Nikolay Ozerov (1922-1997) was a Soviet commentator, famous for his sports commentary on television. He was one of the first commentators in the USSR to introduce the practice of commentating on football matches “live” – that is, to provide his commentary directly during the game. Thanks to him, many epic moments in sports have become legendary.
Ozerov began his career in radio and then moved to television. His nickname is “The Voice of Football”. He commentated on matches not only in the USSR but also abroad, including the 1970 FIFA World Cup. Ozerov also commentated on other sports, such as hockey, athletics and boxing.
He was well known not only for his brilliant commentary, but also for his flamboyant personality – he was open, honest and flamboyant, always ready to support the athletes and teams that inspired him. His commentary style was considered one of the best in the Soviet Union and was widely popular with viewers.
Nikolay Ozerov became a legend of Soviet sports commentary and gained wide fame thanks to his bright expressions and catchphrases. Some of them are:
- We don’t need this kind of hockey!
- Sorry, technical problems outside the USSR…
- That number nine again!
- Figure skating is an art, it’s not even football!
- The vaunted Canadian professionals…
- The linesman strikes some nice poses.
- Today, Dynamo players are playing without their usual blue shorts.
- The defense limped on both legs, practically not getting up from its knees.
- Juli Lopez shoots at goal! Juli is his name.
- Varlamov has number 3 on his jersey and number 9 on his shorts… I can’t explain what this is connected with, but it’s unlikely to be related to size.
- And the ball, having overcome the last obstacle between the goalkeeper’s legs, flies into the goal.
- The referee pulled out a red card from his pants.
- I’m knocking on my head, on the monitor, on the books. What else is wooden around here, my God!