https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQC2SusDfIw&feature=youtu.be
The first two weeks of the 2014 FIFA World Cup already has produced many highlight-reel goals.
ESPN’s lead play-by-play announcer Ian Darke has called some of the more crucial scores of the tournament, including all those involving the U.S. Men’s National Team, which returns to play today against Belgium in Salvador in the Round of 16 (3 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN3 and WatchESPN).
Widely praised by American fans for his “Go, Go, USA!” call four years ago in South Africa, Darke continues to receive plaudits from colleagues and fans alike for his distinctive, passionate and quality calls from Brazil. Relive Darke’s group stage U.S. match goal calls in the video compilation above and the social media reaction below.
Highlights video produced by Josh Lander
Let @IanDarke and a Twitter heat map guide you through triumph and heartbreak from USA vs. Portgual. https://t.co/eyEpkRPdY4
— SB Nation (@SBNation) June 23, 2014
"Revenge served piping hot in the heat and humidity of Natal, Brazil." Nice line, @IanDarke #USAvGHA
— David Barron (@dfbarron) June 16, 2014
. @IanDarke is a microphone Maestro. And his partner @TaylorTwellman has been an excellent listen too.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) June 17, 2014
Can @IanDarke just record an album of him commentating?
— Logan Caywood (@thelog27) June 26, 2014
https://twitter.com/IAmMackWilliams/status/482238535953424385
"Living in cloud cuckoo land." And "unedifying spectacle." Enjoying the commentary from @IanDarke #worldcup
— Storme Wood (@storme) June 26, 2014
"Tim Howard, safety personified there…" @IanDarke could make taking out the trash sound sophisticated
— Jason Arkley (@JasonRRArkley) June 26, 2014
@ESPN World Cup announcer @IanDarke is one of the best play by play announcers on TV.Regardless of sport.He had me at "unedifying spectacle"
— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) June 26, 2014
Great job on the call fellas! What an effort!! Never give up. Just keep battlin. @TaylorTwellman @IanDarke #WorldCup2014 #USA
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) June 17, 2014