop video.

I'm not really too fussed either way. The matches have been shared out between the 2 channels so I watch whatever one they are on. I do however have 2 points:

1.) thank god graeme le-saux has gone. he was truely god-awful!

2.) those premium rate SMS competitions on ITV are absolutely CRIMINAL!!! they clearly make a hefty profit on these (otherwise they wouldn't do them) and it is just plain gambling with ridiculously poor odds of winning a fairly in-expensive prize. they have obviously made the decision that these competitions are more beneficial to ITV than dedicating time to match analysis and this really annoys me!

with that being said, I prefer the BBC - plus they have no ads - but it would be unfair on ITV since they are a commercial driven company.

Motson to me, seems to be regarded in some sort of awe as a commentator, but how many times in this world cup has he called something wrong? Time to pension him off I think.

ITV are still a long way behind, with their insistence on every game being treated like a matter of life or death.

John Motson and Mark Lawrenson are THE most irritating commentry pairing in the history of the world.

Uber-nerd and smug smarminess personified!

I've resorted to the red button, switching to Fivelive commentry to escape them every time they're on.

Please, please, please BBC, retire the pair of them.

Yes, the BBC coverage is much better than ITV's not least because there are no interruptions by irritating commercials. I'd like to make two suggestions though. 1. Get rid of Motty, 2... and Mick McCarthy. Lawro is tolerable.

I'd like to take the time to say thanks to the BBC, far too much criticism is thrown your way.. Sure, Motty waffles a bit, but thats the Motty i've grown up with! Ian Wright is brilliant as is Alan Hansen, Gary is perhaps the best host I have memories of, but its not just the front line that are good, Adrian Chiles does a good job too. So thanks BBC, keep it up. My only criticism is Mark Lawrenson, how many unneccessary non funny non football related statements does he need to make per game?

well well well... this debate could go on for hours. i might add the reason that bbc has no adverts is because we have to pay a license of around £120 a year. However what a well spent 120 quid that is. ITV have far too many advert breaks which really does stop any decent analysis (not that there pundits would give any). although ruud guillit is the best they've got.

Furthermore ally mcoist.... hes on a bbc show "question of sport" so why on earth have the bbc not signed him up for there internationl/fa cup pundit team? he has personality and know's his sport! him, wrighty and hanson would be brilliant. He could even be added to the commentary team to get rid of that lawrenson who is so boring!

also agree that peter schemeical should return. although id imagine the reason is because denmark arent in this world cup whereas brazil hence leonardo and france hence desailly are!

interactive service bbc have to offer is good aswell as there website which is also brilliant just incase you mis a game or fancy watching an all time classic!

commentators...john motson hmm maybe a bit past his sell buy date now? jonathon pierce is brilliant, lawrenson is boring!, mick mcarthy-useless (also as a manager).

BBC if you want idea bring in ally mccoist, ruud guillit and get schmeical back!

and no offence to that little kid commentator who won that competition but id only listen to him once his voice has broken lol. although he looks to have prospect in the business, although it doesnt seem to be a hard business, more like one of the best jobs in the world! travelling up and down england, from one side of the world to another watching football IN THE STADIUM!!! would be fantastic!

gary lineker keep up the good work!

I'm sorry, I just cannot stand ITV's coverage. Even when you look past the adverts, the analysis is appaling. The bare minimum should be to see all the goals which is never the case. I think their excuse is that they only analyse second-half action at full time which i think is daft, but considering how much 'analysis' time they spend on 'who'll win the world cup' or about Rooney's foot, they could spend so much more time analysing. IT's just plain ignorant and patronising to think that viewers only care about England. It's a WORLD cup!!!

Gary Lineker is undoubtedly a legend. You can see the BBC pundits make a good combo because they're always having a laugh. ITV are extremely annoying with their need to have 3 breaks within the space of the first 30 minutes of coverage, and also the break just before the match begins which is equally as annoying. Not to mention the break just after the 1st half has finished. This just breaks up the commentary in the studio which is already pretty disjointed. Oh yeah which channel is David Pleat on, he still cannot pronounce Reyes instead saying Rays.

Why does the BBC feel it is in commercial competition with ITV?

We pay for the BBC so that it doesn't need to think about commerical rivalry, especially in relation to ITV.

If your attitude is to do down your fee paying viewer's other main source of world cup football then that, I'm afraid, is a poor attitude to public service broadcasting.

Either act in a way commensurate with your status as public service broadcaster or face losing the licence fee.

Personally, I prefer ITV. There pundits excluding Pleat) are better than the BBC's. Also graphics on BBC are big, bold & ugly.
What I don;t understand is why UKG2 are also covering all games that the BBC covers. Why? Although BBc own 1/2 the company (I believe) does that mean the Licence payer is paying twice for BBC to cover the same game - even indirectly?
However, both BBC & ITV are producing great match coverage - just a pity one of them didn't have the guts to go against Sky for Premiership Live rights (even though I have Sky).

Overall I think that the Beeb coverage is far superior. Better commentators, funnier pundits, knowledgeable host (Mr Lineker) and NO ADVERTS!! However, ITV do have the delicious Gabby Logan, who seems to be showy more 'leg' during this tournament.

The BBC football and sporting coverage in general is better than any other channel (including SKY). I don't know how they do it but the beeb always find the best pundits, a good example is Gavin Peacock - an average player but one of the best current pundits. Whereas ITV - whoever decided to have Gazza as a pundit in the last world cup should be shot! When it comes to commentators, no other channel can compete with the motty/lawro dream pairing, although when ITVs main commentator is Clive (rubbish!!)Tyldesley there's not much competition. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

BBC coverage surpasses the one from ITV. If it was my way, I would like to have the whole tournament on BBC only.

BBC give so much more detail on the coverage, more highlights, no adverts and better everything.

While the BBC is not in commercial competition with ITV ratings, are the only real way of measuring the relative success of the programmes. Particularly since they are both essentially showing the same product i.e. the World Cup. It's only natural for the BBC to want to attract more viewers.

btw: Martin O'Neill is a legend, he could start an argument in an empty room.

I find BBC's analysis at half-time and before the match fantastic. Although Alan Shearer and Ian Wright are pretty poor, Alan Hansen, Martin O'Neill and Gordan Strachan have been absolutely fantastic.

On ITV I only really like Sam Allardyce, who talks a lot of sense.

As for co-commentary I find Mark Lawrenson and Mick McCarthy very competent, and streets ahead of David Pleat and Gareth Southgate. But I don't think that anyone is as good as Andy Gray who is the best co-commentator in the business.

The BBC's main commentator is generally who lets them down. I think that Motson and Pearce are both woeful and nowhere near as good as the likes of Tyldsley, Drury and Champion, who are all excellent.

I do like Guy Mowbarry, Simon Brutherton and Steve Wilson though.

But the best commentator out there is Martin Tyler at Sky - perhaps you should try and get him for a tournament, along with Andy Gray, as they are the best commentators in the business.

I have to say i think bbc's coverage has been excellent so far, with alan shearer and martin o'neill fantastic additions to lineker's team. Wrighty's puntidry isnt as good as others but his enthusiasm and entertainment value more than makes up for it. I think sven didnt take SWP to prevent wrighty having a heart attack if he came on... Much better than ITV and i'm certainly hoping the BBC has more england games this summer.

Fair play Beeb, good job. As a neutral though I'm kinda annoyed by loads of England coverage during half time, some analysis of the game we're actually watching would be good.

Maybe the England news after the game, the neutrals can turn over, you guys get your fix. I know its hard with the nature of the media here, but you guys are way too self-involved!

I have to say i think bbc's coverage has been excellent so far, with alan shearer and martin o'neill fantastic additions to lineker's team. Wrighty's puntidry isnt as good as others but his enthusiasm and entertainment value more than makes up for it. I think sven didnt take SWP to prevent wrighty having a heart attack if he came on... Much better than ITV and i'm certainly hoping the BBC has more england games this summer.

Bring back Schmeichel! NOW! He was the best pundit ever. boo.

BBC Coverage is far better than that of ITV, and I always prefer BBC coverage of England games, especially when both channels show games live (as it was for the 2002 WC Quarter Final v Brazil.) BBC has better punditry and overall better presentation. I've also found ITV is a jinx on England games, as England hardly ever won in the World Cup when games were shown on ITV. (until Trindad & Tobago.) Also, ITV cram in far too many adverts that I lose patience when watching their coverage. The BBC team are much better combo than those on ITV, theyve got character and arent lifeless like some ITV pundits and co commentators.

The BBC will always be better than ITV. Keep up the good work.

BBC Coverage is far better than that of ITV, and I always prefer BBC coverage of England games, especially when both channels show games live (as it was for the 2002 WC Quarter Final v Brazil.) BBC has better punditry and overall better presentation. I've also found ITV is a jinx on England games, as England hardly ever won in the World Cup when games were shown on ITV. (until Trindad & Tobago.) Also, ITV cram in far too many adverts that I lose patience when watching their coverage. The BBC team are much better combo than those on ITV, theyve got character and arent lifeless like some ITV pundits and co commentators.

The BBC will always be better than ITV. Keep up the good work.

Well, BBC are well far ahead of the game, im a clarity graphics system oporator, and from what i can see BBC are using this machine to display their graphics which is really what makes the programmes bbc create for the world cup viewable. After watching the ITV's poorly displayed graphics which dont even fad out they just cut off screen i can only say ITV need ot get with the 2006 hardware , and stop trying to compeate with the UKS leading broadcast company. well done bbc .

Wayne.

BBC has the edge with its superior commentary. The ITV commentary - particularly in this World Cup - is rather dull and actually quite annoying to listen to, whereas whoever is commentating for the BBC sounds far more interested in the game, and their enthusiasm helps bring the coverage to life.
On a completely different note - and this is purely an observation, i in no way intend to sound like a chauvinist - but is it me or are there far less shots of attractive young ladies and footballer's girlfriend's than previous World Cups?!?!

just like 2 say that bbc coverage is great comapared 2 the UKTV G2 coverage its awful the picture quality is so bad, i was flicking backwards and forwards between them and BBC's was crisper and sharper , good job ! :-)

plus UKTV G2 studio is awful, wen that dude (dunno his name), talks it sounds like he's inside an abandoned old warehouse.

1 other thing ITV dude jim rodsental or sumthing voice sound lyk he needs a cough sweat its so croaky its well funny

GET RID OF MOTSON

I used to like Motson, but he's now so boring and bereft of passion that you just switch off whenever he talks. And when he does talk, it's just stating the obvious all the time. Football is a simple game and it doesn't need some lame commentator talking like all the viewers are stupid and don't know what they're watching.

Some more free advice for you to pass on; remind him that, even though he is with a British broadcaster, it is rude in the extreme to patronise the opposition all the time. It's Motson's sort of attitude to everyone who isn't English that breads our disbelief when we don't hammer every other nation 5-0. He treats them with contempt that they should be happy to just be on the pitch with England players?? You just wanna tell him to shut up sometimes it's THAT embarrassing.

Motson is old skool broadcasting and the new polished image of football just doesn’t suit him anymore I'm afraid. He could get away with his waffle when it was still 'jumpers for goalposts' but these days people demand more from a football match production - just look at Sky for example, who ooze with passion and are genuinely interesting with their commentaries. I couldn't give a rats about some stupid stat Motson choose to come out with, who cares?! All I want to hear is passionate and exciting commentary on a game.

All BBC matches I’ve watched, I’ve used the MUTE button and I know I’m not the only one. In fact, I’m probably in the majority – so what does THAT say about Motson; that people are so sick of hearing him that they sacrifice hearing any atmosphere from the game and instead watch it in silence. Makes you wonder why you’re paying him a salary, huh?

As someone above remarked, the quality of the BBC coverage should be better - I understand they have 200 people there, compared to ITV's 100 though I do not how many of the 200 include the radio team. Why the BBC need so many extra people there to do the same job as ITV is unclear.

The BBC has invested well in new technology, and the interactive highlights of each game are appreciated.

However, aside from the technology, there has been no innvoation in how football is presented.

Contrast this to how Channel Four brilliantly repackaged cricket after taking over coverage from the BBC. They produced the best Britsh based sports coverage of all time.

That said, the highlights show on MOTD2 is entertaining and concise, with Adrian Chiles standing head and shoulders above ANY presenter, whether BBC or ITV.

However, the token superfluous eye-candy, Celina, is not needed; her reports better replaced with real football comment from Strachan et al.

In contrast to Chiles self-confident likeable manner, the wooden Lineker remains contrived in his speech, leading a team of "experts" who are too often glib in their match analysis (Strachan & O'Neill excepted), preferring to make some joke. If I wanted jokes, I'd watch Paramount Comedy, thank you.

Liniker is a becoming more and more a parody.

Alan Hansen may as well be a tape recording - we've heard it all before; the same expressions are now tiresome. Alan Shearer, Leonardo, Ian Wright & Desailly, add very little to helping anyone understand the strategy of the game, merely parrotting over a replay of a goal with "he did well there" comments - very illuminating.

O'Neill makes sensible comment, but looks suffocated by the stupid "laddishness" from the "boys" compared to his previous appearances at tournaments.

Wright's "S&M" episode was the worst & most cringing 15 minutes "punditry" of all time.

While Strachan was clearly peeved on MOTD2 with Gavin "I'm going to talk over you and take the glory" Peacock when they were discussing (or rather Peacock talking) The Argies 6-0 win.

You could see Strachs just sit back in his chair in despair.

In contrast to BBC TV, the Radio Five Live punditry is streets ahead.

On there, you will hear sensible detailed analysis of respective team's, the key players, and tremendous summaries of why the game is going the way it is.

Graham Taylor & Terry Butcher are brilliant in this role, but they would suffer on TV from the need to "entertain" with some awful jokes & puns.

I now switch off the TV until the game starts, listening instead to Five Live.

I wouldn't take too much credit on the ratings front if I were you, I watch football on the BBC when it isn't shown anywhere else for free.

Your commentators are always muted for the excellent five live team whilst your pundits (excluding Hansen, O'Neill and Strachan) have me cringing... Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Lee Dixon etc. just say what they see with little insight into the tactical formations... such a shame as it means I miss the thoughts of Hansen etc whilst muting the others.

So I wouldn't take much credit for the ratings, I watch your coverage as it's all that's on but do so with the mute button pressed!

Well first thing first BBC is much better than itv. Have you seen the itv studio that sums up everything about the itv coverage, everything looks as though its been put together at last minute. I really enjoy some of BBCs pundits eg hanson(legend) oneil(should of got england job, knows so much about footie) and strachan, with linekar(stick to football, cause your golf presenting needs a lot of fine tuning to say the least). And you got to love Wrighty for how much he slags off Sven.
But to be honest some of the pundits (shearer) are just not good enough, they point out blatantly obvious points and they never say anything you dont already know. I would like to see Jamie Redknapp more in the future as pundit.
Anyway Beebs puts itv to shame

Lets be honest....skys coverage puts both the BBC and the ITV to shame when it comes to football.

Look at FA cup matches, BBC have maybe 1 mintues analysis after the game then they are off for Eastenders or something.

Obvioulsy SKy have got the actualy sports channels but their coverage is supreme on every front.

Altohugh, to be fair, in the World CUpp BBC seems to have its prioroties straight and i think they've had some good pundits. Unfortunatly the commentaray might as well be renamed comedy though-why are Lawrenson and Motosn continually paired? Well anythnigs better than graeme Le saux i guess!!

Stuey

Lets be honest....skys coverage puts both the BBC and the ITV to shame when it comes to football.

Look at FA cup matches, BBC have maybe 1 mintues analysis after the game then they are off for Eastenders or something.

Obvioulsy SKy have got the actualy sports channels but their coverage is supreme on every front.

Altohugh, to be fair, in the World CUpp BBC seems to have its prioroties straight and i think they've had some good pundits. Unfortunatly the commentaray might as well be renamed comedy though-why are Lawrenson and Motosn continually paired? Well anythnigs better than graeme Le saux i guess!!

Stuey

BBC's coverage is great, as is ITV's.
The only significant difference between the two ( and why the BBC is better for this World Cup ) Is the host. Gary Lineker is terrific, whilst Gabby Logan.. well.. I just cant stand her. She is the most boring, wooden presenter ITV have got. The much more charasmatic, entertaining and knowledgable Matt Smith ( Also Ex Beeb ) Has been demoted to the highlights show which I think is disgraceful, espeically since Steve Rider has never presented football in his life, and Jim Rosenthal is just an odd-job who will do everything.

I think I write for most people that the BBC provide the best overall program covering the national side. Apart from the work behind the scenes, the chemistry between Lineker, Hansen, Wrighty and Shearer mix light humour with in depth knowledge and explain the intricies of football for all ages to understand, the only person missing from previous tourneys is Peter Reid. Of course nobody is in the same league as Motty for commentary although Lawro really needs to smile more, he looks like he's permanently going through a pretty ugly divorce case! Keep up the good work boys

I think the BBC coverage is better than ITV and Sky coverage for onbe simple reason: no adaverts. I find it incredily iritating when you cant see the players on the pitch afterwards because they are telling you about the new dogfood that has come out. I also think that the Beeb's interactive servise is great and their analysis and pundits. Keep up the good work!

I think the BBC coverage is better than ITV and Sky coverage for onbe simple reason: no adaverts. I find it incredily iritating when you cant see the players on the pitch afterwards because they are telling you about the new dogfood that has come out. I also think that the Beeb's interactive servise is great and their analysis and pundits. Keep up the good work!

ITV's commentary and atmosphere are much better than BBC. however it only works for itv if the matches are played in the evening. The annoying thing about itv is that there are too many commercials. BBC has its ups aswell as down. ITV's coverage of England.v.Trinidad was great

the bbc needs to stop believing that everyone loves john motson. the many times ive been in a pub or anywhere watching a game and the conversation always comes up about how poor and out of date john motson is! and he gets all the big games. why does he sond surprised everyone takes a shot or the goalie saves or infact when anything actually happens? why didnt you give barry davies a big match when he wanted one? barry davies to this day is one of the best football commentators around. please to make bbc better get rid of john motson promote jonathan pearce to main commentator and how about alan green? or mike ingham? those three are hands down better than john motson. the best guy you lost though was Ian Payne!!! that guy kept you interested and im so glad sky notices how good he was! apart from john motson though i dont mind the coverage on bbc! it is better than itv. and what were they thinking when they got gareth southgate? anyone fall asleep when they listen to him? doesnt bode well for boro.

Can we please have sub-titles when Mick McMacarthy is commentating.

I am a fan of football and the BBC. I moved to Paris a couple of years back and I really miss the repartee between Hansen, O'Neil etc. I return to London on weekends and thoroughly enjoyed Adrian Chiles' performance on the World Cup Highlights program. Not a former player, but a true entertainer. Had me laughing all the time with his analysis. Excellent !

The revelation has been Adrian Chiles as presenter on the late night programme. He makes the programme worth watching even if the football isn't up to much. He's excellent, humorous and thinks about how people at home are feeling and thinking about the match. Please keep him on. Agree that Peter Schmeichel should be brought back.

Football presentation and commentary is crying out for intelligent analysis as well as some honesty in what is observed.

Too often commentators, particularly the Beeb during the Premiership season, shy away from being judgemental when a player cheats.

Worse, they jump to a conclusion, "It was a penalty, he was clearly brought down!!!" and then the close replay shows there was no contact...yet the commentator continues to insist on some fantasy contact and that the penalty decision was right as he first called it.

No honesty, no integrity.

Both the BBC and ITV coverage are fairly rubbish in my opinion. If you want class coverage you need to watch the RTE coverage. They show every game and their pundits: Johnny Giles, Eamonn Dunphy, Liam Brady et al, are far superior to anything on offer on either the BBC or ITV.

I have Sky HD and the BBC foorball picture are brilliant - well done on that score.

But why oh why did you have to go and spoil things by having Mick McCarthy as a commentator? All he does is criticise and his tone of voice makes me depressed. And anyway why are we supposed to be interested in the analysis of a manager who just took Sunderland down with the lowest ever Premiership points total? Come on you can do better than this, give us Strachen or Alladyce, anyone but McCarthy!

And then to make matters worse there are no interactive services on the BBC 1 HD channel so I can't switch to the alternative commentary! I've tried using a radio but it's out of sync with the pictures, I know what's happened before I see it!

It could have been so good... :-(

Neil

Adrian Chiles on the BBC and Matt Smith on ITV are both superb... but neither are at the forefront of their respectve stations' coverage of this World Cup... a complete disgrace.
Radio Five Live is an absolute god-send, that's the way to spend licence-payers money...
Sometimes, the TV coverage gets SO POOR that I actually consider turning it off and just listening to the radio... and this is a World Cup!!

Have to agree with those above who have bemoaned the poor commentary. Steve Wilson is the best guy the Beeb have yet all the big games go to Motty, a man who has been out of touch with his listeners for the best (well, worst) part of a decade. I'd still like to see him feature on the smaller games, but when are the Beeb going to bite the bullet and say "sorry John, it's time to step aside and pass the torch"?

The BBC world cup panel is far superior to any of its competitors.

Garry Linekar is the jewel on a crown. Alan Hansen, good knowledge.
Ian Wright fill up the space.

It's half time in the Portugal vs .Iran game and I have been moved to complian about Mick McCarthy - quite possibly the worst commentator in the history of commentating. Constant criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo - has he got a personal vendetta against him or is it that Ronaldo actually entertains - which is far more than the useless McCarthy ever did - as a player, as a manager and now as a commentator - get him off our screens. I'm muting the second half!

Id watch the BBC over ITV any day except when Brazil are playing, Motty and Lawro's nauseating gushing over what was an average performance at best made me want to vomit.

Bring back Barry Davies, he always had the guts to tell it how it is.

It's half time in the Portugal vs .Iran game and I have been moved to complian about Mick McCarthy - quite possibly the worst commentator in the history of commentating. Constant criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo - has he got a personal vendetta against him or is it that Ronaldo actually entertains - which is far more than the useless McCarthy ever did - as a player, as a manager and now as a commentator - get him off our screens. I'm muting the second half!

It's half time in the Portugal vs .Iran game and I have been moved to complian about Mick McCarthy - quite possibly the worst commentator in the history of commentating. Constant criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo - has he got a personal vendetta against him or is it that Ronaldo actually entertains - which is far more than the useless McCarthy ever did - as a player, as a manager and now as a commentator - get him off our screens. I'm muting the second half!

The BBC should nick Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Terry Venables who are two of ITV's better pundits outside McCoist and Townsend. If ITV want to compete they have to create a more hardcore football style like the BBC has, at the moment ITV is too family orientated and dumbed down for the girlfriends watching. They need someone who can rival Lineker and Chiles then they might stand a chance.

The BBC has been better than ITV so far, but I can just imagine Martin Tyler and Andy Gray calling the big games, with Richard Keys hosting it with the likes of George Graham and Jamie Redknapp. As much as people would protest if the World Cup was ever shown on Sky, it would certainly be world class coverage. What they did for the Champions League was phenomenal.

Apart from Gaby Logan, ITV's world cup coverage is far worse than the BBC's. The studio looks cheap, the punditry is poor, and the ultimate in awful sports presenters, Jim Rosenthal, has made a reappearance. I don't know why ITV covers sport as they have long been regarded as inept and few people like their coverage. By contrast, the BBC's coverage is far superior and the studio and pundits miles better.
Why doesn't ITV stick to reality rubbish and soaps and leave sport to the BBC and Sky who know what they're doing?

for me i think the technical side of the coverage is ok.but the itv have definately scored by winning the services of terry venables as he is genuinely knowledgeable from a managers view.also i am not saying their commentator is good but after suffering motson for years who just seems to turn up with 90 minutes of trivia that has no bearing on the match [for instance in the eng v jamacia match he spent 5 minutes talking about werder bremen?and nothing about the match.is it not possible to find another slot on your station that need a miserable mine of useless information there must be a radio 4 panel game waiting to be made that would suit him.

The BBC coverage and pundits are much better than ITV. I can't believe that people actually like Clive Tyldsley, He makes Motson look like he doesn't support England. Everyone in Scotland hates when either of those two are commentating because of that. Thank god for Five live commentary on most Games.
Also I think most of the BBC Pundits are far better and the lack of adverts allows for a much more in depth analysis at half time. Well done.

really up for a bafta for the commentry on the 5-1 ive watched it many times since but with the sound off motson was dire that day great football best day of my life as an england fan....green ..jono pearce..get better every game and tell it straight not motson worried about what the team managers will think...on the coverage superb ..motd..beats itv every time 5live leaves talksport in the far distance dont even mind paying for it..lol..well done to the BBC..buy the head of football on the beeb a beer!!!! cheers...

will somebody please get rid of mick macarthy. cant commentate talks a load of un interesting rubbish

The BBC is better than ITV at everything... but am I the only one who cannot stand Motson's lack of footballing knowledge? And why are all African teams still sterotyped by all BBC commentators (apart from Jonathan Pearce) as "strong physical teams"? The BBC have the best coverage, pundits, and overall team... but they do not have the best commentator. Who am I referring to? Peter Brackley of course.

Portugal v Iran: The match was spoiled for me by the poor commentary of Guy Mowbray and even more by Mick McCarthy (please drop him!). Fortunately there is a choice; Radio 5 Live is usually better (apart from Graham Taylor).

I usually listen to R5L while watching ITV coverage.

Generally BBC coverage is better, though.

i think the ITV coverage id far better thab the BBC coverage. this is because of one man Mick McCarthy he is so dumb

Please can we have someone of more quality than Mick McCarthy giving his comments. He doesn't seem to appreciate that he needs to keep quiet some of the time. Mark Lawrenson does a much more expert job! Please get someone better than Mick McCarthy - he is spoiling our enjoyment of the games.
Very disappointing!
Otherwise Gary and the guys in the studio are doing a great job.

Sky should have the rights, i'm having a boring summer.

I think it would be better if the commentators steered away from hyperbole and actually concentrated on telling us what was happening.

http://200percent.blogspot.com

I'm actually finding both channels coverage of the tournament very tedious due to the fact that during every half time analysis of any game other than englands we get 2 minutes analysis then 10 minutes of interviews from englands training camp with nothing new ever happening they might as well talk about the biscuit situation in the camp. The pundits are so unbelieveably bias towards england that even hansen and mccoist occasionnally refer to them as "us". As you may of guessed i am a scot but i'm not an anti-english scot i don't care what they do i'm supporting argentina, i just find it so tedious that pretty much every other country is being dismissed during analysis so we can go live to see what terry butcher has to say about england. Just annoying.

As for the commentators Tyldsley, Motson, Mccarthy are just unbearable. Motson's references to england every two minutes and complete astonishment when someone passes the ball is just plain aggrivating. Tyldsley's the exact same except sounds way more clueless than motson and thats bad and mick maccarthy need i say anymore.

On the pitch the world cup has been great so far off the pitch the coverage has been pure and simply bad. Stop refering to Engerlund every two minutes start showing other teams some respect i'm far more interested in the pronunciation of the iranian players names rather than what wayne rooney had for breakfast this morning.

I agree with Sue .. Mick McCarthy is a poor co-commentator .. He managed to get Sunderland very effectively relegated maybee you should consider him only doing Leauge Cup games

The rest of the BBC team are pretty good .. I dislike ITVs choice of former footballers as they always end up being poor at analysis

Many of your subscribers have summed it up correctly - generally coverage is good but your weakness is in the live commentators, especially the ex-players.
Many of the ex-players are also very poor in the post match and half-time summarising - e.g. Alan Sherarer is so biased in support of Michael Owen you wonder whether he's just seen the same game.

Many congratulations to the Beeb again for yet another profesional display with the coverage of this years world cup. The Beeb always seem to get it just right - this is a belief shared not only by me but by everybody I speak to. Please keep it up!!

Please please please!!

Get rid of Jonathan Pearce he is to commentating what Penny Smith is to singing.
Thankfully 5 Live has superb coverage.The annoying thing is the amount of room the graphics take up on interactive.
ITV coverage is ok i like Peter Drury and David Pleat. Gareth Southgate is getting slightly better but appears like a duck out of water.
Leanardo on the beeb is excellent, its brilliant how he has shown up Dixon and Wright.
BBCs commentators are getting worse Motty a parody of himself Pearce heaven help us.
Please lets have more of Mowbray,Wilson and Brotherton.
BBC also don't have a decent co-commentator on tv.
Thankfully they have some on 5 live.
Paul Jewell was a revelation during Argentina Serbia. Get him on TV please.

Coverage on the BBC is, predictably, much better. Gary Lineker and the studio team enjoy, of course, an unfair advantage - more time, since they don't have to break for the ads. Terry Venables is the most tactically astute of all the commentators - no surprise there - but he rarely has the luxury of completing his sentences.

Leonardo and Desailly also strengthen the BBC's advantage, although even on the BBC some of the comments still tend to have a rather insular, Little England, flavour. What is also disappointing is that commentators still get players' names wrong which is surprising given that the BBC has an excellent pronunciation unit.

As to Mick McCarthy, I think he is kind of fun - because, it is funny having the guy who relegated Sunderland with the fewest points ever lecture Phil Scolari, a World Cup winner, on tactics - it's even funnier when Deco scores from outsdie the area one minute after McCarthy had rubbished his positioning for the umpteenth time.

I have two points to make about the BBC coverage

1. The coverage of the opening England game against Paraguay was ruined by the totally over the top commentary by John Motson. If he commentates on later England matches, I shall watch on ITV.

He's always trying to second guess what will happen next and he seems to continually speculate (and hope?) that England will fall flat on their faces. Since he won’t get another go until the last 16 we will be spared his usual condescending attitude to lower ranked teams whereby he is continually amazed that they make it to half time at 0-0! Clive T on ITV is a Champions League mile better, however, so are Guy Mowbray and Jon Pearce.

2. Both channels typically suffer from pundits saying the obvious. I’d expect half the people who watch football on a regular basis to just as good a job. It’s easy to say what’s going wrong – for example, too many long balls. Get someone on who can “whiteboard” what they should be doing. Why don’t you get one of the top coaches to role play the half time team talk as if he were Ericsson in real time? You could put it as an option behind the red button. We’d get to know how good these guys really are (or not).

Having said that, if you push the red button, Gordon Strachan is excellent with Adrian Chiles. Someone who is clearly passionate about the game with insights to interest those of us at home.

UKTVG2 coverage ftw

The BBC is so much better then ITV, 3 adverts in 15mins before the game has even started? i h8 watching games on ITV!!! The BBc pundits, commentators and graphics are far better! well done BBC! Everything is better EXCEPT IAN DOWIE!!!

Three points about the commentators: 1) The BBC need to go on bended knee to Barry Davies, he's by far the best commentator they've had and is wasted at Wimbledon. 2) Still miss Brian Moore (RIP). 3) Who are the commentators and co-commentators on UKTVG2? Are they any good?

Why do ITV commentators assume any game between non-British sides will only be of interest if they prattle on about the premiership all the time - Tyldsley and Dury are the worst - "So and so is interesting Spurs" or "I wonder what Mourinho or Ferguson will make of this?" - Who cares - for one month we are free of the big-business hype of the premiership and can just enjoy the world's best playing in a great tournament - at least the BBC recognises that a great game like Argentina-Ivory Coast doesnt need to be made relevant to us by banging on about Chelsea and Arsenal all the way through.

Apart from the first match, the Czechs and Argentina, we've not seen that many good matches so far. The knockout stages can't start soon enough.

The main eurosport guy is the best commentator. True legend.

For me, BBC coverage is superior to ITV's in all respects. However, there's one thing that really gets my goat about both sets of commentators. Please please PLEASE stop being so patronising to the so-called "little" countries who are playing at the finals. They've made it there on merit, in exactly the same way that England, Argentina and Italy have (some playing many more matches), so stop being so condescending.

BBC ARE STREET'S AHEAD OF ITV FOR COVERAGE.
HANSEN, STRACHAN,O'NEIL,LEANARDO ARE ALL GREAT .
WRIGHT A BIT TO EXCITABLE BUT GOOD FUN.
THE BEST BIT ABOUT ITV IS THE BUDWISER AD LINK,THE REST SOUND LIKE THE GHOST'S OF SAINT AND GREAVSIE OR EAST END CAR SALES MEN.

Have got to say the BBC coverage is far superior , there is real depth in the analysis and also Motty is in fine form as usual.

I slightly prefer ITV because Motty and McCarthy completly wind me up BBC's best commentator is Jonathon Pearce. i like Gary Lineker but i can't stand an irishman on BBC Martin O'Neill bring back schmichael. as for ITV i like Clive Tydlsey and i think Veneables and Towsend are great pundits but i don't like Ally McCoist or Jim Rosenthal. BUT it's not the same without SKY SPORTS! Martin Tyler, Jeff Steling, Richard Keys and ANDY GRAY!!!

BBC is generally better than ITV because there are no adverts and the commentary/analysis is usually more accurate and less hyped. But they still have Jonathan Pearce and Garth Crooks, both of whom are just annoying.

F * * K ITV. BBC r Gs

The BBC coverage is far superior to ITV.You realized that Graham Le Saux was "boring" and not up to it.The choice of Gareth Southgate on ITV as a analyst during the game is hopeless.His "do you think I am going to say anything bad about my mates" attitude,has got me to put on Radio5 live commentary where Martin Jol is outstanding.Your only mistake which I still understand,because he is part of the BBC "Establishment" is John Motson being given the "top games" when Jonathon Pierce is far superior. John Motson " Whats going on" attitude ,bores me to tears sometimes. BUT unless he dies," God Forbid! or actualy goes senile during the commentary and says"what a goal" by Jimmy Greaves,you will never drop him. A little like SVEN with David Beckham.Its OK ,we all understand,its a job for life at the BBC if you want it.Rather like civil servants at the Home Office.Linneker, Hanson, Shearer,Dixon,Wright,Strachan ,knock the spots off the posers on ITV and Mark Lawrenson is the most astute observer of all.I very much like Mick McCarthys acerbic comments,when I can fully understand him!! He is a real plus !!

BBC is no doubt better than ITV. Good pundits, even Shearer and Leonardo

Motson is a terrible comentator, im too young to remember what he used to be like but that doesnt matter. Hes just a confused old man these days in the same way Murray Walker was. Am I imagining this or did he make the gaff of calling Ronaldo Romario in the '98 final? The BBC certainly carries out a good self promotion exercise with Motson ie Mini Motty and all that crap to try and boost his aura and hide his incompetancies. Lauro doesnt make things any better.

I could kill Mick McCarthy and Gareth Southgate should be banned from co comentating he is so bad

BBC coverage is so much better than ITV's advert stuffed coverage. It's a shame really.

BBC all the way. And get Gareth Southgate off the mic for the ITV.. it's painful.

Who is "ourselves"?

I think everyone would agree that the BBC is better than ITV for one reason . . . no adverts!

But the commentary is much better on ITV becuase of the awful John "all I can talk about are stats" Motson.
Just becuase he has been on the BBC for a long while doesnt make him the best and shouldnt get the big England games. Jonathan Pearce really should have them.

Strachan and Wright make the BBC the best!

BBC it much better than ITV, no adverts for one, and even more, if you don't like the comentators, you can use the red button and tune into Five Live what could be better

Problem with BBC is that they are not professional when it comes to World Cup.

In contrast ITV has professional and relaxed attitude with real decent commentary

Sorry BBC, but frankly you are rubbish.

No contest for me - BBC all the way. Far better presentation and commentary (Motson excepted) and at least there is a decent amount of discussion before and after as there's no adverts.

I watch the ITV games - but have 5 Live commentary/previews and analysis.

The late night highlights shows are great - Adrian Chiles really has come into his own with MOTD2 and now these show.s

I almost cried when Motson exclaimed that Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro had played together for years at club level until Nesta's recent move to Milan.

Nesta joined Milan 4 years ago, and the two have never played alongisde each other in Serie A.

You'd think the senior commentator for BBC football would know simple facts about two of the world's best defenders.

well bbc coverage is far better than itv, but that isnt saying much, as itv is so poor. co-commentators have been rubbish like gareth southgate and mick mcarthy, i have been frequently been switching on my red button and listening to the 5 live commentators. there are a lot of poor boring main commentators, in particualar jonathon pearce. the flash's and interactive service are as usual a cut above the rest. adam.

p.s i am dyslexic so i cant spell very well.

As a neutral, I'm enjoying the BBC coverage very much - Far more professional and more knowledgeable panels than a certain other channel.

I'm satisifed my licence fee has been well spent.

Keep up the good work.

I have been watching the WC in Holland for the past week and can get the game on BBC, Dutch, Belgium & German TV!

I have watched nearly every game so far and have had a good chance to compare the game presentation.

The things I would like the beeb to adopt from their continental counterparts is the '10 yard' circle showing how far the wall is back from the free kick and the 'distance to goal' graphic when there is a potential shooting chance from a free kick. Both of these are common on the German and Belgium broadcast.

Any chance of introducing these features? Maybe on one of the digital channels first?

Brasil game commentary - dreadful

and in general

Motson - watching a different game
McCarthy - frankly a joke
Peacock - enough said
Lawrenson - not bad but can have his Motson head on at times
Hansen - Diamond
Wright - Diamond
Leonardo - Diamond
Lineker - Occasional good points but he can't make his mind up if he is Des Lynam, Peter Alliss or Ivor the Engine.

Dream team - the three Diamonds plus Peter Kay

does it really matter?

Before this tournament, I'd found the BBC's sport coverage to be the best on terrestrial television but for this particular event, ITV have been superior.

Gary Lineker has been the best anchorman I've ever seen on the BBC. Definitely an asset to hold on to. Having said that, Gabby Logan is every bit as good. ITV's pundits (Allardyce, Pearce, Gullit) are more coherent whereas although Hansen is, the likes of O'Neill fail in this respect.

Additionally, Motson isn't the same. Before I got Sky Sports, I regarded him as the best commentator in the industry. Now, he isn't even the best on the BBC - Jonathan Pearce deserves that title. Peter Drury has been the best at calling the games at the tournament, followed closely by Clive Tyldesley (his chemistry with Southgate is the best I've seen on terrestrial TV in years).

Also, the incident at the beginning of the tournament (with the opening ceremony) is unforgivable. It was heavily criticised and rightly so.

I didn't ever feel that ITV would take over the BBC but their coverage of this tournament has significantly eclipsed the efforts of their "rivals".

all in all a great display. You've got strength, pace and aggression and they push up with pace, hold the line and when the other team get complacent they have got the men that can break with pace. Did I mention the strength and , er .. agression.
but the other team, well just watch this - this man here , totally isolated, no support, that's the basics . Rule one. Dont get square on. Sunday League.

Copyright :
Alan Hansen's phone-it-in punditry for every single game he has ever pundited on.

bbc coverage is streets ahead without the rubbish adverts.and those itv commentators,where do they get them from,i turn the sound off and put the radio on for the commentary.cant stand itv,they shouldnt be allowed to cover any sport!

Ian Wright is a god.

You are above and beyond ITV in every respect. They don't care about the football - if they knew a thing about football they would know that a trouncing of Trinidad wason'g going to happen. Beenhakker built to defend.

But what I don't understand is the final day that Group A & B games are played; why are half the games on digital channels?

Quote from my (7 year old) son when watching ITV -

This isn't the right channel Daddy ... where's the man with the big ears'

Really - ITV is a joke. It's not only the adverts, but the endless competitions, endless plugging of 'World Cuppa' etc. etc.

ITV's coverage is dire, as it always has been. Their commentators seem to spend every lull in the game plugging their premium rate phone compeitions, their studio pundits are the worst, and only seem to be their because of their celebrity (anyone who claims Terry Vegetables knows anything about football is obviously mad).

BBC TV's coverage is better, but again the commentry is poor (Motson is now just a pastiche of his former self), but the studio analysis is excellent - Hansen and O'Neill are spot on, and I even think Strachan is good now he has slowed down so that we can understand what he's saying.

However, for commentary, I dont think you can bear BBC Radio 5 - Alan Green and Mike Ingham are the best, with even the second string commentators doing a better job than anyone on TV.

With all those Irish,Scottish and
other foreign experts at the BBC we really need subtitles as cannot understand a word they say!

With all those Irish,Scottish and
other foreign experts at the BBC we really need subtitles as cannot understand a word they say!

BBC

Pros
Martin O'Neill - knows football, speaks his mind
Gary Lineker - brilliant
Gordon Strachan - like O'Neill, has actually managed successfully enough to understand the game
Leonardo - accepting the usual language problems, pretty smart
Steve Wilson, Simon Brotherton, Jon Pearce - good comms

Cons
Alan Hansen - all catchphrases with no meaning, punditry for 5 year olds
John Motson - senile
Ray Stubbs - asks stupid questions whatever sport he presents
Ian Wright - fans should be in the stands not the studio
Mark Lawrenson - ooh er, missus

ITV

Pros
Sam Allardyce - see Strachan

Cons
Jim Rosenthal - see Stubbs
Andy Townsend - idiot
Peter Drury - worst commentator ever. Speaks in a series of contrived phrased.
Clive Tyldsley - not a loss to BBC.
David Pleat - to think people trusted him with their football clubs.

Prefer the BBC...at least their pundits (even if some aren't great) get the chance to talk about the match without those advert breaks and don't just go on about England (Motty apart) during non-England games

Not sure about the commentators on either channel.

5live is ok apart from Alan 'Lets have a big moan about anything' Green.

I don't think former footballers are qualified to be pundits. Surely there are fans out there who know the game and can make constructive points and not just state the obvious. We can see who the ball is with but we can't see the whole pitch so find a commentator who can add value please!

Paul,

For the benefit of those of us overseas unable to watch our favourite pundits back home, is there any chance some of their post match comments can be posted on the website. They are put up during a match then they disappear once the game is over!

Also any chance of giving us the rating figures for all the matches you are covering. It would be interesting to see throughout the tournament which games apart from England are pulling in the UK viewers.

Many thanks.

People go on about the non-British guys not having good enough English but I think they have been some of the best pundits.

Its interesting how some people don't like Ian Wright but some love him because Wright 'show passion and heart'.

Gary does his best and its good to have a bit of lighthearted banter in a serious programme.

...MAYBE IT'S THIS AWFUL HUMIDITY THAT COMPELS ME TO SAY WHAT I AM ABOUT TO BUT I WOULD STILL FEEL EXACTLY THE SAME IN A HURRICANE