Whenever I have time to watch the World Cup I try to make sure it is tuned to Univision, the Spanish channel.
It is not because I want to practice my español, but rather, the announcers make the game sound that much more interesting.
Their excitement, enthusiasm and effervescent commentary flow within their overall vocal tone like a roller-coaster. You may have no clue what they are actually saying, but you definitely know when someone did something.
The Simpsons parodied this in “The Cartridge Family“:
TV Announcer: The Continental Soccer Association is coming to Springfield! It’s all here–fast-kicking, low scoring, and ties? You bet!
Bart: Hey, Dad, how come you’ve never taken us to see a soccer game?
Homer: I…don’t know.
TV Announcer: You’ll see all your favorite soccer stars. Like Ariaga! Ariaga II! Bariaga! Aruglia! And Pizzoza!
Homer: Oh, I never heard of those people.
TV Announcer: And they’ll all be signing autographs!
Homer: Woo-hoo!
TV Announcer: This match will determine once and for all which nation is the greatest on earth: Mexico or Portugal!Homer: [shouting] Boring!
Krusty: Come on, you schnorers, do something!
Brockman: [calling plays from booth listlessly] Halfback passes to the center. Back to the wing. Back to the center. Center holds it. Holds it. [rolls eyes] Holds it…
Mexican Announcer: [excitedly] Halfback passes to center, back to wing, back to center, center holds it! Holds it! Holds it!
Here is the video on YouTube.
I now can totally see why Orson Wells managed to freak out people during his boisterous radio announcement of: The War of the Worlds.
Be sure to check out some of the World Cup inspired commercials, some of them are pretty funny.