The wait is over
The 2018 Fifa World Cup us up and running. Its first game saw hosts Russia take on Saudi Arabia in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.
In the UK, the tournament opener was broadcast by ITV Sport, who had the opportunity to show off their fancy new Red Square studio.
Host Mark Pougatch was joined by pundits Gary Neville, Lee Dixon, Ian Wright and Slaven Bilic, while Jacqui Oatley also discussed the opening game with Ryan Giggs and Eni Aluko.
Aluko, who recently left Chelsea to join Juventus in Italy, impressed many of those watching with her thoughts on the game, as was shown by the reaction on Twitter.
It was clear she’d researched both teams involved and demonstrated decent knowledge of many of the key players for both sides. Although doing this might seem like obvious preparation, several of the tweets pointed out that this was something many pundits appear not to do…
Eni Aluko has done her homework. Enjoying listening to her.
— Richard Cusack (@RichardCusackBM) June 14, 2018
Wow Eni Aluko talking about Russia and Saudi Arabia like she's actually researched them, rare for a former player turned pundit
— Jules Rimet still gleaming (@Kiwie999) June 14, 2018
Eni Aluko showing how it's done by actually being knowledgeable on the teams in a match she's providing analysis on. Hope more pundits do this, since, it's like their job.
— Stevo McKenna Ⓥ Vegan Alba ?? (@StevoMcKenna7) June 14, 2018
Some, perhaps harshly, went as far as comparing how knowledgeable Aluko next to Giggs…
Eni Aluko discussing the ins and outs of the Russia and Saudi Arabia teams and what their strengths might be
Ryan Giggs: "It'll be tough for Russia being the hosts" ?
— Alex Watt (@AlexWatt187) June 14, 2018
Eni Aluko making Ryan Giggs look stupid there, more of this please
— Josh (@SCFCJosh96) June 14, 2018
Eni Aluko showing Ryan Giggs how it's done there with proper research and insight. Different levels of punditry.
— Adam Keyworth (@adamkeyworth) June 14, 2018