Ally McCoist is a damn fine commentator.
We could have told you that back in 2004, when McCoist’s Glasgow accent provided the soundtrack to some of the greatest games from the Fifa franchise. McCoist, along with John Motson, acted as co-commentator for the video game series before the team of Clive Tyldesley and Andy Gray replaced them for Fifa 2006.
We’ve not heard much from McCoist from the commentary booth in recent years, as he focused mainly on his role as a studio pundit after his spell in charge of Rangers.
But he was back in action on Saturday afternoon as he provided his live analysis of Croatia’s 2-0 victory over Nigeria in their Group D opener.
All set in Kaliningrad. First worked with Ally McCoist on WC98. Delighted to be reunited with this bundle of energy and enthusiasm! #CRONGA live on @ITV pic.twitter.com/3mhwYOFdnS
— Jon Champion (@JonChampionJC) June 16, 2018
An own goal from Oghenekaro Etebo gave Croatia the lead after half an hour before Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric gave them some much-needed breathing room with a penalty 20 minutes from time.
McCoist gave a great account of himself alongside Jon Champion in ITV’s coverage of the game and not only did it make fans wonder why he so seldom commentates nowadays but it also sent them on a trip down memory lane when he was voicing the new and improved career mode in Fifa 2004.
The nostalgia was too much for some.
https://twitter.com/RossNagy94/status/1008063933163372545
https://twitter.com/H_Yazdi786/status/1008063171075231746
Not sure if I’m watching #WorldCup18 or FIFA 04 with Ally McCoist commentating, major flashbacks 😂
— Ryan (@hydey17) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/niallmcloughlin/status/1008080786061488128
Flashbacks to mid 2000’s FIFA with McCoist commentating. Knew it felt familiar for a reason.
— Bacary Lasagna (@lil_wizard123) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/sam3BD/status/1008077902355881984
Ally McCoist on co-commentary is giving me major FIFA 2005 flashbacks
— sam (@S__Elder) June 16, 2018
Ally McCoist on the commentary here is giving me flashbacks to FIFA 2004. They were the days
— Joe (@joewhitehead__) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/jhurstj/status/1008065513371656197
Ally McCoist co-commentating the Croatia vs Nigeria game is giving me flashbacks of Fifa 04 😂 #WorldCup2018
— Scott Ross (@scottross211972) June 16, 2018
Having Ally McCoist on commentary is giving me all sorts of FIFA 2005 flashbacks 😂 #WorldCup #CRONGA
— COYS Nathan. (@ShelfSideNath) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/backagain03/status/1008060298371182593
