ETV+ Commentators on the World Cup: It's a 24/7 Job for a Month and a Half
ETV+ sports commentators Igor Saveljev and Aleksei Margiev shared insights into the World Cup final, the work of commentary, and the tournament's surprises.
World Cup Final and Favorites
The FIFA World Cup is nearing its end, and the tournament has provided sensations, dramatic outcomes, and new football stories. Commentator Aleksei Margiev noted that the initial list of favorites included 12 teams, such as Brazil, Germany, and the Netherlands, but the semi-finalists turned out to be stronger in squad strength than Brazil and Germany. In his view, Brazilian football is not as strong today, and the status of five-time world champions made them favorites.
Rising Stars
Norwegian Erling Haaland has become a hero not only in football but also in memes. Margiev explained that Haaland is already an established star, but Norway previously did not play as brightly, so he was less noticeable in the national team jersey. Igor Saveljev considers Jude Bellingham the real discovery, not Lamine Yamal, noting that Bellingham is leading his team to prize places.
Viewing Habits and Transatlantic Differences
Fans watch matches at home or in sports bars. Restaurant administrator Linda Koroleva reported many local visitors and tourists from Finland, Norway, and England. The World Cup is held in North America, causing inconvenience for Europeans due to time differences. Bars had to stay open longer to broadcast games. Tallinn has been broadcasting major tournaments since 2010, and the tradition has resumed at Freedom Square, Pae Park, and Pirita Beach.
Behind the Scenes of Commentary
Preparing for commentary takes a lot of time. Saveljev uses a legendary notebook he has kept since 2000, containing tables of all World Cups and European Championships. It serves as a cheat sheet during commentary. Margiev described the World Cup as a 24/7 job for a month and a half – without sleep or food, constantly absorbing information. Before each match, specific preparation occurs, including tactical drawings with player numbers, names, clubs, and ages.
Final Upcoming
The final takes place on Sunday, July 19, between Spain and Argentina at the stadium in East Rutherford. Live broadcast with Russian commentary will be on channel ETV+ and portal Rus.ERR. The broadcast starts at 21:45. Commentators are Igor Saveljev and Aleksei Margiev.
