Wayne Rooney Fulfills Rowing Bet Down Hudson River with Pundit Colleagues

BBC Sport pundit Wayne Rooney has fulfilled a unique World Cup wager by rowing down the Hudson River in New York, accompanied by fellow former England internationals Joe Hart and Micah Richards. The challenge was a direct consequence of Norway’s surprising 2-1 victory over Brazil in the last 16 of the tournament, a result that triggered Rooney’s promise to undertake the rowing feat.

The former England striker had pledged live on air that he would row down the River Mersey if Norway managed to defeat the five-time World Cup champions. With Norway achieving the upset, Rooney, who is now a prominent figure in the BBC’s football coverage, kept his word. The trio swapped their usual studio microphones for oars, embarking on their rowing adventure in the bustling waters of New York.

Por que importa

“I loved it,” Rooney commented after the row. “The fans were brilliant. So we’ve done it out of respect for the fans.” The gesture was inspired by the “Viking row” that became a notable and popular spectacle among Norway fans during the World Cup. Even Norwegian star Erling Haaland was aware of Rooney’s commitment, having previously stated, “Wayne, I expect you to go out on a rowing trip.”

Although Norway’s World Cup journey concluded in the quarter-finals after a match against England, Rooney’s rowing escapade served as a light-hearted and memorable moment stemming from the tournament’s unpredictable outcomes.

Contexto

Rooney, Hart, and Richards are set to return to their more conventional punditry roles alongside host Gabby Logan for the upcoming World Cup final. The showpiece event, featuring Spain against Argentina, will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday, July 19th, at 20:00 BST. Fans can also follow build-up and full match commentary via BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds. The BBC Sport website and app will provide comprehensive coverage, including live text updates, in-play video clips, and post-match highlights and analysis.

Prior to the final, England will compete in the World Cup third-place match against France on Saturday at 22:00 BST, also available live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Key facts

This light-hearted story offers a glimpse into the personalities of well-known football figures off the pitch, highlighting the human element and memorable moments that can arise from major sporting events. It provides a break from typical match analysis and transfer news, showcasing a different side of the footballing world that resonates with fans.

Source: BBC Sport Football – Rooney, Hart and Richards row down Hudson River – https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c3w0p810dj9o