John Motson’s ‘harsh’ pronunciation of Germany icon’s identify will stay on perpetually

Legendary broadcaster John Motson once had football fans in stitches thanks in part to his timely pronunciation of German striker Stefan Kuntz’s name.

Motson, who sadly passed away back in February 2023, covered a whopping 10 World Cups, 10 Euros and 29 FA Cup finals prior to retiring in 2018. However, one of his most memorable moments came during Euro 96 when he was commentating on a game between Germany and the Czech Republic during the group stages.

It was Kuntz, who turned 62 this week, and his teammates who prevailed on that occasion, winning 2-0. They would go on to beat the Czech Republic in the final too, winning Euro 96 2-1.

Speaking on TV show Fantasy Football League, hosts David Baddiel and Frank Skinner recalled Motson’s commentary from the first clash during Euro 96 between the Czech’s and the Germans.

“In the Czech Republic game last Sunday, John Motson was particularly critical of the two strikers substituted by Germany,” Skinner said.

Cutting to the broadcast, Motson said: “So (Oliver) Bierhoff’s got a short time to press his claims, now that the two other strikers who started the match have both been taken off…” He [Motson], then added after a change in possession to the named striker: “…Kuntz.”

Having covered more than 200 England matches and just short of 2,500 televised games, Motson waved goodbye after Match of the Day coverage of Crystal Palace versus West Brom in 2018.

Among the many awards he received during his career, Motson was handed a crystal microphone at Selhurst Park at his final fixture – having a huge honour already at home.

Back in 2001, Motson became an OBE thanks to his services to sport broadcasting, which began all the way back in 1971. And in 2018, Motson was awarded a Bafta for his outstanding contribution to sports broadcasting, which was richly deserved.