There have been a few reports about the chemistry in Fox’s studio booth and the role of Alexi Lalas, and when Fox’s “World Cup Today” studio show came on in advance of U.S.-Australia on Friday, host Rebecca Lowe was joined on set by analysts Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović, but Lalas was not there. To address his absence in the studio on air, Lowe said, “Chaps, Alexi left us.” She added, “Alexi will be back. Alexi will be back.” Henry said smiling, “Your plan worked.” Lowe replied, “Don’t you bring me into this. No chance.” Ibrahimović chimed in and said, “America, you’re welcome.” Lalas still was “part of the broadcast,” on site at the match in Seattle. No specifics were offered on if or when Lalas might return to the studio show. But in Boston, Chad Finn wrote it is “certainly not necessary,” as Fox does “not need Lalas.” The players they have in the studio have “far greater credentials and are better companions for viewers.” Henry is a “genuinely outstanding analyst who chooses the candid truth over placating egos.” Henry and Ibrahimović have been “annoyed with Lalas’s hot takes, how he basks in agitating people, and his delight in sucking the air out of the room” (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/20). Lalas returned to the main desk for Sunday’s coverage, with Rebecca saying, “Welcome back,” and Lalas and Henry exchanging fist bumps. “Glad to be back,” Lalas said (SBJ).
Fox analyst Alexi Lalas not in studio for U.S.-Australia match
