Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand jokingly threatened to abandon the BBC studio live on air during World Cup 2022 coverage after being teased about Manchester City's dramatic 2012 Premier League title triumph, which came at United's cost.
Ferdinand's Punditry Role
The now-47-year-old has again been a key pundit at this World Cup for FOX Sports, with the tournament reaching the semi-final phase. Argentina were crowned world champions four years ago and will meet England in a mouth-watering last-four encounter on Wednesday night.
La Albiceleste's journey to the final in 2022 commenced in the group stage, where they secured top spot in Group C courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Poland, having suffered a stunning opening defeat to Saudi Arabia.
The Zabaleta Jibe
Following this triumph, Ferdinand was accompanied in the BBC studio by former City defender Pablo Zabaleta. The match proved tense for Poland, who were monitoring the Saudi Arabia versus Mexico result, requiring a favourable outcome there to guarantee their progression from the group.
Zabaleta couldn't resist drawing comparisons to a rather infamous Premier League final day. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez sealed Argentina's position as group winners in Qatar, leaving Poland in a nervous wait.
As the final whistle blew, Poland were progressing on their disciplinary record, sitting level on goal difference with Mexico, both nations having accumulated four points. However, Mexico's fixture was still in progress and if they added another to their 2-0 advantage, they would edge out Poland. Ultimately, a stoppage-time Saudi Arabia goal ensured Poland finished as runners-up.
Ferdinand's Reaction
Appearing alongside Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer after the match, Ferdinand acknowledged he had previously experienced such a scenario, where he'd been monitoring another game's result. This invited Zabaleta to jest: "Like 2012?"
He was alluding to the final day of the 2011/12 Premier League campaign, when United believed they'd clinched the title with a 1-0 victory against Sunderland, only for bitter rivals City to snatch triumph from the jaws of defeat against QPR. Sergio Aguero's dramatic late winner completed the remarkable turnaround.
Ferdinand was among the United squad forced to watch their rivals' extraordinary fightback, and Zabaleta was representing City that day. Following the quip, Ferdinand jokingly suggested he'd had his fill of punditry for the evening.
"Can you get me off air, please?" he joked. "He's brought up the City stuff with Aguero's goal. He's out of order, you've got to go now."
Lineker couldn't resist one final dig, as the former Leicester striker bellowed "Agueroooo" in tribute to Martin Tyler's memorable commentary of the dramatic title-clinching goal.
Current Activities
Ferdinand has been presenting a World Cup programme for FOX Sports this summer. He is also remaining active on his eponymous YouTube channel.
His nation will face Zabaleta's when England take on Argentina in Atlanta. The winner will secure a place in the final against either Spain or France.
