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Sergio Aguero celebrates during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, May 2012.

12 of the best pieces of commentary ever ft. Aguero, Maradona, Torres…

Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona have all been involved in games featuring some of the most iconic pieces of commentary ever to wash over our ears.

The commentary can make or break how – and for how long – a goal is remembered. Words can make a huge difference in adding goosebumps after moments of football brilliance.

From prime Martin Tyler to the lesser-known Ray Hudson, commentators have produced some stunning moments over the years. Here’s our pick of the bunch.

England vs Argentina – Victor Hugo Morales

In one of the most significant games in World Cup history, Diego Armando Maradona produced one of the greatest bits of cheating of all time followed by the greatest goal of all time and sent his team flying towards the ultimate glory.

Fortunately for those back in Diego’s native land, they were treated to a bit of commentary just as good as the goal itself.

Even if you can’t understand Morales’ words, the delivery will give you goosebumps. But fortunately for us, some dedicated soul on the internet has subtitled the clip as well.

Beautiful stuff.

Roma vs Barcelona – Peter Drury

Leading 4-1 from the first leg, Barcelona were cruising to the Champions League semi-finals.

Roma pulled one back in the first half of the return fixture, but even then their prospects seemed bleak – until a second was scored on the hour and there was the sense that something special was on the cards.

In the 82nd minute, Kostas Manolas headed in from a corner to send Roma through on away goals. Drury’s commentary is a thing of beauty.

Manchester City vs QPR – Martin Tyler

This may have to go down as the most iconic piece of commentary ever in the Premier League.

Barcelona vs Chelsea – Gary Neville

Ten-man Chelsea are clinging on to an away-goal lead for dear life with everyone camped inside their own box.

That is until Fernando Torres creeps upfield unnoticed, ending up on the end of a clearance, 50-yards from goal, with only Victor Valdes to beat.

Liverpool vs Olympiakos – Andy Gray

This commentary of Steven Gerrard’s sweet half-volley against Olympiakos, a late goal which sealed qualification to the knockout stages of a Champions League they would go on to win, is absolutely brilliant.

Everton vs Arsenal – Clive Tydesley

Clive has become synonymous with shouting “ROONEEEYYYY” for ITV during England games over the last 15 years.

But not to be forgotten is Rooney’s first ever Premier League goal, a late winner against Arsenal, where this promising talent truly announced himself, aged just 16.

“Remember the name,” the commentator exclaimed. We did.

South Africa vs Mexico – Peter Drury

It was the first World Cup in Africa and only the third that South Africa had participated in.

The country had gone football mad, as does the world every four years, and in the opening game the home side took the most unexpected of leads.

If this commentary doesn’t give you goosebumps, we don’t know what will.

England vs West Germany – Kenneth Wolstenholme

Back in the days when commentators didn’t shout and scream and get excited, Wolstenholme’s calm reaction to England sealing World Cup victory is iconic.

Sweden vs England – Stan Collymore

Collymore is most definitely talking way too much for a co-commentator here on talkSPORT, and almost gets in the way of the goal.

But he makes up for it with sheer adoration for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Puskas Award-winning overhead kick against England.

Liverpool vs AC Milan – Clive Tyldesley

We all know the story of Istanbul, it is one which will be remembered for centuries to come.

When Steven Gerrard pulled one back after Liverpool went in at half-time 3-0 down, it seemed a consolation at best. Not to Clive Tyldesley, though.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona – Ray Hudson

If you’ve got a couple of hours, search ‘Ray Hudson’ on YouTube and you won’t be disappointed.

The former midfielder, who made 25 appearances for Newcastle before leaving for America in the 70s, now works as a commentator on Spanish football and loves Lionel Messi.

If you’ve not got a couple of hours, start with this clip. It’s completely beyond the realms of possibility how he can even come up with these analogies out of nowhere.

“You can drop a tarantula into his shorts and he’ll still be cool,” is a particular highlight.


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