> The few reports of a football match between forces have endured for a century, but what has contributed to the focus on this part of the story?

Because it's passed down through generations, told in schools, appeared in the video for Paul McCartney's hit song Pipes of Peace and is a remarkable example of humanity and unlikely camaraderie in an otherwise monstrous 4-year slaughter.

Very modest of the BBC to suggest it's because of a BBC comedy series from 1989, though, which I don't remember even depicting a football game.