Facts, facts and more facts poured forth from the microphone of the BBC's very own Mr Gradgrind, but John Motson endured a hard time with Group B.

Cameroon and Austria failed to provide a first hour flow and Motty followed their faltering lead, stuttering "er ... Pfeifenberger to ... er ... Herzog."

But at least a file of facts burst on to to the scene with Motty's France 98 debut, the camel hair-coated one welcoming the viewers to Toulouse, the Pink City, apparently so called for the pink hue of the buildings.

That strong educational opening was quickly followed by news that Austria's Toni Polster had earned 92 caps - just one away from being his country's most capped player.

The commentary pairing of Motson and David Pleat at least filled the entertainment void left bare by a dull match, both proffering their bids for inclusion in the next edition of Coleman Balls.

Said Pleat: "Both teams failing to contrive any real passages of consecutive passing, which is I think so vital." Great insight and clarity from Tottenham's director of football.

But, not to be outdone, Motty produced an Austrian double header. "They know each other's games inside out," he warbled of the Austrian midfield as a pass went horribly astray.

The coup de grace was supplied when Herzog attempted to re-enter the fray after an arm injury: "He is holding his right and signalling with his left."

Try that one at home.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.