Half time report! These are the 11 best World Cup TV moments so far | television

The football tournament that dominates the schedule has reached the halfway mark, which means it’s time for isotonic drinks, orange clips and in-depth TV analysis.

From weepy cult heroes to blunders, from panto villains to foul-mouthed pundits, here are the highlights of our World Cup coverage so far…

Emma Hayes makes fun of trolls

She is one of Britain’s best coaches, having won seven Women’s Soccer League titles with Chelsea and led the US women’s national team to an Olympic gold medal. But it’s frustrating that ITV pundit Emma Hayes is still attracting misogynistic abuse online. When she appeared with her “tactics blackboard”, many viewers found her smart and decisive. Others enjoyed criticizing her appearance or pointing out that she was presenting from the kitchen.

Hayes had the last laugh. She responded by wearing a jacket emblazoned with the feminist slogan: “You will change the world.” “Let’s focus on the game. I know this is a challenge for some of us at home,” he told viewers dryly.

Gary Lineker switches sides

Former BBC chief Gary Lineker has been relishing his newfound freedom, working for Netflix in the US while describing his previous employers as “soulless” because they broadcast from a “green box in Salford”.

The generous-eared enthusiast soon made a surprise return to free-to-air television as a pundit on ITV’s coverage of Germany v Côte d’Ivoire – even fitting in as lead broadcaster. “Thank you for joining us on ITV on this programme,” he greeted viewers. “Another day, another game, another channel.” He was quickly interrupted by actual flight attendant Laura Woods, who interrupted: “Gary, this is my job!” “Sorry,” Lineker replied. “Old habits.”

Neat finish

Japanese fans have stolen the hearts of locals by staying in the stadium after matches to clean the field. Instead of heading to the exits at the final whistle, they take out their trash cans to fill up their trash. The polite gesture, which has become synonymous with the country’s World Cup appearance, is rooted in the Shinto religion, which believes everyday things are spiritual and worthy of respect. “A bird leaves nothing behind,” he says.

This was widely praised as an example of sportsmanship, and not just by fans. The players apparently left the dressing room ‘spotless’ without being asked about it after their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. Welcome back anytime, boys.

Professional bird

Forget the Jaguar, the official FIFA mascot of co-host Mexico. The animal to be admired at the World Cup is Merlin, the duck who wears a miniature Mexico jersey and custom socks. The feathered football fan went viral after swaying with cheering fans following Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening match of the tournament.

Merlin has since met Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, as she made her way across the stage during her morning press conference. Feather Merlin remains unfazed by his newfound fame and happily stops to take selfies.

Critic calls James Corden a “walker”

Distinguished American critic Alexei Lalas angered viewers with his loud and unenlightened opinions. His Fox teammates, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, seemed to feel the same way, even refusing to pass the ball to the former American defender during a kick in the studio.

However, Lalas did provide one golden moment, when, after a promo for After Hours With James Corden, he called Corden a “full-geared geek” on live air, who probably doesn’t quite understand the British slang term. Henry’s face was a picture.

Hate hydration breaks

They were supposed to be brought in for the players’ well-being, but FIFA’s introduction of half-time drinks is backfiring badly. They have been roundly ridiculed for interrupting the flow of the beautiful game – especially when rain falls on the pitch – with widespread suspicion that this is merely a cynical money grab, turning football into a four-quarter format for advertisers.

In fact, the only scene less popular than the three-minute water drinking sessions was that of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who masterminded the action. Every time the camera pans to Dr. Evil’s character on the big screen, he is booed and whistled at.

Mendy is not sorry

Belgium chose the wrong place to assemble the team during its opening match against Egypt. They forgot to take the pitch sprinklers into account, which meant poor coach Rudi Garcia got very wet. He spent the next 20 minutes soaking wet in the dugout, looking as if he were participating in a wet T-shirt contest, while his players struggled to take his instructions seriously.

Veteran goalkeeper breaks the Internet

The tournament’s first hero was unexpected: Fosinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper of Cape Verde’s World Cup team for the first time. When the small island nation faced Spain, 65 places up in the world rankings, he made a series of brilliant saves to keep a clean sheet, helping the minnows to a surprise 0-0 draw against the European champions.

At the final whistle, Vosinha was named man of the match and collapsed in tears on the grass. “I cried because I grew up with my grandparents, and unfortunately they died a few years ago,” he said. “I also cried because my mother could not attend due to visa costs.” Vozinha’s loved ones may not have been there for him, but fans around the world were. Overnight, his Instagram followers went from 40,000 to over 15 million.

The right to our ally

Good luck with the ITV syndicated commentary team. While the pessimistic Lee Dixon sucks all the joy out of the room, Allie McCoist has the opposite effect. It combines humour, enthusiasm and insight, all served in a delicious Lanarkshire brogue. The much-loved McCoist was even inspired to have his own drinking game by comedian Olaf Flavel but beware: playing at home can lead to intense euphoria. Make no mistake, Fletch, it really is possible.

“Mom, I hate having my picture taken.”

Official FIFA images of England’s national team caused much cheer when they appeared on screen as the starting lineup was announced. Declan Rice is sunburnt. Dean Henderson gives an evil look. In the World Cup’s Mock the Week programme, winger Anthony Gordon’s photo was compared to Diana, Princess of Wales, Clare Balding, a “lesbian granny” and “the picture you put on the front of the order of service for your aunt’s funeral”.

Full-back Reece James has come under fire for keeping his arms stiff at his sides. Social media has compared him to a table football statue or a shy schoolboy who was asked to come downstairs and show his nifty New England kit to his grandmother.

Fries with that?

Well, it was a warm-up match the night before proceedings officially began, but it provided the first vital talking point of the tournament. Those who suspect that North America doesn’t quite “get” football had a day at the stadium when diners were spotted pitchside during a friendly match between England and Costa Rica.

As Declan Rice prepared to take a corner, behind him were oblivious spectators in the front row, sitting at tables and eating full meals al fresco. So civilized, until the wrong removal falls into your soup.