Well, this was just splendid
Over time we have come to expect certain things from our commentators. They often describe teams and players using words such as “passion” and “heart”, perhaps instead of discussing things such as tactics or formations.
Unfortunately, they also tend to dumb things down a little bit, discussing very general subjects without going into too much detail.
As such, it was a breath of fresh air on Sunday when ITV’s co-commentator Ally McCoist waxed lyrical about the city of Kazan, its religion, architecture, history and culture.
The conversation took place during the final game of the day, Colombia vs Poland, which took place in the city at 7pm British time.
Both teams were looking to bounce back from opening game defeats in their group but, for a moment at least, McCoist was interested in discussing what he had learned in the city, one which he admitted was his favourite during his time in Russia.
The topics discussed by the former Rangers man included, in no particular order, the sacking of the city by Ivan the Terrible in 1552, the manner in which the city has rebuilt itself, the beauty of the city’s mosques and how amazed the people living there hundreds of years ago would have felt if they witnessed the development that has made it what it is today.
If nothing else, it was just a treat to hear a commentator discuss a topic he clearly had an active interest, and if the social media response is anything to go by, plenty of people agreed.
“Kazan has come a long way since it fell to Ivan the Terrible in 1552”
Ally McCoist with the greatest commentary line we’re going to get at this World Cup
— JB™️ (@gunnerpunner) June 24, 2018
Glad to hear Kazan has come a long way since Ivan The Terrible in 1552, Ally McCoist. It was a terrible result, but the lads haven't let it get them down.
— David Whitley (@mrdavidwhitley) June 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/1878Terry/status/1010953719415009280
https://twitter.com/pdmxciii/status/1010954087259664384
Excellent to hear Ally McCoist discussing Tsar Ivan the Terrible and the architectural history of the city of Kazan 🙂
#WorldCup @itvfootball #POLCOL #POLvsCOL— Martin O'Neill (@martin_oneill) June 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/DannyONeill1987/status/1010954232651010048
Ally McCoist informs us that Ivan the Terrible would not recognise WC venue Kazan in its current form.
— Alan Hutcheson (@AlanJHutcheson) June 24, 2018
Ally McCoist giving historical information about Kazan there. Next up. Jermaine Jenas gives gardening tips #POLCOL
— Stewart McIntyre 🏴 (@MacZidane) June 24, 2018
