Abstract
This thesis explores the intricate relationship between figurative language and neutrality bias in football commentaries, focusing on the context of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final. The study aims to analyze how biases in figurative expressions contribute to creating an entertaining match. Drawing upon Baleria's (2021) theory on neutrality bias, the study investigates how commentators' linguistic choices shape narratives, particularly focusing on the portrayal of key players such as Messi and Mbappe. By examining the historical context, social media discourse, and tournament dynamics, the research highlights the influence of biases in favoring certain teams and players over others. Through a qualitative content analysis, the study reveals a pronounced neutrality bias, with positive expressions predominantly favoring Argentina over France in the commentaries. The findings underscore the nuanced interplay between linguistic devices, biases, and narrative construction in sports commentary, emphasizing the importance of transparency and awareness in mitigating neutrality bias for fair and accurate representation.
Keywords
Figurative language; Neutrality bias; Football commentary