Scottish football is alive and well, thanks to two remarkable moments that have captured the hearts of fans across the country.
Commentary from BBC Radio Scotland's Alasdair Lamont and Michael Stewart has been widely praised for their magical 40 seconds, as Kenny McLean scores a stunning goal from the halfway line. The commentary is infectious, with Lamont proclaiming "HE'S CHIPPED SCHMEICHEL, OOOOOOAAAAAA!" as McLean slots the ball past Kasper Schmeichel. Stewart's voice cracks as he exclaims, "YEEEEESEESS!"
The raw emotion and excitement of this moment are palpable, capturing fans like me who were transported back to standing in the centre circle at a university old boys match in 2001. The memory of Alan Green's iconic commentary - "Captain Beckham waits, Dick Jol's happy. Beckham comes forward, right-footed, UP OVER THE WALL AND INTO THE NET" - is still etched vividly in my mind.
But what really sets the tone for the rest of the match is Darragh Maloney and Ray Houghton's masterful commentary during Ireland's match against Hungary. The atmosphere in Dublin airport, where Kelleher's Instagram story has gone viral, speaks volumes about the power of football to bring people together.
As I reflect on these moments, I'm reminded that there's more to this game than just the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. It's about the human connection, the shared emotions and experiences that transcend borders and cultures. The camaraderie between fans, players, and commentators alike is what makes football so special.
So here's to Kenny McLean, Troy Parrott, Ray Houghton, and all the other heroes on and off the pitch who remind us why we love this game so much. Long may they continue to inspire us with their passion, skill, and sheer joy of playing the beautiful game.
Commentary from BBC Radio Scotland's Alasdair Lamont and Michael Stewart has been widely praised for their magical 40 seconds, as Kenny McLean scores a stunning goal from the halfway line. The commentary is infectious, with Lamont proclaiming "HE'S CHIPPED SCHMEICHEL, OOOOOOAAAAAA!" as McLean slots the ball past Kasper Schmeichel. Stewart's voice cracks as he exclaims, "YEEEEESEESS!"
The raw emotion and excitement of this moment are palpable, capturing fans like me who were transported back to standing in the centre circle at a university old boys match in 2001. The memory of Alan Green's iconic commentary - "Captain Beckham waits, Dick Jol's happy. Beckham comes forward, right-footed, UP OVER THE WALL AND INTO THE NET" - is still etched vividly in my mind.
But what really sets the tone for the rest of the match is Darragh Maloney and Ray Houghton's masterful commentary during Ireland's match against Hungary. The atmosphere in Dublin airport, where Kelleher's Instagram story has gone viral, speaks volumes about the power of football to bring people together.
As I reflect on these moments, I'm reminded that there's more to this game than just the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. It's about the human connection, the shared emotions and experiences that transcend borders and cultures. The camaraderie between fans, players, and commentators alike is what makes football so special.
So here's to Kenny McLean, Troy Parrott, Ray Houghton, and all the other heroes on and off the pitch who remind us why we love this game so much. Long may they continue to inspire us with their passion, skill, and sheer joy of playing the beautiful game.