It's funny, this world cup has seen a real division between a story of stand out individuals, mostly 10s (Neymar, Messi, James-Rod) and well drilled teams (Greece, Costa Rica and Germany). Not that those countries can simply be defined like that; Colombia have a good team, and Germany have some brilliant individuals - Neuer is clearly the best keeper there is, and Mascherano has shone too. What it does do is illustrate my mixed feelings for this one. On one hand there is Messi, the best player in the world producing several moments of magic, and without whom, Argentina likely would not be here. Then we have the German team, the fruition of a well forged plan by Klinsmann and Löw to reinvigorate German football and win some silverware. It's undoubtedly the time for both of these, the individual brilliance of Messi and the collective brilliance of Germany (who are missing some of their best players ffs) to cement their reputation and earn a place in history. I definitely think Germany will win, not sure who I want to win. Guess I'll go with my head.
Apparently they don't mind: http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/jul/11/world-cup-2014-bbc-v-itv "Yet for ITV it is a beating worth taking as the only place advertisers can turn to hit World Cup fans, so ad revenues will be up by well over 20% year on year across the tournament." Apparently last time it was 5:1 to the Beeb. Who are these 1/6 of footy fans who watch ITV? Statistically, someone on here will - anyone going to own up?!
I'll be watching BBC1 while listening to 5 Live. Can't miss Mike Ingham's final commentary when I've grown up with it, and I love listening to Alan Green as well.
I imagine BBC will stuff ITV in the ratings. People hate adverts, and ITV shove them in your face every 5 minutes.
And BBC actually broadcast their footy in better resolution. I don't mind ads so much, but since I have got Sky HD I can't stand the blurriness of ITV sport.