US soccer commentary baffles Brits
American commentators are baffling Brits tuning in to watch coverage of David Beckham's exploits with LA Galaxy.
Pundits across the pond are using a series of comical phrases and puzzling statements to call the action in Major League Soccer matches.
The Sun has compiled a list of the confusing terms that have aired on American TV so far, along with our own interpretation of what the commentators really mean, to give you the lowdown.
* * * * *
BULLDOGGING: When a player shows determination to win the ball back.
CHICKEN WING BATTLE: A tussle between players, during which they use their arms and elbows to fight for the ball.
FINAL SIGNAL: The final whistle.
IN THE WHEELHOUSE: Within easy reach of the goalkeeper.
KNOCK LIKE A BEAR KISS: A tackle that is more clumsy than dangerous, but appears to be worse than it actually is.
MATCH UPS: Man marking.
MIDFIELD STRIPE: The halfway line.
ON FRAME: A shot on target.
ON THE DOORSTEP: In front of the goal.
REAL ESTATE: Used to describe the space or lack of space in the penalty area.
ON THE DIAGONAL SURFACE: A cross-field pass — expect to hear this a lot when Becks is playing.
SLOW ROLLER: A weak shot at goal.
SOME WHEELS: A quick turn of pace.
SOUTHPAW: A left-footed player.
STUTTER STEP: A Cristiano Ronaldo style step-over.
TAKEAWAY: An interception or tackle after which the player comes away with the ball.
UPLOAD: To kick the ball with full power.
Comments
Posted by: David Andrew Paton
Posted on: June 24, 2009 07:15 AM
Americans are crazy! As a keen footballer myself I wouldn't have any truck with any "Chicken Wing Battle". This is football and there shouldn't be any chicken on the pitch. I do think there should be a law making it compulsory to wear a good fitting jockstrap though. There have been occasions where my somewhat unique and precocious genitalia have escaped their confines and been at risk of a sever studding, so to speak.