Sport Is History

The World Cup has seen players, coaches and matches that will forever stay in memory but what about those moments that fly under the radar? Well, in this episode Mark and Marcus explore some of what can only be described as ONE-HIT wonders! From players who produced unforgettable performances to countries engulfed in political pressure, the pair unpack Italy's Toto Schillaci, North Korea's triumph...

Every World Cup-winning team has legendary players—but behind every champion stands a mastermind on the touchline. In this episode, we dive into the brilliant minds that shaped football history, exploring the tactics, personalities, and leadership of four standout coaches of all time, Franz Beckenbauer, Alf Ramsey, Vittorio Pozzo, and Helmut Schön. From endearing personalities to unforgettable tri...

They think it’s all over, it is now! There have been some UNBELIEVABLE games throughout World Cup history but some simply take your breathe away and in this episode Mark and Marcus step back in time to unpick some of the most exciting matches in the history of the tournament. From the scintillating Brazil squad of 1982 to the six-goal thriller final in 2022, we look back at games full of passion,...

What happens when a dog finds a stolen trophy? Or when a referee brandishes 3 yellow cards...to the same player. Well, in this episode Mark and Marcus take a look at some of the craziest moments the World Cup held host to. From violent games to catastrophic bookings, the pair relive the events of Pickles the dog, Gazza vs Germany, the battle of Santiago and Graham Poll's yellow card fiasco. We wan...

Watching England isn't always the most enjoyable process, however, the team has provided some unforgettable moments (both good & not so much). In this episode, Mark and Marcus choose their best and worst England games at the World Cup, from dreary 0-0 draws and ghost goals to impressive wins and penalty shootouts. The pair look back on games from the 1982, 1986, 1998 & 2010 World Cups. We want to...

From countless backflips to collective team routines, the World Cup has had it's fair share of wild celebrations and in this episode Mark and Marcus take look back at some of the stand ones from tournaments gone by! We take look back at everything from South Africa's 'Diski Dance' against Mexico in 2010 to the king of the somersaults in Julius Aghahowa...who performed SEVEN backflips in a row in 2...

Narrow fairways. Brutal rough. Lightning-fast greens. Every year, the U.S. Open arrives with a simple mission: identify the best golfer in the world by asking the toughest questions in the game. In this episode, Mark and Marcus explore some of the greatest stories the tournament has had to offer through time, from Francis "the father of amateur golf" Ouimet to the vibrant Payne Stewart, the U.S. O...

Bad fouls, iconic dances and loveable coaches. What makes someone a hero or a villain in the greatest competition in world football? Well, Mark and Marcus are here to tell you their favourite players and managers who are liked and disliked for a variety of different reasons. In this episode, the pair look at Toni Schumacher's infamous challenge in 1982, Jack Charlton's reign as manager of Ireland,...

What happens when historic champions get humiliated, underdogs roar and hopes of a nation are crushed before they get going? In this episode, we're diving headfirst into some of the biggest World Cup SHOCKS! These are the matches that left fans speechless, newspapers furious and history books needing a rewrite. From stunning upsets to contentious moments, Mark and Marcus relive the chaos, drama, a...

It's WORLD CUP TIME! From Gianluigi Buffon to Gerd Müller...we're here! Mark and Marcus walks us through their all-time World Cup XI from multiple World Cup winners to charismatic managers, we run through the very best in the world past and present to form the ultimate international team. We want to hear from you! Let us know about YOUR greatest World Cup XI by emailing us at sportishistory@spirit...

Bullseyes, pints and fancy dress, welcome to the whirlwind that is darts. So how did a game once only known for being played in pubs and clubs engulfed in cigarette smoke, make the miraculous rise to becoming a spectacle headlining huge venues on prime time television? In this episode, Mark and Marcus run us through what made the sport so encapsulating back in the 1970s and 80s, the characters tha...

So it's time. With the Champions League final imminent, Mark and Marcus pull together their joint best PSG & Arsenal XI as well as unpacking some of the stories behind why these two GIANTS of European football have been thought of as two of the most dangerous teams in the game. From Raya to Doue and beyond, this episode is the perfect Champions League Final breakdown ahead of an epic clash of styl...

In 1983 Yannick Noah became the first French player to win at one of the biggest events on the tennis calendar, Roland-Garros. It wasn't all about sensational drop shots, ferocious serves or legendary backhands, it was about spirit. Noah wasn't only a star on the court but away from the game he maintained a successful music career playing in front of thousands, he stole hearts and above all made h...

Cheats never prosper...well, try telling that to some. In this episode, Mark and Marcus unpack a variety of sporting scandals, from the Harlequins bloodgate incident to Rosie Ruiz joining the Boston Marathon only half from the finish and winning it. We look at the trials and tribulations surrounding those trying to get ahead of the curve. The pair also give their view on the recent Southampton FC...

Last minute goals, jubilation and heartbreak...winning a league title isn't quite as straightforward as you think. From Arsenal clinching top spot through goal average in 1971 to Manchester City's last gasp winner in 2012, Mark and Marcus wander back through time to take a look at some of the most thrilling title races. In this episode, the pair also relive Leicester's magnificent league victory i...

Being a referee isn't exactly easy...but it becomes a whole lot harder when you get it wrong! In this bonus episode, Mark and Marcus look back on some of the most outrageous refereeing decisions in football, both club and country. From incorrect offside calls to overzealous bookings, the pair break down some of the worst and most interesting choices made by referees. Stories include the 2009 Chels...

Major upsets, scintillating strikes and penalty saves. There can only be one day on the footballing calendar that houses such as brilliant chaos, the FA Cup final. In this episode we unpack four finals, each containing drama of their own! Mark unpicks Chelsea vs Leeds United from 1970 and Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion from 1983, whilst Marcus looks at Tottenham vs Manchester City fro...

From Gordon Banks to Harry Kane...we're here! Mark and Marcus walks us through their all-time England XI from cat-like goalkeepers to sensational strikers, we dart across the decades looking at some of the most standout individuals to wear the 3-Lions shirt. We want to hear from you! Let us know about YOUR greatest England XI by emailing us at sportishistory@spiritlandproductions.com or following...

Watched by more than 1 billion people, the Indian Premier League, otherwise known as the IPL, has become one of the most valuable sporting leagues in the world. Unlike traditional, the IPL brought an all-new feel to cricket, fast cars, extortionate paycheques and bright lights, yet is regarded as one of the highest standard of domestic T20 cricket around. Mark and Marcus guide us through the birth...

On one Sunday night back in April 1985, 18 million people tuned-in to watch two men in bow ties try and pot a snooker ball in a theatre in Sheffield. Steve Davis vs Dennis Taylor was a game that had it all, some might say on paper the final was a mismatch but what occurred was in fact a night of surprise and a finish that has resonated down the ages. Mark and Marcus look back fondly on the rise of...

What better way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon than running 26.2 miles around the capital? With the London marathon fast approaching, Mark and Marcus hit the streets to find out exactly what the marathon is all about. Marcus shades light on his eventful experience running the London Marathon, we look back on some of the weird and wonderful outfits people have worn across the years and explore the uns...

The 2019 Masters held host to one of the most memorable sporting comebacks in history. In the midst of a career full of severe injuries, ongoing legal troubles and a desire to be the greatest golfer of all-time, Tiger Woods produced what can only be described as a miracle at Augusta seven years ago. In this episode, Mark and Marcus also give us an insight into what it's like interviewing the golfi...

On the 5th April 1997 – the world’s most famous horse race got postponed due to a bomb threat. What could have been a dark and depressing day turned out to be joyful and jovial. Mark and Marcus will take us back to that historic day and walk us through one of the most gripping equestrian events in sporting history. With heartwarming stories of Merseyside hospitality and tales of jockeys in their s...

From the roar of the crowd… to the moments that changed sport forever. What really happened behind the headlines? From the extraordinary history of the marathon… to the unforgettable comeback of Tiger Woods… Join Mark Pougatch and Marcus Buckland as they unpack the details you may never have heard and with their own experiences, they'll guide you through what it's really like on the ground. Learn...