Forget the World Cup, everyone's talking about this TV tension
Forget the actual games, although they’re not bad either.
The must-see TV experience of this bizarre, three-nation World Cup is the daily dance between a bizarre, three-star punditry panel.
Fox Sports announcers Rebecca Lowe, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Alexi Lalas. Getty
British anchor Rebecca Lowe is tasked with playing Fox Sports’ manager next to Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Alexi Lalas.
For the uninitiated, Henry is from France and is one of the most electric and successful wingers ever.
He is also widely regarded as a nice man and polished on television.
Zlatan is, well, Zlatan.
The Ted Lasso character Zava was inspired by the former Sweden striker, who scored spectacular goals and gives spectacular quotes.
He is not humble.
“What do you mean, ‘present?’ She got Zlatan,” Ibrahimović once said when asked what he bought an ex-girlfriend as an engagement gift.
And then there is Lalas; a former USA centre back who stood out on the pitch for his red hair and refusal to back down to ‘proper’ footballing nations.
An outspoken Donald Trump supporter, Lalas is happy to offer his opinion on anything and everything and calls his hero “the soccer president.”
An entertaining and high-profile cast, no doubt, reflecting the magnitude of the audience at a home World Cup.
Former US international Alexi Lalas has been quiet since Australia’s win. Getty Images
And their reach has spread far beyond the United States as many of their interactions get clipped up and go viral.
One fun storyline is Henry and Ibrahimović making fun of Lalas.
“Lmao Zlatan cannot stand Alexi Lalas. He just looks at him with such contempt,” one social media commenter noted.
“I think… I think Zlatan might kill Alexi Lalas?” wondered another.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Los Angeles Galaxy gets interviewed by Alexi Lalas of Fox Sports in 2018. Getty
Lalas is the only American voice on the panel, but it’s not clear how many Americans like him.
Andrew Marchand of The Athletic has thoughts.
“He is one of the most insufferable analysts in American TV sports history,” he wrote.
“And while he was one of the best all-time US defenders, his credentials are paltry compared with those of Zlatan and Henry. His broadcasting skills are third division next to Lowe’s.”
Bang.
The fun simply doesn’t stop.
Check out Henry’s face when Lalas called James Corden a “full kit w-----” on air.
Thierry Henry couldn't quite believe his ears as his fellow panellist swore on national television. @AllKindsWeather
Check out Ibrahimović’s response when Lalas called France’s first half against Senegal “arrogant.”
“It’s not arrogance,” Zlatan - who calls himself both Zlatan and God - said.
“It’s confidence. Ignorant people will say it’s arrogance. Intelligent people will say it is confidence.”
Some social media types are following the banter as closely as hungry club scouts are following the games.
One theory is that Lalas kick-started the awkward dynamic between him and Ibrahimović when talking about Norway’s Erling Haaland.
“If this man has a big World Cup, boom, right to the top, even over this guy,” Lalas said, pointing toward Ibrahimović.
“I love you Z, but I will take Haaland over you in terms of legendary status.”
Zlatan Ibrahimović and Alexi Lalas. X
You don’t bowl there to Zlatan, who now appears to be deliberately calling Lalas Alexis rather than Alexi. We have no idea what will come next.
But their thoughts on the Socceroos vs USA match will be compelling.
As Zlatan once said: “A World Cup without me is nothing to watch.”
