The BBC found itself at the center of a significant blunder when fans noticed that the commentary during England’s match against Australia was ahead of the actual coverage.
England secured their place in the Women’s World Cup final for the first time by defeating hosts Australia 3-1 in Sydney.
This victory at Stadium Australia marked a historic moment as the Lionesses became the first English team since 1966 to reach the final on the global stage.
Ella Toone gave England the lead in the first half with a magnificent first-time strike that found the top corner of the net.
Despite Australia’s star striker Sam Kerr, making her first appearance of the tournament, scoring a brilliant goal from around 25 yards that soared over goalkeeper Mary Earps’ head to level the game, England ultimately clinched the win.
Lauren Hemp seized an opportunity from a defensive mistake to regain the lead, followed by Alessia Russo sealing the victory, setting up a final clash with Spain.
While it was an historic night for England, viewers noticed that Robin Cowen’s commentary was not synchronized with the visuals during Toone’s opening goal.
What a goal Ella Toone 🤤🚀 #FIFAWWC #ENG #AUS pic.twitter.com/xnsOdz95pF
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 16, 2023
“This is the one thing I’ve always wanted” 🥹
Lucy Bronze and the Lionesses are on cloud 9 ☁️ #FIFAWWC #ENG pic.twitter.com/zbOVXhxav6
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 16, 2023
One person said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Have the BBC realised the commentary and sound is in front of the video?
“Ruined the Toone goal.”
Another added: “Annoying that the commentary is ahead of the visual. Goal was announced before we saw it!!!”
And a third replied: “This commentary being ahead of the pictures is really annoying.”
England will not care of course, with the team turning their attention to Sunday where they will take on Spain, who beat Sweden 2-1 in the other semi-final.
On England’s victory Serena Wiegman said, via theIndependent: “We achieved the final and it’s unbelievable. it was an incredible game, an incredible stadium.
“We scored three goals, you’ve been talking about ruthless but i think this team has that ruthlessness. We stick together and we stick to the plan and it worked again.”
On Australia, she added: “I think they have done an incredible job and they really grew in the tournament. You saw today why Sam Kerr is the star of the team but as a team they are really tough to play against.”