Ally Mccoist’s history lessons
The Scot wowed us all with his Russia knowledge in 2018 – so what gems to expect this time?
The 2018 World Cup will be remembered for many reasons: England reaching the semi- finals, Germany being rubbish, and that Iranian bloke who inexplicably did somersault throw- ins. But if there was one true highlight, it was surely Ally Mccoist’s history lessons.
The Scot formed a sensational double act on commentary with ITV mic man Jon Champion, showing a surprisingly in- depth knowledge of each Russian city’s history that the duo visited.
During a fixture between Poland and Colombia, Mccoist casually mused that, “Kazan has come a long way since it fell to Ivan the Terrible in 1552”, while a visit to Kaliningrad for Croatia against Nigeria prompted him to explain that, “I’ve always been fascinated by the role of the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, and indeed the contribution culturally of Immanuel Kant.”
When they watched Peru vs Australia, Mccoist briefly eschewed analysis of the South American side’s tactical approach to discuss the merits of Sochi instead.
“I can totally understand why Stalin had his summer dacha down here – it’s a magnificent place, it really is. He loved the place – I’m not so sure it loved him just as much, right enough.”
Next it was Brazil vs Mexico, prompting the co- commentator to confess his love not for Neymar or Philippe Coutinho but the venue itself. “Big fan of Samara, I’ll tell you that right now,” he told Champion. “You’re probably aware that it’s Russia’s sixth- largest city, and it’s got its own history and tradition. Believe it or not, in the Second World War it was destined to become the capital of the Soviet Union, had Moscow fallen to the Germans. We’re obviously delighted that didn’t happen, as we’re having a great time here today.”
Asked for his views on Nizhny Novgorod during Sweden vs South Korea, Mccoist had plenty to get off his chest. “There’s a lot of culture going on in this place, Jon, I have to say to you,” he explained. “A closed city, until the break- up of the Soviet Union in 1991. I was doing a bit of homework on one of their more famous sons, of course, Maxim Gorky – well- respected, brilliant author. Five- time nominee for the Nobel Prize for Literature. Some of his great works, obviously, Mother, Children Of The Sun and My Childhood. So no, it’s been a very interesting city.”
Viewers will be hoping that Mccoist is back with more at this summer’s Euros – and FFT has gained a sneak preview of some of his ( possibly fictional) notes for the tournament...
BAKU
• Impressive how it’s bounced back from the events of 1796, when Catherine the Great sent a flotilla to capture the city.
• I don’t know if you’re aware, Jon, but the city is actually 28 metres below sea level – it’s certainly fair to say that Switzerland are feeling low about this scoreline right now.
COPENHAGEN
• Something about Hans Christian Andersen and The Little Mermaid.
• The Copenhagen Fire of 1728 destroyed approximately 28 per cent of the city, but we’re all glad that they managed to put it out, as we’re having a brilliant afternoon here today.
BUDAPEST
• Formed from the unification of Buda and Pest, briefly mention 1956 Hungarian Uprising but keep it light.
• Elvis Presley is actually an honorary citizen of Budapest – Portugal have been all shook up by this start to the game that Hungary have made.
SAINT PETERSBURG
• This wonderful city, of course Jon, was the scene of the October Revolution of 1917, when the Bolsheviks stormed the Winter Palace, although technically it was autumn at the time.
• Thankfully things have calmed down a bit since then, as we’ve been given a great welcome since we arrived.