ESPN World Cup announcer Ian Darke: First-date narrator extraordinaire

ESPN announcer Ian Darke, left, next to Michael Owen, calls a mismatch for the ages in a new ESPN spot. (Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport) ESPN announcer Ian

ESPN announcer Ian Darke, left, next to Michael Owen, calls a mismatch for the ages in a new ESPN spot. (Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport)

ESPN announcer Ian Darke is the lead voice for the World Cup, and, among the many matches he will work, he'll call the tournament's opening date, when host Brazil meets Croatia in Sao Paulo on June 12. In preparation for the encounter, Darke called another first date: The one between Jim and Stacy.

ESPN released a hilarious video spot as part of the build up to Brazil, with Darke narrating a blind date while working in some of his signature phrases. Stacy, "an absolute firecracker," meets Jim, "an apparent no-hoper looking for his first win," and Darke, per usual, is spot on with his timing and commentary throughout.

At some point this summer, Darke might utter, "Mind you, they said David wouldn't have a prayer with Goliath, didn't they?" when referring to many teams. For today, it's the world's underdog, Jim.

Give the spot a watch below: