The World Cup 2006

Interesting that ITV dropped the commercial break just before kick off, and ran one just before the anthems. Presumably they'll do the same when they go head to head against the BBC. Which makes sense.

I remember for the qtr final in 1990 they started the programme at 7 (kick off at and finished all the ads by 7.15 when the BBC cam on air. They used to get a much higher share of the audience when they went to head in those days, more like 35 to 40%, rather than the 25% they got last time.

Might be of interest to some of ye, http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/228-2149106.smil, this is a comic sketch from RTE, taking off Sky Sports News (Sky News) and their approach to the world cup. Made me laugh!

Notice how ITV are trying to minimise the clutter around those necessary ad breaks, by not always having an end of part/welcome back sting

Also, I bet the sponsors love the end of ITV's broadcasts

"Sponsored by Budweiser and EDF Energy.
For more World Cup news and highlights visit itv.com/worldcup sponsored by Budweiser and EDF Energy"

The Budweiser ads are very good.

It's good to see a company realise that people are going to be sick of seeing their ads so many times and so go in for the comedic route.

EDF adverts are already grating and therefore reflect badly on the company.

Absolutely, nice to see some country-specific adverts as well for Budweiser, the 'flat pack four' one raised a smile tonight.

The Energy ones are getting on my nerves as well!

Why anyone would want to be part of the most annoying ads this year is beyond me!

Are Matt Smith and the ITV Highlights team in Germany or the UK?

Also, talking about live coverage, what do people prefer, them being presented in a central location or at the grounds? I notice the BBC have done a bit of the latter recently including last night's Brazil game, whereas on ITV today they did the first match live at a different ground from the match that they were covering!

I guess today's results means the "ITV curse" on England results has ended.

Have to admit that after watching todays England match (well done by the way!) I am starting to like ITV's new look however one thing I don't like about them and unfortunately it features quite a lot is the arrows im not sure I like them. Overall though they look great. And I absolutely love the BBC's graphics, however as mentioned previously the score graphic is way to small.

BBC 8/10
ITV 6/10

it looks like Matt Smith is in London

What ITV did today was nothing new - Sky usually do it when they are broadcasting two games which are played close to each other on a Sunday. It means they can use the same on-air and off-air team for both games.

on a slightly different note, I thought Steve Rider was excellent on ITV's coverage today. He's clearly better than Gabby.

Is Shearer still on the books at Lucozade Sport? Might get a bonus after that joke

Wonder if a certain crisp manufacturer can get a look in sometime!