Vicki Sparks makes BBC history to become first female commentator to take lead of World Cup match for British TV

VICKI SPARKS made British television history this afternoon by becoming the first female lead commentator for a World Cup match.

The BBC reporter sat alongside Martin Keown in the commentary box for Portugal's 1-0 win over Morocco in Group B at the Luzhniki Stadium.

While she is the first female to commentate on a live match at the tournament, there are a host of other women working in various roles for BBC and ITV, including former England internationals Eniola Aluko and Alex Scott.

Sparks is often heard on BBC's Final Score and Radio Five Live, and has already covered the highlights for Iran's victory over Morocco last week.

But she made history as the first woman to take the lead role in the commentary box at a World Cup match for British TV, 11 years after Jacqui Oatley completed the same feat for Match of the Day.

And she did not have to wait long to celebrate the first goal, with Cristiano Ronaldo heading home for Portugal after just four minutes.

The Real Madrid forward's strike was met with Sparks saying: "Wouldn't you just know it."

Her new role marks another momentous occasion for women in media, with several attending as presenters and pundits.

Oatley is in Russia presenting for ITV with Juventus striker Aluko one of their pundits.

Meanwhile, ex-Arsenal Ladies defender Scott is working with the BBC, along with Gabby Logan.

Sparks has previously made headlines for comments directed at her by then-Sunderland boss David Moyes.

The former West Ham manager: "It was getting a wee bit naughty at the end there so just watch yourself.

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"You still might get a slap even though you're a woman. Careful the next time you come in."

He apologised and was fined £30,000 by the FA.

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