ZDF man Rethy confuses so many players that Wagner eventually snaps into it

Hardly any other football commentator has accompanied more games on the microphone than Bela Rethy. He’s actually an experienced rabbit in the business, but between Belgium and Italy in the quarter-finals of the EM, he made several mistakes and mixed up many names.

The evening of confusion began when Rethy took the name of Giorgo Chiellini in his mouth instead of Leonardo Bonucci. This scene was about the withdrawal of the first hit because it was previously an offside position. The goal in the 13th minute of the game did not count.

Bela Rethy mixes up one player after the other

It continued with the first goal by Nicolo Barella (31st), whom Rethy unceremoniously dubbed Federico Chiesa. ZDF expert Sandro Wagner remained calm for a long time. Up to a scene in the first half when Ciro Immobile was fighting a duel.

Rethy recognized the wrong player again and instead named Lorenzo Insigne, who, at 1.63 meters, is 21 centimeters shorter than Immobile. Of course, a commentator can mix up a player from time to time, but please not so often.

Sandro Wagner growls at Rethy: “Immobile!”

“Immobile!” Growled Wagner in between. At this point at the latest, it was probably enough for the ex-professional footballer, who had to listen to a few mix-ups in the course of the game. As with the two Belgians Thomas Meunier and Thorgan Hazard.

This mix-up was an action on the far right when a long pass could not find a buyer and Romelu Lukaku was annoyed. Here, too, it was noticed that both players are different sizes. While Meunier is 1.90 meters long, Hazard is just 1.74 meters.

ZDF expert Wagner shines next to Rethy

At the latest then Rethy could have seen that it was the wrong player. But Rethy also had trouble recognizing Toby Alderweireld. Before the break, he couldn’t place his name correctly.

In the second half, Rethy had problems with Barella and the later injured Spinazzola, which he mixed up on the center circle in the 68th minute. “He’s stuck with Barella,” said Rethy. “Spinazzola”, corrected Wagner, “who is playing another huge game today.”

While commentator veteran Rethy did not have his best day, expert Wagner shone by his side. With great expertise and a clear opinion, like the joke penalty shot shortly before the break whistle. With that he ironed out the weak evening at Rethy.