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Actually, it really depends on the match itself and how into football you are in general. If it's a top-tier match with interesting competition, then the commentator can definitely add to the atmosphere and explain the strategic moments. But here's where I disagree with what people wrote above - not every commentator provides solid analysis. Often they just yell into the mic and distract from the actual game, especially if you're watching back-to-back matches.
I personally prefer to start with commentary, especially if the teams are unfamiliar or I need to figure out the formation. But then, if the match drags on or the commentator really gets on my nerves, I just turn the volume down and keep only the stadium atmosphere. Stereo sound isn't an alternative to commentary, like someone mentioned above - it's more like what's left when you mute the speech channel, and honestly, sometimes it can be even more interesting. You hear the fans cheering, the sound of the ball being hit, the referee's whistle.
Honestly, just try both options on the same match and you'll figure out what you like better. Everyone's got their own taste.
I think watching with a commentator is still more interesting, especially if they're good at what they do. They help you understand the tactics, explain why the coach made a particular substitution. But if the commentator annoys you or you already know your way around football, then stereo is the way to go - the stadium atmosphere itself is often gripping enough.
This isn't quite the right choice - "either/or" - because stereo mode is sound, not an alternative to commentary.
I'd say a good commentator really does make the match more interesting, adds context and emotion, but it all depends on the specific person: when you get someone who just screams and makes it hard to hear the game, then yeah, it's better to just mute it completely or put on music.
I've got dogs at home who react to the shouting in the broadcast, so I often watch it in complete silence and then read a match recap - that works better for me.
I often listen to matches in my earbuds in the mornings - just as background - and I've noticed that without a commentator my brain gets tired faster, I have to analyze everything myself. When I turn on the stadium sound, it gets kind of boring, but a good commentator makes the match feel alive, even if the game isn't that great. The main thing is finding someone who doesn't yell for no reason and doesn't just restate the obvious.
Guys, but nobody mentioned the difference in the quality of the commentary itself - it's completely different on different channels. Sometimes a commentator says so many smart things about positioning and substitutions that the match becomes like educational material, and sometimes they just yell and distract you. If you get a boring or annoying voice, then yeah, stereo is definitely better, but a good commentator is like having an experienced coach sitting next to you explaining everything as it happens.
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