How Futbol Should Be Called

Thank you ESPN. Genine, sincere thanks for NOT using the same chatty Kathy style of commentary on the World Cup men's games. An abject difference from the Women's World Cup or the 2006 men. No more fill every second blather that broke down into telling me what I could obviously see or tell lengthy human interest stories that got in the way of the contest. No joke, I recall hearing the same "her hometown is nearby" five times in one half during one of the women's qualifying matches.

No NBC Olympic soap opera personal stories. Just sport.

Martin Tyler yesterday for USA-England was pitch perfect. Tyler, a Keith Jackson of dry wit, on Clint Dempsey's goal "a hit and hope shot" but "if you buy a ticket, sometimes, you win a raffle."

Now there was a momentary Americanism today when the replays of the clips led to more than a few Bill Buckner references - you know, ca use us dumb Yanks couldn't appreciate Tyler's line: "it's a howler."

Not hearing the story of Dempsey's late sister during the game made me appreciate his obvious heavenly gesture after the goal. I saw the human interest angle in the pre game, where it should be.

Today, another excellent match call for Germany and Australia. Yes, the beautiful game, beautifully announced.