How sports commentators say goodbye to their listeners

Contents:

• Like in the movies
• When you want to finish everything

Viktor Gusev has reached the peak of his career, but the same cannot be said about many Russian football players. Fate has it that this commentator has become the voice of the national team's most devastating defeats. His commentary has become a symbol of those moments when expectations diverged from reality, reflecting the mood of fans and the atmosphere in the stadiums. Gusev, a professional, always remained objective and emotional, which has strengthened his position in sports journalism.

A petition calling for Gusev's suspension from broadcasts was published on the Change.org platform.

All fans of our national team know that Viktor's commentary during matches often ends in a draw or a loss for the team. This opinion is expressed in the petition, which emphasizes the commentator's influence on game outcomes.

In 2017, Viktor Gusev released his autobiography, "Unlucky." He began writing the book in the hospital, where he was admitted following an accident. While walking along the platform, it unexpectedly collapsed, resulting in three broken vertebrae. The idea to write a book was suggested to him by a doctor, who even helped him with the beginning of the story.

Start your book with the idea that you are lucky. Otherwise, if you had fallen just two centimeters to the side, your life could have changed dramatically, and you could have ended up in a wheelchair. These doctor's words stuck with Gusev and became an important reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of luck in our existence.

The commentator's misfortune may lie in the fact that his famous farewell phrase has been used by many, including Andrei Malakhov. However, it was Viktor Gusev who first uttered this memorable "Take care of yourself" as part of his on-screen farewell. The commentator regrets that he didn't think to patent this expression.

Gusev shared his thoughts on choosing a unique farewell speech in the context of the difficult situation of the 1990s. He noted that at a time when anxiety hung in the air, he longed for something special. In essence, his farewell mirrored the American expression "Take care!", although in this context it didn't have the same profound meaning. Rather, it could be perceived as something akin to a simple "Bye!"

Last year, the renowned commentator was invited to host the Russian Football Cup draw. Amid the pandemic, Gusev decided to adapt his catchphrase and addressed the audience with a final plea: "Take care, I warned you long ago!" This message became a timely reminder of the importance of health and safety in difficult times.

Like in the movies

Vasily Utkin and Viktor Gusev are united not only by their similar surnames but also by their shared professional achievements in the world of sports journalism. Both commentators have established themselves as outstanding specialists in the field of sports coverage, bringing a unique style and a deep understanding of the sport to their work. Their careers embody high standards of commentary, which makes them figures of interest to a wide audience.

Sports anchor, Vladimir Utkin is known for his signature phrase, "Play football," which he utters at the end of every match. In one of his broadcasts, Utkin created a particularly memorable ending. During the final match between Argentina and Serbia, which ended in a convincing victory for the Argentinians, he masterfully combined his traditional phrase with a colleague's farewell. Utkin noted: "If I were in the shoes of the Serbian national team, I would say, 'Take care,' but today I'm on the side of the Argentina national team, so I'll say, 'Play football!'" This statement underscores his professionalism and passion for football, as well as his ability to find original approaches in his reports. Two renowned commentators, renowned for their memorable farewell phrases, once joined forces for a joint report. However, instead of a sporting event, they commentated on the process of parking a car. This unique event took place as part of the Evening Urgant program, adding a special flavor and originality to standard television reports.

Utkin shares that his famous phrase arose from a completely ordinary situation.

The journalist recalls that the farewell happened completely by accident. He needed some way to end the conversation, and that's exactly how he said it.

Vladimir Stognienko is currently one of the most popular sports commentators. He has commentated on two key events in recent years: the World Cup and European Football Championship finals. Concluding his reports, Stognienko invariably emphasizes the phrase, "Goodbye, and good luck." When asked about the meaning of this phrase, he shared a link to the movie website IMDB, where one can find the film "Good Night, and Good Luck." The story of journalist Edward Murrow, as told in the film, likely inspired the commentator to use this farewell formula. Stognienko has become a symbol of professionalism in sports journalism, and his style remains a model for many aspiring commentators.

Sometimes, those close to commentators aren't always pleased with their comments. Andrei Golovanov, who anchors figure skating, hockey, and football coverage, ends each broadcast with, "Goodbye, and I hope we meet again." Despite criticism from his mother for using the word "hope," Golovanov continues to repeat the phrase, which has become his trademark.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games commentator shares his thoughts on working in sports journalism. He emphasizes that to succeed in this field, one must not only be a professional but also have a special attitude. Sporting events require commentators to react quickly, have a deep understanding of the game, and be able to convey emotions to viewers. This approach allows for the creation of engaging and memorable commentary that can captivate the audience and make the match even more exciting. Professionalism in commentary lies not only in knowledge of the game but also in the ability to interact with the audience, which makes each event unique and unforgettable.

When you want to end it all

During a report, sometimes you need to change a familiar phrase. Vladimir Maslachenko often said goodbye to TV viewers with the words: “Thank you for your attention, I thank my friends for their work, Vladimir Maslachenko was at the microphone.”

After the legendary During the Champions League final, in which Manchester United snatched victory from Bayern Munich in a tense stoppage-time tie, the commentator uttered a now-iconic line: "The dandies lie down, and the mighty triumph. That's how great battles are won." The match became a symbol of the team's tenacity and spirit, demonstrating that even in the most difficult situations, success can be achieved. The broadcast was memorable not only for its drama, but also for the emotions experienced by the spectators, making this final one of the most memorable in the history of football.

Some commentators tire of repetitive phrases and choose to archive them. Georgy Cherdantsev previously concluded his reports with the phrase, "Have a good mood, no matter what!" However, at some point, the host decided to abandon this tradition, explaining that he simply got tired of it. Nevertheless, Cherdyntsev remains one of the most memorable commentators, and his reports feature many original verbal constructions.

After the goal During the Russian national team's goal against the Netherlands at the 2008 European Championship, Cherdantsev, in a burst of emotion, exclaimed, "I'm going to end it all!" Although the phrase had no clear meaning, viewers intuitively understood that the presenter wanted to express his deepest joy and delight. This moment became iconic for many football fans and was remembered as an example of a commentator's vivid emotional reaction to sporting events.

Finals Commentators' phrases usually convey a positive outlook and hope for the future. Fans often experience the defeat of their favorite teams, and at such moments, words of encouragement are especially valuable. Commentator Sergey Krivokharchenko's parting words: "Goodbye, and may all be well with you!" are especially warm and leave a pleasant aftertaste. She creates an atmosphere in which you don't want to argue or criticize, but on the contrary, inspires new hopes and expectations.