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It's Kane, it's blasted over the bar.

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And it's penalty heartbreak for the England captain.

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Hello and welcome to Serie A Spotlight. This is season 2, episode 16.

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I'm your host Matt and today I'm joined by two of my longest serving friends in life.

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Please guys go ahead and introduce yourselves.

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Hi everyone, Theo, 25, I grew up with Matt, I'm a lifelong United fan.

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I also tend to support England at the World Cup.

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I have sacrificed a lot of weekends to watching a lot of football matches.

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A lot of my friends and family actually think I have a problem.

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I don't necessarily disagree with them.

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But I have been invited onto a podcast, so guess who's laughing now?

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I'm Jamie, I'm a 25 year old lifelong Chelsea fan.

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To be honest my afternoon started a little bit difficult because I missed the Morocco goal.

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I was buying Moscow meal supplies for us all.

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Thank you brother.

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That happened because Theo, our other guest lost his wallet.

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I'll be honest, I recovered well.

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But England then got knocked out, which I'm an England fan by the way.

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England got knocked out which made things difficult for me again.

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But with that said, I'm really happy with England's performance.

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And I'm even happier to be here.

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So thank you Matt, it's generally an honour.

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I'm very happy to be here.

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It's interesting because obviously we just watched England together.

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And as all our listeners know, I'm a die-hard Italy fan.

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Italy obviously didn't make the World Cup.

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And I was just telling you guys that when England play I can't help but root for them.

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Because I like the fact that it's a young squad with a very progressive young manager as well in Garret Southgate.

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A lot of squad depth, a lot of versatility.

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And I can't help but root for them.

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But the second that they play Italy, I hate them more than any opponent Italy has ever faced.

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What's the sentiment you guys share against Italy as England fans in particular?

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So I feel like growing up in Malta has a very particular kind of culture about this.

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So for those watching who might not know, Malta has a horrendous national team.

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Let's be honest, doing better in recent years, I get that. We're doing much better nowadays.

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But a very good national team because we've got a good progressive manager.

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But it turns out he does certain stuff that we're all against over here.

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It turns out our manager is a bit of a perv.

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But we'll skip past that, we'll leave that one for the OnlyFans version of this.

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But no, no, jokes aside, the level of football in Malta isn't great.

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Which results in a lot of people supporting the national team of the country.

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The country of the league they support.

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For me it's a bit simpler because I am half English, so I've always supported England.

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People from England don't typically hate Italy.

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But in Malta, you guys both agree with me on this, there is this culture of Italy versus England.

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Because everybody here supports either a Serie A team or a Premier League team.

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And if you're from the Premier League, you hate the Juventus fans and you hate the Milan fans and all that.

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And if you're from the Serie A, you hate United fans, Liverpool fans, you hate the Chelsea fans and all those.

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So that naturally translates into the international sides.

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Everybody here has a bit of ego about it.

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Fans naturally, as you'd expect, get a little bit annoying.

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But I feel like people's hatred towards teams, whether it's league-based or international-based,

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is very much down to the fans being dickheads.

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Can we swear?

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We can swear.

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Fans are often dickheads and that tends to charge a little bit of hatred towards national teams.

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Theo, do you have a particular opinion on Italy as an England fan in Malta?

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I mean, rivalries stem from what the people in your social circle say to you.

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So if you have friends who tend to support a particular team,

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you often enjoy seeing their team fail and they enjoy seeing your team fail.

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So as Jamie's mentioned here, the culture is very England and Italy-oriented.

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So in those tough England moments, you have Italy fans mocking you.

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And likewise, you have an opportunity to mock an Italy fan, you do that.

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I mean, I didn't mind Italy not being in the World Cup.

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But at the same time, I do like to see as many quality teams as possible in the World Cup.

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Nice, great Italy.

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If I had to pick a dream scenario, I would have had Italy in,

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and then they get knocked out from the group stage.

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It's a bit more painful like that.

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Like a loss against Iran or something terrible like that.

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Yeah, exactly.

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At least, guys, I get to enjoy this as a spectator.

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I'm rooting for the Serie A players.

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We saw Theo Hernandez and Giroud just go through.

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You guys are devastated that you had this hope about you,

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and now you're knocked out in the quarterfinals.

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Is it a flop for England to be out in the quarterfinals?

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So heading into the tournament, when I was writing my prediction zone,

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I did identify this one as the crucial England match.

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This was really the 50-50 match on paper.

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It really felt like it would be a coin flip.

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I think it really was today, really fine margins.

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It could have gone either way.

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What hurts, I think, is that England actually put in a really strong performance.

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Better than I think a lot of people would have expected.

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They were in control of the game for large periods,

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but just a few minutes really caused them.

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And then on top of that, of course, the Kane miss.

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Not much to say about that, or maybe too much to say about that.

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We'll get into it soon.

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A question for you, Matt, is I'm interested to learn,

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what's your perspective coming into a World Cup?

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Obviously, every football fan is forward to it.

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I think you're not used to coming into a World Cup without having a team support.

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For me, I've always had England support.

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Now there was a Euro, as I remember, 2008, where England didn't qualify,

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which just hurt.

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I was young, so it didn't matter as much back then.

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What's your perspective coming into a World Cup so big,

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and especially now you're probably in football more than ever,

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without having a team support but still being so into it?

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It's interesting because two years ago I had the best summer of my life

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when Italy won the Euros.

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You were there with me throughout the entire thing.

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I think we watched pretty much every single match together.

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I think I cried once.

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Probably.

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In the final.

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Obviously, my hopes were high that more than ever,

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after you see your team lift gold,

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you'd expect them to ace the next tournament

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and you'd have high hopes for the next tournament.

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Obviously, after that loss against North Macedonia,

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we obviously lost to Portugal.

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Then I was like, OK, no Italy in this, and I'm going to need to adapt.

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I just decided to root for any team that has the most number one Milan players

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and number two players that play in Serbia.

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Basically Serbia.

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Basically Serbia, but they were out instantly in the group stages.

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Look, it's never fun not having a team to root for,

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but I do get to enjoy it as a bit more of a spectator.

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I get to enjoy Brazil getting knocked out.

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I get to enjoy seeing Messi doing his thing

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and not being bittersweet because Italy will have to face Argentina.

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OK, Italy don't need to face Brazil kind of thing.

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I get to root for the underdogs, I get to root for the Morroccos,

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so it's something actually...

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Obviously, I'd rather have Italy, but it brings about some joy as well.

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Like a silver lining is you get much less anxiety and no room for heartbreak.

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Me and Theo are kind of going through right now.

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I'm kind of going through it right now.

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Today you did get to feel Moroccan, right?

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I did. I was very Moroccan today.

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Me and Jamie went to Morocco together

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and we conversed with so many different Moroccan people.

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I have to say I did not speak to many Moroccan people that liked football.

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They were more passionate about the desert

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and they were more passionate about their natural resources rather than football.

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But as Moroccans, being the first team to reach,

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being the first Arabic team and the first African team to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup is massive.

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Something I love about that is maybe back then their team wasn't as good.

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They've improved massively, first of all.

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Something I love about these teams, these smaller ones,

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when it comes to national teams in particular, is you've seen it a lot in this World Cup.

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There is so much passion and unity that comes with these teams

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whenever they go on a nice streak or when they win and all that good stuff.

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And it's so beautiful to see.

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And with Morocco, you really see that.

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We saw it with Iran when they had a good win here and there, Saudi Arabia as well.

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There's a really special type of passion,

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which even though we might not think these countries are maybe typical football countries,

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as soon as they get even one win and even more so a streak like Morocco had,

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and maybe Croatia now making it to semis again after another great tournament a couple of days back,

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the country really gets behind them.

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And I just genuinely love to see it, man. I really love to see it.

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Agreed, agreed.

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And I think this sets a bit of a precedent of what we're going to be doing in this episode, guys.

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We're going to be going through the quarterfinals.

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We were blessed enough to have a long weekend off because we live in Malta

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and we're very strategic with how we book our days off.

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And we watched every single quarterfinal together, almost.

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Theo had some other plans, but we'll leave it at that.

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Don't worry about it.

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I missed the half by an ex-commute.

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Exactly, exactly.

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But we got to see them all together, which puts us on a level playing field.

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We know what happens.

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For those of you that don't know, obviously, England have just gotten knocked out,

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especially right now by France with a score of 2-1.

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You didn't have to say that.

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I told you, I had to be covering that.

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Portugal went home after losing to Morocco, 1-0.

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Netherlands went home after they scored in the 120th minute to equalise against Argentina,

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but Emiliano Martinez came in clutch in the penalty shootout.

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And Brazil also went home because Ljubakovic came in clutch for Croatia after a 1-1 draw in a penalty shootout.

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A crazy fucking World Cup for underdogs.

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We saw it in the group stages.

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We're saying things will slow down now.

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The big teams will be the big teams.

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The small teams will be the small teams.

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The big teams will keep doing what they do, and the small teams will slowly fade away.

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But we're seeing it stem into one of the most incredible spectacles as a World Cup that we've seen in recent years.

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I think we've been conscious as 25-year-olds since the 2006 World Cup, I would say,

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when Italy won against France on penalties in the final.

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So this World Cup is looking to be the best in recent history with great stories from underdogs, so on and so forth.

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Obviously, there's a lot of controversy with this World Cup being held in Qatar,

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a country that maybe has different morals to maybe the westernised countries, in Europe especially.

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Do you think that maybe that has been forgotten because it's been such a spectacle?

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And do you think that the outcome is going to be a little bit bittersweet because of that?

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So it's interesting from my perspective.

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I've had my eye on this World Cup for a long time.

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I remember some literally six, seven years ago when it had already been known for a few years that the World Cup was going to happen in Qatar.

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There was already a lot of controversy around it.

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I remember back then, let's say 2016, 2017, whatever, seeing graphs of worker deaths,

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I'm sure we've all seen, and I remember seeing this comparison of all the major sporting tournaments in general,

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so World Cups, Winter Olympics, Normal Olympics, Euros and everything,

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and how many worker deaths took place in each one.

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It's always 0, 0, 0, 1, to the most average, so the spike would be 50, and then back to 0, 1, 0, 1.

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And then back then, Qatar was already at 2000. It was already something ridiculous.

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So from then looking forward, I was already like, Jesus Christ, what's going on here? FIFA looks so dirty.

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And they are, don't even remember, they're very dirty in that sense.

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And so I already felt the plate about it back then.

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And then as the World Cup got closer and closer, and then you hear it's going to be in winter, it's going to disrupt all the leagues.

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And as it gets even closer, the worker deaths are, you're seeing the reality of it, and it's skyrocketing, and there's more.

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They're saying, they don't know the exact number, but say 10,000.

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And coming into it, the alcohol went massive for the England fans, especially.

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Especially tonight.

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They needed a drink. I can say it because I'm English.

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I was very kind of deflated about it.

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I was very, as far as compared to every other World Cup and every other year as we've had in the last, as long as I can remember,

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so sure, 2006 I was a kid, so I was really excited.

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But this was the one I was least excited for for that reason.

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Just because even though football, the game itself is very distinct and very separate from it,

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when you're seeing all this all the time, it does take a lot out of it for you.

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So I came into this with a bit of a sort of apathetic kind of feeling.

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I wasn't so up for it.

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But as I got into it, as naturally the World Cup is there, so you're going to watch.

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And as I started watching, the first two, three, four days start and there were so many good games.

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There were so many good games off the get-go.

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And you have Iran playing great.

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You have Saudi Arabia with their shock win in the beginning.

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And you just think, all right, the shock is going to come here and there.

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Like, sure, they're going to happen.

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But then there were so many more.

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They remained consistent, man.

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There were so many more, bro.

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And it just kept on happening.

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And then not only that, but you had a few other great games. England, France.

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And I think that was a great game yesterday, Morocco knocking out Portugal.

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It was mad.

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Then knocking out Spain the week before was crazy as well.

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So you can't help but then get locked into it.

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While still obviously recognizing all the round-wins that have happened.

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If you just look at the football, it's actually been beautiful.

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It's been seriously impressive.

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And I've been loving every game so far.

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And I've only gotten more and more engaged as I've gone on.

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And to answer essentially your question, I would say this is one of the best major tournaments.

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Major tournaments in recent memory.

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As I'm sure 2006 was incredible.

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That's the first one I remember.

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And there were a few other great ones.

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2010, Africa comes to mind.

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But this is right up there.

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This is right up there.

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It's one of the best for me.

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Nice. For you, Té.

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Yeah, so as Jamie's mentioned here, obviously coming into it,

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the negative publicity didn't really excite me.

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I do think that regardless of what happens through this World Cup,

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there will always be somewhat of a cloud hanging over this World Cup

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because of the conditions surrounding it.

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That being said, a World Cup is a World Cup.

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The spirit of a World Cup is never going to be removed.

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You're going to have the storylines, the upsets.

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You have the players.

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You have Messi out there.

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You have Ronaldo out there.

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You're only going to watch these players a handful of times

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participating in a tournament like this.

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So when it comes around, you're going to watch.

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If you love the sport, you're going to watch.

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In terms of how I felt through this World Cup,

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I really enjoyed the group stages.

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I think the group stages were phenomenal.

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I think we saw some incredible upsets.

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And that really, really just contributed to a lot of drama.

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In the knockouts, it's been interesting as well.

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This all being said, now we head into the semis.

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The perception of a World Cup is heavily based around

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the final chapters of the story.

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So when I think back to the first World Cup I watched in 2006,

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obviously the first thing that comes to mind is that final.

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And Zidane shoving his head into Matarazzi's chest.

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An iconic moment.

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So there's a lot left to happen.

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And that will really, really determine how we look back on this World Cup.

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World Cup Qatar 2022.

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The semifinals are officially Croatia versus Argentina on Tuesday 13th at 8pm.

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France against Morocco Wednesday 14th at 8pm.

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Thinking of teams like Croatia and Morocco in the semifinals of a World Cup

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is something I never thought we'd see before.

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Although we've seen Croatia four years ago, we didn't think.

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We thought that would be a fluke, but clearly this team has a lot of quality about it.

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But I think what we should do here, boys, is we've had a little bit of a predictor session ourselves.

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So we had our initial predictions for how all four games in the quarterfinals would turn out to be.

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And we're basically going to go through them, discuss how well we did,

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how terribly we did, and how the games went down.

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So for France against England, the official score was 2-1 in favor of France.

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I had predicted 3-1 to France.

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Theo, you hit the nail on the head with 2-1 to France.

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Why?

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This is one of those really, as I mentioned, it really felt like 50-50 game on paper.

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Like narrow margins, one bit of quality, one moment of brilliance, and that would decide the game.

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For me, I'd say the decider in my win for 2-1 was Kylian Mbappe.

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I think a player like that is always, obviously, he's the best player on the pitch.

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He's probably the best player in the tournament.

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A player like that on the pitch is the most likely to make the difference, obviously.

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So I gave France the edge, but as I said, it really could have gone.

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It's the flip of a coin.

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It really felt like the flip of a coin.

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And that's how it went down.

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James, you said 1-1.

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You thought the affair would be just as tight as it was, but there wouldn't be that deciding moment,

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which in this case was the Giroud header.

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Are you disappointed with the outcome, obviously?

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You're going to say yes.

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Yes, disappointed, yes.

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You say the decider was Giroud header.

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I feel like the decider was that fucking Kane penalty miss, which has hurt my soul.

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I still love the man, but it hurt my soul.

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So the way I saw this was, I think France are marginally the better side.

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So I think when it comes to quality throughout the team, it's very similar.

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But like Theo said, Mbappe has that certain sort of star factor,

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which helps give France that edge.

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He has been absolutely incredible, as have several France players before.

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Giroud as well has been amazing, for example.

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Rabiot has been great.

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They've had a great run throughout.

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What made me say 1-1 was I felt like both teams would set up pretty conservatively.

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And England in particular, the way we set up is quite cautious, very solid, very strong, tight, hard to break down.

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Very good point.

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Which means our games tend to be low scoring unless we're winning,

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where maybe after going 1-1 up we sometimes tend to run right because the game just opens up in that sense.

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But against a big team, I feel like it was always going to be relatively tight,

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which still proved right today.

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We lost 2-1, but it still proved right.

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It was really tight and it could have gone either way in the end.

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So yeah, I figured it would be 1-1, ended up 2-1.

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And fair enough, France were great as well.

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France were fantastic today.

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Yeah, no, no, par 2, they were excellent.

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Who would have won on penalties had it been 1-1?

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We know England have a terrible history when it comes to penalties,

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but you look at their squad now, and you look at the keepers,

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you look at Pickford versus Joris.

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You think Pickford's on better form than Joris, and we saw that in the game as well.

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Joris doesn't look stable at all between the sticks,

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whereas Pickford, on the other hand, looks very stable for England.

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Do you think England would have won on penalties?

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I am not going to lie, I would have fancied England's chances.

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I would have fancied England's chances on penalties.

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I feel like England, for a long time, everyone knows this, it's a meme at this point.

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England have had a horrendous history when it comes to penalties.

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But I feel like in the last few years we've picked it up,

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especially in the last couple of major tournaments, we've done a lot better in that regard.

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And if you look at our 11 nowadays, the likes of Kane, Rashford, Hendo,

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even someone like Shaw, there's a lot of strong penalty kick-takers.

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Wires as well can smack a penalty man.

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I think a lot of it comes out of mental 40, but anything else,

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because all of them know how to score a goal from 12 yards out, so it's not rocket science.

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This all being said after Kane skydived.

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Exactly.

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Let's forget about that one.

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Had Kane scored, that needs to take a third penalty against his teammate, by the way,

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and you go your ease. That was weird.

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I would have fancied our chances though.

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Pickford's a fantastic shut-stopper, but hey, it's penalties.

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England and France are two amazing teams, you never know what's going to go.

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My prediction was 3-1 for France.

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Now, I wasn't far off. Obviously, France did get the victory and they were one goal away.

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I pretty much thought the game would go as it did.

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I thought that Wires and England were pressing to kind of get that equalizer.

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I thought Mbappe would catch them on the break and kind of get that third and seal it off over there.

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To be honest, when the game was starting, I feel like I entered this competition really underrating England.

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I know they just exited in the quarterfinals, but I really do feel like I underestimated England's squad depth,

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their versatility. When you look at, for example, their wingers, you see that on one side you have Sterling and Grealish,

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and on the other side you have Saka and Foden, for example. And each of these two pairs brings something so different.

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So if you need a game where you need someone to link a play on the left-hand side, you're going to play Grealish.

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If you need someone a bit more direct, you're going to play Rashford, you're going to play Sterling.

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On the other hand, on the right-hand side, same argument with Foden, same argument with Saka.

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So much squad depth, and I really do feel like the manager in Southgate has got it nailed down when it comes to squad selection.

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Obviously, Foden is benched and there's outrage everywhere, but I really do think that he has played a massive part,

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Southgate, in transforming this team into a title-contending team. Does he leave with his head held high,

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or is it shameful that he hasn't won a major trophy with England, with the quality all around? We can start with Theo.

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Yes, there's a lot of discussion on Southgate. I know he gets a lot of hate. I understand from some angles.

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He's been criticized for not playing the kind of football which maybe maximizes the potential of the players out there.

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This is a squad brimming with attacking talent. You have world-class players and they're really creative players.

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I think it's important to remember when Southgate came in. The mentality England had at the time,

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crashing out of tournaments early, there was just a lack of togetherness. I think he did solve that issue.

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I think he really did gel the squad. I think he got a positive spirit.

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There will definitely be a question mark always hanging around his head.

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Yeah, all around his head.

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There's a question mark somewhere around his body.

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Southgate and head is the point of this conversation.

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Southgate has a head.

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Bravo!

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There will always be a question mark hanging above his head.

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That Euros final will really haunt him.

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A few good penalties and I think the narrative around him would be very different.

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At the end of the day, he's going to have to shoulder some blame because all things considered,

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he hasn't brought back that trophy and there will always be the argument that another manager could have brought back that trophy.

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Since 1966, someone would have had to do it in the meantime.

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I think you mentioned him leaving. I imagine that will be the scenario now. I think there was quite a lot of negativity on him coming into the tournament.

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I think it would make sense for them to try an alternative now and avoid more negativity heading into the next tournament.

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I think he does deserve some credit for what he's done over these tournaments.

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He turned England into a team at least that is competing.

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He laid down the carpet for England.

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He laid down the foundations and I think he's given a platform for the next manager to build on.

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I think that's important.

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When I look at England right now, I'm super impressed with the squad.

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I've been watching England religiously ever since I was a young boy.

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I remember, for example, I think it was the 2010 World Cup when there was that crazy game, England-Germany, that Lampert crossbar.

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I remember that squad and we had the likes of Matthew Upton starting in defence. I don't know if he scored against Germany so power to him.

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That just shows how thin the squad was in comparison.

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It was fine. We had Lampert, we had Gjarl, we had some strong players.

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But he compared to today and so everybody knows the level without the day.

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If you look at our bench, we had the likes of Sterling, Rashford, Grealish, Trippier, Trent, Gallagher. We had so many strong players.

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These are all on the bench. Our bench alone could have been an 11 in itself, which could have challenged today and could have made it to the quarter-semi in itself.

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So the quality is absolutely there.

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I feel like England has come so far when it comes to bringing through strong youth.

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I think the English academies across the Premier League have come really far in the last decade, decade and a half.

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That's really showing. We're reaping the results today of work done across the last 10 to 15 years.

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When it comes to Southgate himself, it's interesting. He's not bad, but he's not great. That's how I feel about it.

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He doesn't have massive amounts of experience as a manager.

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Before this, he was, I think, manager of England's U21, something like that. He might have managed at club level.

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In fact, when Malta hosted the U17 Euros, which is when we saw Foden play and the gentleman that he named before, I forgot.

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Patrick Roberts was the manager of the team. He was actually the manager of the team. I went to get his autograph and he completely ignored me.

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I think he was written in the stars from that moment.

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I think so.

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The tournament of Moth also sealed the forms.

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Him blanking Matt is...

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Had he known the platform I'd have now, I mean, you know...

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No way, would he? He'd be asking me for a phone call.

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He'd be asking for me, he thinks he'd be asking for also.

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Kane buries that penalty if he...

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If he shook Matt's hand.

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That's what I wanted.

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But no, jokes aside, the way I see it is he's fine. He's fine. But I think the way he is as a manager kind of mirrors how he was as a player.

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So many people might not remember, but Guy Southgate was a solid player. He was just a defensive midfielder.

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He wasn't the sort of creative kind. He didn't have flair. He didn't have any of that.

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And I feel like that has kind of translated into his managerial style where England, in spite of having all this talent and in spite of having so much stacking flair with the likes of Kane, Sterling, Rashford, Greenwich, and the disc goes on.

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There's several more, honestly.

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In spite of having all that flair, it feels like as soon as England have the ball past the halfway line, they're not too sure what to do with it.

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There's a few short passes and they play a diagonal ball and they bring it back.

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And they're kind of relying on individual brilliance every time. So tonight we saw a little bit of a sucker here and there. He was absolutely amazing tonight. Kane as well was brilliant tonight.

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But there's way too much weight put on these players in terms of, all right, you've got the ball, figure something out.

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And it doesn't feel like when we're playing, it doesn't feel like there's a sort of collective intent, which teams like France do have and teams like Brazil, even though there are teams like Brazil have, teams like Portugal have had.

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And I feel like that's where Southgate has struggled. So do I put all the blame on Southgate?

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No. But when I look at the team and I look at the manager and I look at how we're doing, I'm glad we got to the final last time round.

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And I feel like today we got knocked out against what will be the winners of the World Cup.

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So I can't be too pissed at that. But I still expect more from our manager.

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I still expect us to be doing more with the score that we have and to at least have just more strategy, more strategy in how we attack, more strategy in how we're trying to score goals and win games and just sort of grabbing by the scruff of the neck.

444
00:30:07,000 --> 00:30:13,000
So Jamie, you need to pick a new England manager tonight.

445
00:30:13,000 --> 00:30:21,000
You yourself. You're in charge. I want to win. Pochettino supposedly is interested. No, I'll take Pochettino.

446
00:30:21,000 --> 00:30:25,000
Thomas 12 also has been linked.

447
00:30:25,000 --> 00:30:34,000
You look at tactics. Big Sam, Adelaide. Ah, fuck Big Sam. Go back to basics. 4-4-2. Who's fit up to Kane? Who for the flip on?

448
00:30:34,000 --> 00:30:38,000
Who for the fucking 2? Brexit football.

449
00:30:38,000 --> 00:30:47,000
Now, look, listen, I'll take Tuchel, I'll take Pochettino. If I had a realistic choice, I'd be happy with in the not too distant future with someone like Eddie Howe.

450
00:30:47,000 --> 00:30:48,000
Eddie Howe.

451
00:30:48,000 --> 00:30:56,000
Eddie Howe. Because England are always going to, or it's not always, we've had to put on the boss, but we're always going to lean towards English managers just because that's always how our teams go.

452
00:30:56,000 --> 00:31:01,000
And I feel like sometime in the not too distant future, I would love to see Eddie Howe. There's a realistic choice.

453
00:31:01,000 --> 00:31:06,000
Eddie Howe's happy. I know, I know. He's got a big bank account there.

454
00:31:06,000 --> 00:31:16,000
If we're looking at who England would really sign, we're not going to sign Pochettino. We're not going to sign Tuchel, I promise you. I'll bet money on it.

455
00:31:16,000 --> 00:31:25,000
I'll take Eddie Howe. Can Alan Pardee make a comeback? Maybe Alan Pardee can make a comeback. If he's a great Alan Pardee, he can make a comeback.

456
00:31:25,000 --> 00:31:29,000
As in there's those two, as decent England managers, aside from them, there are many out there.

457
00:31:29,000 --> 00:31:34,000
Yeah, that's actually a good question. I couldn't really answer that myself.

458
00:31:34,000 --> 00:31:41,000
I think going back to the play style of England, Jake had said it well before he fucked off to South Africa thinking it's 2010.

459
00:31:41,000 --> 00:31:52,000
He did mention that England have probably some of the best individuals in the entire tournament. However, they do a whole lot of dancing around the box.

460
00:31:52,000 --> 00:32:02,000
Now, Kane is one of the best strikers in the world, one of the best strikers in the tournament. And we saw today he was an absolute game changer, both in the good way and the bad way.

461
00:32:02,000 --> 00:32:14,000
We saw at a point his back towards goal, the way he has that turn of pace, turns and he's suddenly almost clean through on goal, turns a half opportunity into a 100% opportunity out of nothing.

462
00:32:14,000 --> 00:32:24,000
He's a genius, he's solid, but he isn't the kind of striker that stays in the box and finishes the way Giroud is.

463
00:32:24,000 --> 00:32:34,000
So the whole lot of dancing around the box, I think Kane stylistically doesn't help that. Now, does that mean Kane is the problem? Absolutely not.

464
00:32:34,000 --> 00:32:45,000
Maybe having the wingers being slightly more inverted, maybe utilizing Rashford a little bit more because he's more keen on getting inside the box and getting a goal himself.

465
00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:55,000
Same argument can be made with Sterling. I think having creative players around the box like Foden playing and who started on the other wing.

466
00:32:55,000 --> 00:33:04,000
Saka as well, not too direct, he spends a lot of time down the flank as well. So it almost feels like they don't have a man to get that final touch.

467
00:33:04,000 --> 00:33:09,000
You'd think Kane would be that man, but he's a master of the link-up play and kind of getting other people in that position.

468
00:33:09,000 --> 00:33:19,000
He'd almost be good with a striking partner alongside him. Do you think that that's an area maybe that will be worked on with future managers?

469
00:33:19,000 --> 00:33:28,000
So for me, I don't think it comes so much down to personnel. I think it was more of a systematic issue.

470
00:33:28,000 --> 00:33:37,000
As Jamie mentioned before, when England do get into the final third, the link-up play isn't always there as it should be.

471
00:33:37,000 --> 00:33:44,000
There's a whole lot of nothing. Jake could as well before his escape.

472
00:33:44,000 --> 00:33:53,000
I think you saw a bit of a difference tonight with France. Although they didn't do well in large parts of the game,

473
00:33:53,000 --> 00:34:02,000
I did feel that when they did go forward, they linked up well around the box. A lot of runs in behind, short passing, good link-up play.

474
00:34:02,000 --> 00:34:08,000
I just think England and their South Cape have lacked that at times. Previous tournaments as well.

475
00:34:08,000 --> 00:34:17,000
You look back at the Croatia semi, which was a big, big match. They should have broken that Croatian team down.

476
00:34:17,000 --> 00:34:23,000
It's a good Croatian team, no doubt about it. I mean, still there today doing a very similar thing.

477
00:34:23,000 --> 00:34:32,000
But with the players there, they should be cutting that team open. I just think it comes down to system.

478
00:34:32,000 --> 00:34:40,000
I think they need to identify ways to get in behind to be a bit more direct.

479
00:34:40,000 --> 00:34:44,000
And that's something that the next manager is going to have to look at.

480
00:34:44,000 --> 00:34:49,000
I agree completely. I think it's much less down to the players and more to the manager.

481
00:34:49,000 --> 00:34:55,000
It's what I mentioned before, creating a bit more attacking intent, figuring out how to move the ball with purpose rather than just fucking around the box.

482
00:34:55,000 --> 00:35:01,000
Which is what we tend to do, which is what Jake got right, even though I have to say Jake is an England hater.

483
00:35:01,000 --> 00:35:03,000
No, he is 100%.

484
00:35:03,000 --> 00:35:07,000
But no, he's justified with that point.

485
00:35:07,000 --> 00:35:16,000
I'm not totally convinced of what I'm about to say, but I start to wonder how different things could be if we had someone a bit more direct on the wing.

486
00:35:16,000 --> 00:35:20,000
So with players like Foden and Saka, I absolutely love them.

487
00:35:20,000 --> 00:35:29,000
But I feel like they're two kind of, not similar so to speak, but someone like Rashford is more direct.

488
00:35:29,000 --> 00:35:37,000
Someone like Rashford, given that he's a natural striker rather than a winger and he's sort of moved to the wing over the years, and he's a fantastic finisher as well, our best finisher after Kane.

489
00:35:37,000 --> 00:35:41,000
If you have him on the pitch, he's just going to be going for a goal a lot more.

490
00:35:41,000 --> 00:35:47,000
He's going to have that sort of striker's ego, which other players might not know, which Foden and Saka definitely don't have.

491
00:35:47,000 --> 00:35:56,000
And having someone like him paired with Kane helps because I think Kane, like Math mentioned before,

492
00:35:56,000 --> 00:36:00,000
Kane is, although he's a fantastic goal scorer, is also very selfless.

493
00:36:00,000 --> 00:36:04,000
Kane does a lot, a lot of work, which isn't goal scoring.

494
00:36:04,000 --> 00:36:05,000
Kane is fantastic.

495
00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:09,000
As long as the boy is a fantastic passer, he does a lot of work in and around the box.

496
00:36:09,000 --> 00:36:17,000
So I do start to wonder what would happen if we had paired with him and paired with Saka, Saka being a very hard worker on the ball.

497
00:36:17,000 --> 00:36:22,000
Imagine on the left wing you have someone like Rashford who's very direct, always going for the shots on goal, trying to beat his man,

498
00:36:22,000 --> 00:36:26,000
and sort of just literally trying to score the opportunity again.

499
00:36:26,000 --> 00:36:31,000
Then I feel like, yeah, then maybe we'll be a bit more direct, have a bit more, have a bit more purpose with the goal.

500
00:36:31,000 --> 00:36:36,000
But hey, who knows? I mean, I mean, Foden is still a fantastic player, so I can't leave it out on there.

501
00:36:36,000 --> 00:36:43,000
There's been a lot of talk about Southgate's use of substitutions.

502
00:36:43,000 --> 00:36:48,000
Now, obviously, after a loss like this, there's going to be even more talk about this.

503
00:36:48,000 --> 00:36:51,000
What did you make out of his subsidy?

504
00:36:51,000 --> 00:36:57,000
Yeah, so like all his subs came from the 79th minute and onwards.

505
00:36:57,000 --> 00:37:06,000
He had basically, which means after we conceded, so we conceded that second goal and he brought mountains turning on for Saka and Henderson.

506
00:37:06,000 --> 00:37:11,000
The thing is, right up until that goal, so after the goal, I felt like we deflated a little bit.

507
00:37:11,000 --> 00:37:18,000
I felt like we got shocked or maybe after the penalty, after the penalty, we were a bit shocked and deflated, which happens to be fair.

508
00:37:18,000 --> 00:37:24,000
I felt like up until that point, England had a lot of momentum from the second half onwards.

509
00:37:24,000 --> 00:37:27,000
So the first half was a relatively even affair.

510
00:37:27,000 --> 00:37:34,000
So France came in pretty strong in the beginning. England grew into it and came in strong in the sort of second part of that first half.

511
00:37:34,000 --> 00:37:42,000
And then coming out to the second half, England came out really strong, won the penalty early on, scored it and were great for a good half hour.

512
00:37:42,000 --> 00:37:48,000
When you have that momentum, you kind of don't, you just don't fuck with it. You don't want to change too much.

513
00:37:48,000 --> 00:37:58,000
So when you have that front three, just doing so much, doing so much against France and the defense was solid, midfield was solid, it feels like why change it?

514
00:37:58,000 --> 00:38:04,000
And in fact, the three of us watching the game together and we're discussing should subs made, shouldn't, and we're having mixed opinions about it.

515
00:38:04,000 --> 00:38:07,000
At the time, I felt like we shouldn't. We had the momentum. We looked good.

516
00:38:07,000 --> 00:38:10,000
I'm like, all right, listen, just don't change it because we're doing well.

517
00:38:10,000 --> 00:38:16,000
France got the goal as an ounce out of nowhere, but I don't even say it was against the play.

518
00:38:16,000 --> 00:38:21,000
Yeah, it wasn't necessarily. Both teams were strong, but we're doing fine. We're good. We're strong.

519
00:38:21,000 --> 00:38:26,000
So it didn't feel like it was needed. So I can't complain. I can't complain too much.

520
00:38:26,000 --> 00:38:34,000
Would I have brought on Mouten Sterling on the 79th? Probably not. I think I would have brought on Rashford rather than Sterling, even though I'm a chess fan.

521
00:38:34,000 --> 00:38:39,000
I think I would have brought on Rashford, but honestly, I can't complain too much. I'm not sure what you guys think.

522
00:38:39,000 --> 00:38:51,000
Yeah. So we were initially discussing, I remember us saying that maybe Hendo out for Mount, and then we kind of fell to the conclusion that that's a bit too much of an attacking move when you want to keep that balance in the midfield.

523
00:38:51,000 --> 00:38:58,000
So you keep Hendo on for the balance in midfield, right? A great manager has an ace up his sleeve at all times.

524
00:38:58,000 --> 00:39:04,000
I think, sure, you head into the second half with the same 11 if you feel that that's the way to go.

525
00:39:04,000 --> 00:39:15,000
Once you equalize, I think even if momentum is in your favor, one subtle change can really affect the outcome of the game.

526
00:39:15,000 --> 00:39:22,000
And a great manager would have something prepared up his sleeve, created particularly for that scenario.

527
00:39:22,000 --> 00:39:29,000
I think in that case, bringing on Rashford for Saka or Rashford for Foden, to be honest, don't mind which one.

528
00:39:29,000 --> 00:39:37,000
But bringing on Rashford when that first goal, keeping the balance, but just going slightly more direct, slightly more dangerous up front.

529
00:39:37,000 --> 00:39:39,000
That's a change I would have personally made.

530
00:39:39,000 --> 00:39:40,000
Agreed.

531
00:39:40,000 --> 00:39:44,000
That's all.

532
00:39:44,000 --> 00:39:59,000
From my end, I do agree with Jamie. I think when momentum is in your favor, it does make sense to avoid making any changes.

533
00:39:59,000 --> 00:40:05,000
That being said, there's going to be that question mark. Could he have brought Rashford on?

534
00:40:05,000 --> 00:40:11,000
Could he have really gone for the game and grabbed it by the neck when they were on top?

535
00:40:11,000 --> 00:40:19,000
Maybe. I think what we saw tonight is what we've come to expect under Southgate.

536
00:40:19,000 --> 00:40:28,000
He's never been a risk taker. I don't think we felt at 1-1 that he was going to make...

537
00:40:28,000 --> 00:40:34,000
He was never going to bring on Madison for Henderson or something like that.

538
00:40:34,000 --> 00:40:42,000
He's always going to be on the more cautious side. It's understandable. It's knockout football.

539
00:40:42,000 --> 00:40:49,000
But this is where the whole question comes in. What kind of manager do you want? What could best utilize this team?

540
00:40:49,000 --> 00:40:55,000
Should this England team be grabbing games by the scruff of the neck and really, really going for it?

541
00:40:55,000 --> 00:41:06,000
Or do you need to be a bit more practical and a bit more cautious and try to scrape out the win in difficult circumstances?

542
00:41:06,000 --> 00:41:16,000
I'm just going to ask one question before I move over and discuss France a little bit on what they did so well to win a game where England performed so well.

543
00:41:16,000 --> 00:41:19,000
Should Kane have taken the second penalty?

544
00:41:19,000 --> 00:41:26,000
We saw a lot of pundits speak, some controversial pundits as well, voicing their opinion saying, look, he's up against his teammate. He scored the first one.

545
00:41:26,000 --> 00:41:29,000
Don't risk it. Change the penalty kick taker for the second one.

546
00:41:29,000 --> 00:41:42,000
Now, from the penalty spot, there are maybe two or three footballers in the world that can strike a ball better than Harry Kane from the penalty spot.

547
00:41:42,000 --> 00:41:53,000
Would you have personally liked for someone else to step up and take the second penalty or do you think they played their cards right and they just fell short?

548
00:41:53,000 --> 00:42:02,000
No, I mean, for me, I think we spend way too much time discussing penalties at the World Cup.

549
00:42:02,000 --> 00:42:19,000
And I understand I understand where it comes from. Obviously, penalties often end up deciding games, but it's one of those if even that situation, you're telling Harry Kane, the best penalty taker in the team, without a doubt for me.

550
00:42:19,000 --> 00:42:28,000
If you're telling Harry Kane, give the ball to another player, this alternative player steps up. He has a lot of pressure on his shoulders.

551
00:42:28,000 --> 00:42:37,000
You know, he knows he's taken the ball away from Harry Kane, who's already scored his penalty, who's been a consistent penalty taker for England and has done a very good job at that.

552
00:42:37,000 --> 00:42:43,000
He misses the penalty. We spend hours discussing it after. Why did he take the ball away from Kane?

553
00:42:43,000 --> 00:42:50,000
You know, we could we could we could go on with this all night. For me, for me, it was totally understandable.

554
00:42:50,000 --> 00:42:59,000
It's going to haunt Kane. There's no doubt about that. He was on it tonight. This was a real chance for him.

555
00:42:59,000 --> 00:43:08,000
He's made no secret about his desire to want to win a trophy. The man deserves a trophy. He pushed for that move to City. He didn't get it.

556
00:43:08,000 --> 00:43:17,000
He goes back to Spurs now. He hopes that they can turn out an FA Cup win. I'm sure I'm sure he was really eyeing that World Cup trophy.

557
00:43:17,000 --> 00:43:23,000
And this is going to haunt him for a while. But he had to step up. Yeah. You agree?

558
00:43:23,000 --> 00:43:28,000
Yeah, no, no, I think I have to be Kane. So people talk a lot about and it's a fair point.

559
00:43:28,000 --> 00:43:34,000
Once you scored one penalty, the second one becomes a lot harder. It plays in your head. And maybe that's what we saw tonight.

560
00:43:34,000 --> 00:43:38,000
But when you have someone like Kane on the team, he's always going to be the one taking the penalty.

561
00:43:38,000 --> 00:43:44,000
Sure, we have a couple of good takers on our team. There's Rashford, there's Shaw can take good penalties. There's a couple of others, 100 percent.

562
00:43:44,000 --> 00:43:52,000
But it's always going to be Kane. I'm not going to lie. What pisses me off is people like football pundit Richard Keyes.

563
00:43:52,000 --> 00:44:00,000
Here we go. Me, Matt and Theo. Me, Matt and Theo were watching the post game analysis and Richard Keyes was often times in the mouth.

564
00:44:00,000 --> 00:44:05,000
No, I've been saying the whole time it shouldn't have been Kane. It was way too much pressure.

565
00:44:05,000 --> 00:44:10,000
He should have been. And then he's been saying all these other players. He mentions Foden at the point who never took a penalty in his life.

566
00:44:10,000 --> 00:44:16,000
There's all these great players. Shut the fuck up, man. Shut the fuck up. It's Harry Kane.

567
00:44:16,000 --> 00:44:24,000
It's very easy to make that claim and say, I could have done a better job as England manager. I would have made this decision and it would have gone our way.

568
00:44:24,000 --> 00:44:32,000
I just want to take the opportunity while I'm on air to say I really hate Richard Keyes. I think he's a really bad pundit.

569
00:44:32,000 --> 00:44:36,000
He's a pretty bad person as well, but he's a really bad pundit.

570
00:44:36,000 --> 00:44:42,000
More importantly, he's a bad pundit. I think he's even worse of a human being than he is a pundit.

571
00:44:42,000 --> 00:44:47,000
I mean, considering that story, which we won't get into obviously.

572
00:44:47,000 --> 00:44:50,000
In the football podcast, we'll just say he's a bad pundit. Exactly.

573
00:44:50,000 --> 00:44:54,000
I don't know if the message will ever reach him, but Richard Keyes.

574
00:44:54,000 --> 00:44:59,000
I mean, Richard Keyes, if you're hearing this, it's a simple fuck you from Serious Spotlight. It's a simple as that.

575
00:44:59,000 --> 00:45:05,000
We'll never sit down for dinner, Richard. We don't know what you're going through, but like make better decisions.

576
00:45:05,000 --> 00:45:09,000
That's what I'm going to say. And Kane was right to take the penalty.

577
00:45:09,000 --> 00:45:15,000
Not as well. Another word for Richard is dick. So there you go.

578
00:45:15,000 --> 00:45:19,000
Dickies. Sounds like a great product on Shark Tank.

579
00:45:19,000 --> 00:45:26,000
Let's shift a bit to France because this has been a predominantly England podcast so far.

580
00:45:26,000 --> 00:45:33,000
Obviously, France did what France do. They did what they were expected to, even though they came into the tournament with so many disappointing injuries.

581
00:45:33,000 --> 00:45:39,000
I mean, not having Pogba fit. He hasn't played a single game since the start of this campaign.

582
00:45:39,000 --> 00:45:45,000
Kante, who was so important for them in the last World Cup. And this goes on and on.

583
00:45:45,000 --> 00:45:49,000
I mean, even Karim Benzema ended up pulling out when the campaign was about to start.

584
00:45:49,000 --> 00:45:53,000
There was talks about them bringing him back, but Giroud has really come in clutch.

585
00:45:53,000 --> 00:45:57,000
So at least for now, they won't be missing him too much. But now they get knocked out.

586
00:45:57,000 --> 00:46:01,000
Obviously, they're going to say, ah, we had Benzema, we had Pogba, we had Kante.

587
00:46:01,000 --> 00:46:08,000
We won the whole damn thing. Didier Deschamps has spent now 10 years as the manager of France.

588
00:46:08,000 --> 00:46:16,000
Obviously, France could become the first team since the 1960s that won two consecutive World Cups in a row.

589
00:46:16,000 --> 00:46:23,000
They do look very convincing. And this was probably the toughest fixture any of the final four have faced thus far.

590
00:46:23,000 --> 00:46:29,000
And he managed to dismantle England, which is no easy task. Do you think France can go all the way, boys?

591
00:46:29,000 --> 00:46:39,000
Definitely, definitely. I think with France, there is a belief inside them that they can win every competition they take part in.

592
00:46:39,000 --> 00:46:45,000
I think the stability under Deschamps has been very important in that way.

593
00:46:45,000 --> 00:46:50,000
A game like today, you do feel like that experience really comes into it.

594
00:46:50,000 --> 00:46:58,000
They managed to pull that moment out. It could have gone either way, but they did it.

595
00:46:58,000 --> 00:47:05,000
And they have proven themselves that they can do this kind of thing over multiple tournaments.

596
00:47:05,000 --> 00:47:12,000
I think now the draw shapes up really nicely for them. They go into the match with Morocco.

597
00:47:12,000 --> 00:47:15,000
I mean, that's a match they should be winning. And then they're in the final.

598
00:47:15,000 --> 00:47:20,000
Again, the experience factor comes into it. You know, the belief factor comes into it.

599
00:47:20,000 --> 00:47:28,000
They're a solid team. Defensively, you always know that they're going to put in a performance.

600
00:47:28,000 --> 00:47:34,000
They're not going to allow many chances. And then, of course, going forward, there's not much to say.

601
00:47:34,000 --> 00:47:35,000
No debate.

602
00:47:35,000 --> 00:47:42,000
They have the quality there. I think for me, they go in as the favorites now to win the entire thing.

603
00:47:42,000 --> 00:47:43,000
For you, James?

604
00:47:43,000 --> 00:47:46,000
Yeah, for sure. France are definitely the favorites for me.

605
00:47:46,000 --> 00:47:50,000
I think we'll all predict that France-Argentina final.

606
00:47:50,000 --> 00:47:55,000
Argentina as well, but I feel like France are just absolutely incredible all throughout the squad.

607
00:47:55,000 --> 00:48:00,000
I have to heap absolute respect to my man Olivier Giroud.

608
00:48:00,000 --> 00:48:08,000
He's had an absolutely crazy World Cup at 35, 36. Something ridiculous like that. It's generally so impressive.

609
00:48:08,000 --> 00:48:13,000
If anyone had scored tonight, I'm glad it was him. I'm generally glad it was him.

610
00:48:13,000 --> 00:48:18,000
I'm so happy for him. You could see in his celebration. It's like he had tears in his eyes.

611
00:48:18,000 --> 00:48:25,000
I was so happy to have scored that. I'm proud of him. I'm proud of him because he deserves it.

612
00:48:25,000 --> 00:48:30,000
France didn't deserve it. Mbappe has still won the show, the whole World Cup.

613
00:48:30,000 --> 00:48:37,000
I thought... That's an interesting point I have. I felt like tonight Mbappe was actually not one of the most impressive persons.

614
00:48:37,000 --> 00:48:43,000
He was good, he was strong as always, but I feel like he didn't do massive amounts tonight.

615
00:48:43,000 --> 00:48:48,000
Maybe that's down to the absolute incredible performance by Walker.

616
00:48:48,000 --> 00:48:54,000
Jokes aside, I just think they have so much quality throughout.

617
00:48:54,000 --> 00:49:02,000
I mean, players like Griezmann who might be a little bit stifled at Atleti had a fantastic game tonight.

618
00:49:02,000 --> 00:49:09,000
And it just goes to show with all these injuries, they still have the best 11. They're not their absolute favorites.

619
00:49:09,000 --> 00:49:14,000
I think I would disagree in the sense that you said he didn't have a standout performance.

620
00:49:14,000 --> 00:49:20,000
Now obviously we're used to a standout performance by Kylian Mbappe being that he scores two goals as an iconic celebration.

621
00:49:20,000 --> 00:49:29,000
And that's where people talk about Mbappe. But the first goal, the reason Chou Aménie had so much space is because Mbappe dragged three defenders alongside him.

622
00:49:29,000 --> 00:49:36,000
And he ended up playing the ball into the dangerous area. And Chou Aménie had acres of space and just had to hit it.

623
00:49:36,000 --> 00:49:39,000
And God bless him, he's got quite a kick on him.

624
00:49:39,000 --> 00:49:49,000
So I think Mbappe just being Mbappe and having the name Mbappe is enough for him to have a crucial performance on this stage.

625
00:49:49,000 --> 00:49:54,000
Because everyone was talking to England players about how are you going to stop Mbappe, how are you going to stop Mbappe.

626
00:49:54,000 --> 00:50:02,000
And England players deep down, they were saying they don't care, but deep down they were like we're going to fucking put four men on him, we're going to break his legs.

627
00:50:02,000 --> 00:50:08,000
I think they were so focused on doing that, they might have come up short because of that in my opinion.

628
00:50:08,000 --> 00:50:13,000
And I mean you have these kind of players, I mean you have Mbappe today, you had Neymar yesterday.

629
00:50:13,000 --> 00:50:20,000
Was Neymar's performance yesterday incredible? I didn't think so. But that moment, that goal, you know.

630
00:50:20,000 --> 00:50:26,000
It opens the scoring and it's absolutely brilliant. Very few players could have done what he did.

631
00:50:26,000 --> 00:50:31,000
Mbappe is the same kind of player, you know. You leave that player on the pitch for as long as you can.

632
00:50:31,000 --> 00:50:37,000
And you just hope he can produce one of those moments of brilliance and often they will do that.

633
00:50:37,000 --> 00:50:49,000
I think personally, it seems like with every goal, Giroud's lips and Mbappe's lips are just getting closer and closer and closer.

634
00:50:49,000 --> 00:50:52,000
You guys, he has some celebration lost around the notebook.

635
00:50:52,000 --> 00:50:59,000
One of them scores in the World Cup final, they kiss. That's my hot take for this Vodkar.

636
00:50:59,000 --> 00:51:04,000
I've heard some rumours, all I'm saying is I've heard some rumours already. I've heard some rumours and I'm not against it.

637
00:51:04,000 --> 00:51:06,000
I encourage it.

638
00:51:06,000 --> 00:51:13,000
Giroud is a beautiful man, Mbappe is good looking in his own right, both fantastic players, power to them.

639
00:51:13,000 --> 00:51:15,000
So this is that kind of Vodkar?

640
00:51:15,000 --> 00:51:20,000
This is that kind of Vodkar. You don't listen, you don't know.

641
00:51:20,000 --> 00:51:21,000
I don't listen.

642
00:51:21,000 --> 00:51:24,000
We get weird, man. We get very, very weird.

643
00:51:24,000 --> 00:51:26,000
It's a very open discussion.

644
00:51:26,000 --> 00:51:38,000
But France, yeah, look, I think they have, I think they probably are favourites right now because they've dismantled the best opponents and they haven't really fallen short since the round of 16.

645
00:51:38,000 --> 00:51:44,000
They haven't really looked in much danger. I mean, England scored from the spot. There was a moment by Theo Hernandez.

646
00:51:44,000 --> 00:51:49,000
As a Milan fan, I rate Theo Hernandez up there as one of the best left backs in the world.

647
00:51:49,000 --> 00:51:53,000
I think Kane saved his fucking career tonight.

648
00:51:53,000 --> 00:51:58,000
I think Kane. Look, I wish Kane scored.

649
00:51:58,000 --> 00:52:08,000
So, this is a tough one because I wish Kane scored so that no one would be interested in Theo and no one would buy him off Milan.

650
00:52:08,000 --> 00:52:12,000
But now his value remains the same. His value doesn't go down.

651
00:52:12,000 --> 00:52:17,000
You know what I mean? But I really do think that Kane saved his career tonight.

652
00:52:17,000 --> 00:52:27,000
So are you suggesting that these elite football clubs make their transfer decisions based on whether Kane scores that penalty or not?

653
00:52:27,000 --> 00:52:34,000
I think if had the situation been more detrimental, then the media would have gone crazier on Theo Hernandez.

654
00:52:34,000 --> 00:52:40,000
And I think the media dictates a lot on how much people are willing to spend on certain players.

655
00:52:40,000 --> 00:52:44,000
I think more than that, what can also happen is a player can get a little bit crushed by it.

656
00:52:44,000 --> 00:52:49,000
So it's very, to be fair, I feel like Theo Hernandez is a very strong personality.

657
00:52:49,000 --> 00:52:51,000
So I feel like he'll probably power through it.

658
00:52:51,000 --> 00:52:57,000
But you often see players kind of get consumed by the criticism that they receive.

659
00:52:57,000 --> 00:53:01,000
And you can see it in players like Maguire, who has a bit of like a sort of...

660
00:53:01,000 --> 00:53:04,000
If Giroud has a fantastic highlight reel.

661
00:53:04,000 --> 00:53:08,000
And so Giroud is a good player with a Pelé-level highlight reel.

662
00:53:08,000 --> 00:53:11,000
Maguire is also a good player and he kind of has the opposite of that.

663
00:53:11,000 --> 00:53:19,000
Because he can be a bit clumsy at times, has an anti-highlight reel where he can be made to look like a Sunday league player.

664
00:53:19,000 --> 00:53:28,000
And I feel like with Maguire, it's kind of affected his confidence and it's made him make more mistakes as time has gone by.

665
00:53:28,000 --> 00:53:30,000
And it's made him a bit worse as a player.

666
00:53:30,000 --> 00:53:38,000
And you can see that happen to players like Theo Hernandez if things go south in a massive world stage like the World Cup.

667
00:53:38,000 --> 00:53:40,000
If Kane scores that penalty.

668
00:53:40,000 --> 00:53:48,000
If things go south in a massive world stage and he's the reason why France get knocked out and the media consumes him and the people are all against him, then you never know what happens.

669
00:53:48,000 --> 00:53:49,000
Exactly.

670
00:53:49,000 --> 00:53:52,000
And with that said, that was fucking stupid of Theo Hernandez.

671
00:53:52,000 --> 00:53:54,000
It was. It was so weird.

672
00:53:54,000 --> 00:53:56,000
The ball was going straight into Euriz's arms.

673
00:53:56,000 --> 00:53:59,000
You never know with Euriz what it looks like to go straight into his arms.

674
00:53:59,000 --> 00:54:01,000
Straight Russian blood to the head from Theo Hernandez.

675
00:54:01,000 --> 00:54:02,000
He was pissed in the moment.

676
00:54:02,000 --> 00:54:03,000
I don't know what happened there.

677
00:54:03,000 --> 00:54:06,000
Should not have pushed him but hey, he got out lucky.

678
00:54:06,000 --> 00:54:07,000
He got out scott free.

679
00:54:07,000 --> 00:54:09,000
A question for you guys.

680
00:54:09,000 --> 00:54:12,000
Is that a sending off by the defensive?

681
00:54:12,000 --> 00:54:14,000
Such a good question, Thé.

682
00:54:14,000 --> 00:54:15,000
It's such a good question.

683
00:54:15,000 --> 00:54:23,000
Because technically, technically, by the rule book, if you deem that a foul, then it is number one, malicious intent.

684
00:54:23,000 --> 00:54:27,000
And number two, it's a stopping of a clear goal scoring opportunity.

685
00:54:27,000 --> 00:54:30,000
Ball is heading into the box. It's heading over to the player.

686
00:54:30,000 --> 00:54:32,000
Player can score. You're the last man.

687
00:54:32,000 --> 00:54:35,000
You bring him down. It's a foul and it's a red card.

688
00:54:35,000 --> 00:54:38,000
If that's a foul, it's a red card in my opinion.

689
00:54:38,000 --> 00:54:41,000
The referee does not have the right.

690
00:54:41,000 --> 00:54:47,000
Now look, it's weird because the rules are there for the rules to be stuck to.

691
00:54:47,000 --> 00:54:54,000
And we've seen on the highest stages the referee sticking to the raw rule book and making decisions based on the rule book.

692
00:54:54,000 --> 00:54:55,000
And you can't argue that.

693
00:54:55,000 --> 00:55:01,000
But the reason we have humans as referees and we don't have robots as referees because referees can make judgment.

694
00:55:01,000 --> 00:55:05,000
The judgment over here was, yes, he brought him down.

695
00:55:05,000 --> 00:55:07,000
Yes, he was the last man.

696
00:55:07,000 --> 00:55:10,000
It wasn't a studs of challenge.

697
00:55:10,000 --> 00:55:13,000
It wasn't a painful challenge.

698
00:55:13,000 --> 00:55:16,000
And the ball was probably heading into Hugo Uri.

699
00:55:16,000 --> 00:55:17,000
So we're in between.

700
00:55:17,000 --> 00:55:20,000
I'm going to give him my yellow card via the rule book.

701
00:55:20,000 --> 00:55:25,000
That's a red and I'm very strictly in favor of the rule book in a situation like that.

702
00:55:25,000 --> 00:55:29,000
I think, Theo, I love you so much, man.

703
00:55:29,000 --> 00:55:32,000
I love you so much, but I think you should have been sent off over there.

704
00:55:32,000 --> 00:55:35,000
It's funny. I feel like so if you're right about the rule book, I don't know exactly the rule book.

705
00:55:35,000 --> 00:55:41,000
But if you're right about the rule book, then I feel like the referee should always follow the left of the law and he should be sent off.

706
00:55:41,000 --> 00:55:47,000
As a fan just watching the game, even though I'm an England fan, seeing that happen, I feel like no, it's not a red card.

707
00:55:47,000 --> 00:55:49,000
Like you said, the ball was going straight into his arms.

708
00:55:49,000 --> 00:55:55,000
It was a stupid foul, but like I said, it wasn't some crazy studs of challenge or malicious intent or whatever.

709
00:55:55,000 --> 00:55:57,000
I just felt like it was a penalty and a yellow.

710
00:55:57,000 --> 00:56:01,000
But that's not me following the letter of the law.

711
00:56:01,000 --> 00:56:11,000
I think what's happened here is the ref has interpreted that chance not to be a clear goal scoring opportunity for Mount.

712
00:56:11,000 --> 00:56:12,000
Which it wasn't.

713
00:56:12,000 --> 00:56:13,000
Which it wasn't.

714
00:56:13,000 --> 00:56:17,000
I mean, I mean, Mason Mount's legs aren't that long.

715
00:56:17,000 --> 00:56:21,000
He's not getting to that ball realistically.

716
00:56:21,000 --> 00:56:27,000
So I think that's what's left the reasoning behind that decision.

717
00:56:27,000 --> 00:56:30,000
But it's it's it's it is debatable.

718
00:56:30,000 --> 00:56:36,000
It is debatable because I mean, there is an assumption going on there that he has no chance of getting to the ball.

719
00:56:36,000 --> 00:56:44,000
Right. And if you are saying that there are none of this as committed the foul and he has no intention to play the ball there,

720
00:56:44,000 --> 00:56:49,000
we saw that we saw it on Mount as well in the in the Champions League tomorrow.

721
00:56:49,000 --> 00:56:52,000
He made that that a similar a similar tackle.

722
00:56:52,000 --> 00:56:54,000
I believe he had pulled his shirt.

723
00:56:54,000 --> 00:56:56,000
He had no intention to play the ball there.

724
00:56:56,000 --> 00:56:57,000
He was sent off.

725
00:56:57,000 --> 00:56:59,000
Yeah, it's very similar.

726
00:56:59,000 --> 00:57:00,000
It's similar.

727
00:57:00,000 --> 00:57:01,000
It's similar.

728
00:57:01,000 --> 00:57:07,000
All all all I want all I ask for from these referees, no matter what the competition in football is, is an element of consistency.

729
00:57:07,000 --> 00:57:12,000
Where can I stand on the fence if the referee and law doesn't know where they stand on the fence?

730
00:57:12,000 --> 00:57:19,000
I just wanted to be Jake and I always mentioned this on the pod consistency consistency because the second there's not consistency.

731
00:57:19,000 --> 00:57:21,000
The referee has made a decision.

732
00:57:21,000 --> 00:57:22,000
Why has the referee made a decision?

733
00:57:22,000 --> 00:57:24,000
Is it because he fancies the team?

734
00:57:24,000 --> 00:57:27,000
Is it because the team is at home and he's getting pressured by the fans?

735
00:57:27,000 --> 00:57:28,000
So on so forth.

736
00:57:28,000 --> 00:57:30,000
It needs to be consistency.

737
00:57:30,000 --> 00:57:33,000
The rule book needs to be implemented in a harsher manner.

738
00:57:33,000 --> 00:57:37,000
And if the rule book is implemented in a harsher manner, we will see more consistency.

739
00:57:37,000 --> 00:57:41,000
That would have been a red card and perhaps it would have even been a different game.

740
00:57:41,000 --> 00:57:44,000
So there's some food for thought for you guys to be a bit angry.

741
00:57:44,000 --> 00:57:46,000
That's the point of following the letter of the law.

742
00:57:46,000 --> 00:57:57,000
So that's why, for example, the tomorrow the tomorrow red card, which they'll mention is a good example of one where like you're watching it and you're like just as a consumer, as a fan, you think it should be a red card.

743
00:57:57,000 --> 00:58:05,000
But according to the letter of the letter of the law, it is and it should be followed as such just for the sake of those are the rules.

744
00:58:05,000 --> 00:58:12,000
Yeah, for the sake of consistency, avoiding bias and avoiding all these criticisms, avoiding these talking points, which we're discussing right now.

745
00:58:12,000 --> 00:58:14,000
It should be a red card for that reason.

746
00:58:14,000 --> 00:58:15,000
I agree completely.

747
00:58:15,000 --> 00:58:18,000
More content, although.

748
00:58:18,000 --> 00:58:21,000
So you fucking up gives us more things to talk about.

749
00:58:21,000 --> 00:58:28,000
I think we're in a safe space to move over to the next game, which is Morocco 1, Portugal 0.

750
00:58:28,000 --> 00:58:54,000
Now, all of us were so wrong in this, I personally said three nil victory for Portugal coming off the victory that they were coming off without Ronaldo on the team with the with all these young guys wanting to impress with layout on the bench with João Felix Bruno Fernandes with all these guys in such good form that they would have got it done and in a fairly comfortable manner.

751
00:58:54,000 --> 00:58:59,000
But Morocco proves otherwise. Teo, you had two nil to Portugal, not far off from me.

752
00:58:59,000 --> 00:59:06,000
What was your logic behind that? You fucking moron.

753
00:59:06,000 --> 00:59:11,000
I'll ignore that last part.

754
00:59:11,000 --> 00:59:25,000
So, so I think I think Morocco Morocco are an interesting team right there. I mean, given the given the players they have, it makes complete sense for them to set up as a counter attacking team.

755
00:59:25,000 --> 00:59:34,000
It's worked amazingly well for them. I don't believe they've conceded a single goal from an opposition player. I think they have conceded one goal as an own goal.

756
00:59:34,000 --> 00:59:37,000
That's interesting.

757
00:59:37,000 --> 00:59:49,000
I mean, you can you can see why. I think they did a really good job on Spain from a defensive point of view. Spain could not penetrate them in any way.

758
00:59:49,000 --> 00:59:57,000
They had their number in that aspect, got through the penalties, had a bit of luck there and they got through.

759
00:59:57,000 --> 01:00:09,000
Heading into this Portugal match, I did think Portugal coming off of the wind that they had before the Switzerland game, I did think that that they would be able to carve Morocco open.

760
01:00:09,000 --> 01:00:22,000
I think I think there was a storyline going on behind, you know, Ronaldo being dropped and Gonzalo Ramos being like the next, I don't know, Ronaldo maybe.

761
01:00:22,000 --> 01:00:28,000
Was playing into that. Portugal looks like they had found they were clicking, you know, they had found a solution.

762
01:00:28,000 --> 01:00:33,000
They could create chances. And today, to be fair, they did create chances.

763
01:00:33,000 --> 01:00:43,000
But but they didn't take them. And what I what really impressed me about Morocco is how deadly they looked on the counter.

764
01:00:43,000 --> 01:00:50,000
And that that that was impressive. There were so many moments where a better final ball and they would have scored, you know.

765
01:00:50,000 --> 01:00:56,000
And I think I think a lot of credit to Morocco. I didn't predict this one.

766
01:00:56,000 --> 01:01:02,000
I will go into the next match expecting them to lose again. I've done that round after round.

767
01:01:02,000 --> 01:01:04,000
I think even the group page, I didn't expect them to pass through.

768
01:01:04,000 --> 01:01:08,000
So they're just going to keep on going on and on until I predict them to win.

769
01:01:08,000 --> 01:01:11,000
And then that's when they'll lose. Yeah. Yeah.

770
01:01:11,000 --> 01:01:23,000
James, brother, you said to want Portugal, probably. I mean, nothing new here. Portugal are a much better team on paper than than Morocco.

771
01:01:23,000 --> 01:01:27,000
No, no, as in clearly, I'm a fucking idiot for thinking that Portugal beat Morocco.

772
01:01:27,000 --> 01:01:33,000
No, no, no, no. No, but jokes aside, Morocco as in props to them and props to Morocco.

773
01:01:33,000 --> 01:01:37,000
They've been absolutely amazing. Have they lost the game yet?

774
01:01:37,000 --> 01:01:46,000
I think in the group stage, I can actually find out right now. So in the group stages, so they beat Canada, they beat Belgium and they drew to Croatia.

775
01:01:46,000 --> 01:01:49,000
They haven't lost a single fucking game yet. Seriously impressive, man.

776
01:01:49,000 --> 01:01:52,000
I think given the sample size, we can conclude Morocco are the best team.

777
01:01:52,000 --> 01:01:59,000
I think so far that's entirely down to having you two's front man in goal.

778
01:01:59,000 --> 01:02:09,000
With or without, you might know. They've actually been seriously impressive. So the fact I didn't know that what they said before that they've only conceded,

779
01:02:09,000 --> 01:02:16,000
literally like a long goal, whatever you say. The only one who only have conceded on goal so far is actually crazy.

780
01:02:16,000 --> 01:02:23,000
And even if even if they have conceded one or two here and there, it's seriously impressive for a relatively small team like Morocco to be so solid at the back.

781
01:02:23,000 --> 01:02:30,000
You never expected. And what I love about them is whilst being so solid there, they have so much flair, man.

782
01:02:30,000 --> 01:02:36,000
They've got so much flair. They've got so much flair. As in Bufal and Ziyech on the wings is crazy.

783
01:02:36,000 --> 01:02:43,000
Ziyech is an absolute wizard. And I see Bufal as like I'm sure I'm sure you guys know Hatem Ben Arafat, man.

784
01:02:43,000 --> 01:02:47,000
Of course. Bufal just reminds me of like a Moroccan Hatem Ben Arafat.

785
01:02:47,000 --> 01:02:53,000
Or the guy has just like bags of tricks, man. Bags of tricks. They're so fun to watch in that sense.

786
01:02:53,000 --> 01:02:58,000
At least when they are on the ball, they've got the attackers and power to them, man.

787
01:02:58,000 --> 01:03:04,000
I'd love for them to go and result against France, even though I think it's unlikely. It's very unlikely. It's going to be massively difficult.

788
01:03:04,000 --> 01:03:09,000
But hey, we said that about them against Portugal and we definitely said about them against Spain as well.

789
01:03:09,000 --> 01:03:14,000
So I don't think anybody's going to be predicting them to win any games. But I'd love for them to keep surprising us.

790
01:03:14,000 --> 01:03:20,000
I'd love for them to keep surprising us and who knows, maybe we'll see a crazy like Morocco, Croatia final.

791
01:03:20,000 --> 01:03:26,000
Matt, since I've known you, you've always been one who like to err on the risky side.

792
01:03:26,000 --> 01:03:29,000
Could a Morocco win be on the cards next?

793
01:03:29,000 --> 01:03:37,000
I think a Morocco win. It's hard to sit here and tell you no, Morocco can't win this game because that's what I've said so far.

794
01:03:37,000 --> 01:03:42,000
And one thing I do say is when I'm wrong, I learn from it. You know what I mean?

795
01:03:42,000 --> 01:03:47,000
And I've been wrong on a number of occasions about Morocco. Obviously, we all kind of like to romanticize.

796
01:03:47,000 --> 01:03:52,000
Obviously, I've got players like Amr Abat, Bono, Ziyech. They could do this. They could do that.

797
01:03:52,000 --> 01:03:57,000
But then once we see it happening, we're like, OK, this is going to be short lived. This isn't going to go very long.

798
01:03:57,000 --> 01:04:05,000
They don't have the legs. And then we saw them in the warm up, two of their players getting their legs fucking bandaged up

799
01:04:05,000 --> 01:04:09,000
because they're so fatigued because they're not used to playing at this level.

800
01:04:09,000 --> 01:04:11,000
They're fucked for the next game.

801
01:04:11,000 --> 01:04:20,000
They have to cover a lot of ground. Spain passed them side to side. Portugal made them run as well today.

802
01:04:20,000 --> 01:04:27,000
Hakimi versus Mbappe. Hakimi versus Mbappe. That is going to be a battle, boys.

803
01:04:27,000 --> 01:04:32,000
It always feels like Mbappe can torch anyone. You're always going to support him against anyone.

804
01:04:32,000 --> 01:04:37,000
But Hakimi is top three right now. Of course, without a doubt.

805
01:04:37,000 --> 01:04:42,000
So if you're going to trust anyone, it's going to be him. So they're blessed to have him up against Mbappe.

806
01:04:42,000 --> 01:04:46,000
He's going to have a lot of work to do. But it's going to be a fucking crazy battle.

807
01:04:46,000 --> 01:04:52,000
I think, as I said, obviously, Ziyech, we mentioned he's got the flair really important for them on the counters.

808
01:04:52,000 --> 01:04:56,000
I think one thing they do is they bring on players like Chedira who plays for Bari.

809
01:04:56,000 --> 01:05:00,000
Just because he has a little bit of pace, you give them that long ball when you're defending.

810
01:05:00,000 --> 01:05:02,000
Sent off today, though. Sent off today. Sent off today.

811
01:05:02,000 --> 01:05:10,000
Well, he has missed multiple chances. So it's more of a stylistically they would like to have him.

812
01:05:10,000 --> 01:05:16,000
Well, not stylistically, tactically they would like to have him because he fits in that slot perfectly, not for his output.

813
01:05:16,000 --> 01:05:22,000
But we've spoken and romanticized about Ziyech, Bono, obviously Hakimi.

814
01:05:22,000 --> 01:05:28,000
But how important is it to have a player like Amr Abat in the team?

815
01:05:28,000 --> 01:05:33,000
Now, I'm going to give myself some props over here. I'm going to give Ziyech some props as well.

816
01:05:33,000 --> 01:05:38,000
We obviously follow Serie A, so it's easy for us to sit here and tell you who's good and who's not.

817
01:05:38,000 --> 01:05:44,000
But on so many occasions, I've pointed out this player is good, this player is good, and they move to the Prem and they don't do well.

818
01:05:44,000 --> 01:05:46,000
Or they go to the World Cup and they don't do well.

819
01:05:46,000 --> 01:05:55,000
Amr Abat, Amr Abat has been so far the best midfielder in the tournament.

820
01:05:55,000 --> 01:06:07,000
The man is, he breaks down play. So I have this saying on the pod that there's a loose ball, it's not a loose ball, it's Amr Abat's ball.

821
01:06:07,000 --> 01:06:16,000
That's the way he plays. He breaks down play. He's an engine. He keeps going with the same energy from minute one to minute 100 in this World Cup.

822
01:06:16,000 --> 01:06:23,000
Just like me, just like me. 12-6, 4-5-E, and I'm non-stop, non-stop.

823
01:06:23,000 --> 01:06:31,000
Aside from that, so he breaks down play like Kante, so to say. But then he dictates play like Brazovic.

824
01:06:31,000 --> 01:06:38,000
He switches play around. He dictates the entire game. He's like, OK, the left is a better opportunity right now.

825
01:06:38,000 --> 01:06:43,000
OK, I'm going to hold the ball over here. He is Morocco. He is Morocco.

826
01:06:43,000 --> 01:06:47,000
How highly do you rate him? Would you take him at United and would you take him at Chelsea?

827
01:06:47,000 --> 01:06:56,000
Look, so coming into this World Cup in the first couple of games, you haven't stopped just bigging up Amr Abat.

828
01:06:56,000 --> 01:07:01,000
And in the beginning, I was just kind of brushing it off like, yeah, sure, whatever, Amr Abat.

829
01:07:01,000 --> 01:07:03,000
We had a guy called Amr Abat in front of me, and he was all right.

830
01:07:03,000 --> 01:07:04,000
What for?

831
01:07:04,000 --> 01:07:07,000
Yeah, just another Amr Abat. There's a bunch of them, apparently.

832
01:07:07,000 --> 01:07:12,000
And I kind of brushed it off. And then he had a crazy game against Spain.

833
01:07:12,000 --> 01:07:18,000
And ever since then, he just hasn't stopped rubbing it in my face. And I can't blame you because no, no, he's been amazing.

834
01:07:18,000 --> 01:07:22,000
And what I love about him is that Spain game. So take it back a couple of weeks.

835
01:07:22,000 --> 01:07:29,000
That Spain game, he was up until 3am the night before taking injections into his legs, dealing with an injury.

836
01:07:29,000 --> 01:07:33,000
So there was big chances, he said himself, there was a massive chance I wouldn't even play.

837
01:07:33,000 --> 01:07:36,000
And then he came into that game and he absolutely fucking dominated.

838
01:07:36,000 --> 01:07:44,000
So he ran the show and he came into the game today and again, he was super solid. And so now he's been super impressive.

839
01:07:44,000 --> 01:07:49,000
And I think having a player like him in the middle for Morocco to help solidify them in front of the fence

840
01:07:49,000 --> 01:07:55,000
and to just make that transition into the attack for their counters, which are everything for them, he's been absolutely huge.

841
01:07:55,000 --> 01:08:00,000
And I think he is their absolute, as in a player like Ziek, like Fadi, like Hakimi.

842
01:08:00,000 --> 01:08:03,000
But Amr Abat has been the key player. I'll give him that for sure.

843
01:08:03,000 --> 01:08:04,000
Would you take him at Chelsea?

844
01:08:04,000 --> 01:08:06,000
I'll take him at Chelsea.

845
01:08:06,000 --> 01:08:07,000
He'll take anyone at Chelsea.

846
01:08:07,000 --> 01:08:11,000
At this point, I need stuff. Right now I'll just take whoever we can get.

847
01:08:11,000 --> 01:08:15,000
I've heard of a certain Danny Drinkwater perhaps.

848
01:08:15,000 --> 01:08:18,000
There's one I won't take, maybe it's him.

849
01:08:18,000 --> 01:08:19,000
What's your budget? 40?

850
01:08:19,000 --> 01:08:20,000
I heard.

851
01:08:20,000 --> 01:08:21,000
He was like something like that.

852
01:08:21,000 --> 01:08:25,000
For you, Tay, what do you think about Amr Abat? You kind of look like him as well.

853
01:08:25,000 --> 01:08:26,000
I do.

854
01:08:26,000 --> 01:08:28,000
Not gonna lie, I'm crushing on you slightly.

855
01:08:28,000 --> 01:08:39,000
I do have to say, whenever a man from the bald community does something good, I do feel very proud.

856
01:08:39,000 --> 01:08:43,000
You said last night, when he goes to the bar, you just tell him, listen, just make me look like Amr Abat.

857
01:08:43,000 --> 01:08:46,000
I always opt for the Amr Abat.

858
01:08:46,000 --> 01:08:48,000
Just show him a photo of Amr Abat.

859
01:08:48,000 --> 01:08:49,000
That's how it is.

860
01:08:49,000 --> 01:08:58,000
When you have an underdog story, you always have these players that really shine and they get the publicity.

861
01:08:58,000 --> 01:09:01,000
I'm really happy to see it for Amr Abat.

862
01:09:01,000 --> 01:09:03,000
He looks really good.

863
01:09:03,000 --> 01:09:04,000
Will I take him at United?

864
01:09:04,000 --> 01:09:05,000
Yes, definitely.

865
01:09:05,000 --> 01:09:12,000
It's been really interesting seeing this kind of player really stand out.

866
01:09:12,000 --> 01:09:16,000
I think he really represents what Morocco are all about.

867
01:09:16,000 --> 01:09:18,000
Hard-working.

868
01:09:18,000 --> 01:09:19,000
Exactly.

869
01:09:19,000 --> 01:09:20,000
Efficient on the ball.

870
01:09:20,000 --> 01:09:21,000
Exactly.

871
01:09:21,000 --> 01:09:22,000
He's been crucial.

872
01:09:22,000 --> 01:09:27,000
One thing I said on the last episode is watching him at Morocco is like watching him at Fiorentina.

873
01:09:27,000 --> 01:09:34,000
Obviously, he puts way more minutes, way more hours working hard at Fiorentina and with his teammates at Fiorentina than he does at Morocco.

874
01:09:34,000 --> 01:09:39,000
Which makes it all the more impressive that he's so adaptable as well, which makes me think that he would adapt to other leagues.

875
01:09:39,000 --> 01:09:48,000
Obviously, it's going to be snapped up by the Prem at some point unless he ends up making a ridiculous under the table money with Juventus.

876
01:09:48,000 --> 01:09:55,000
He'll end up leaving to the Prem obviously for money and for more fame and for more glamour.

877
01:09:55,000 --> 01:09:59,000
But that's Morocco for you.

878
01:09:59,000 --> 01:10:02,000
We can move on to Portugal.

879
01:10:02,000 --> 01:10:07,000
Portugal lost because of the reasons we just mentioned.

880
01:10:07,000 --> 01:10:09,000
They had no shortcomings themselves.

881
01:10:09,000 --> 01:10:12,000
They were just outdone the same way Spain were outdone.

882
01:10:12,000 --> 01:10:16,000
Spain looked like one of the most convincing teams, especially after that opening match.

883
01:10:16,000 --> 01:10:20,000
We all thought Spain are going to make it to the semis, are going to make it to the quarters.

884
01:10:20,000 --> 01:10:33,000
Is there anything you noticed within the Portugal team that you thought maybe they could have done better, maybe an area they struggled that could have taken them over the line in a game like this?

885
01:10:33,000 --> 01:10:38,000
I mean, first of all, they conceded a lot of chances.

886
01:10:38,000 --> 01:10:57,000
It's interesting to see the Portuguese team, which came into the tournament with a reputation for maybe being a bit too cautious, not creating enough chances, but being a bit more defensively solid, which is what had won them that Euros.

887
01:10:57,000 --> 01:11:00,000
Today they were really open.

888
01:11:00,000 --> 01:11:03,000
They went for it.

889
01:11:03,000 --> 01:11:07,000
I think they played into Morocco's hands quite a bit in that aspect.

890
01:11:07,000 --> 01:11:09,000
They consistently hit them on the counter.

891
01:11:09,000 --> 01:11:12,000
They did get unlucky with some of those chances.

892
01:11:12,000 --> 01:11:15,000
I mean, the Bruno effort was ridiculous.

893
01:11:15,000 --> 01:11:16,000
Like what a shot.

894
01:11:16,000 --> 01:11:21,000
That was crazy when I actually noticed that he was meant to go for a goal.

895
01:11:21,000 --> 01:11:23,000
Made it all the more impressive.

896
01:11:23,000 --> 01:11:27,000
Again, it feels like a match which was really designed by fine margins.

897
01:11:27,000 --> 01:11:30,000
Portugal had a lot of chances in this match.

898
01:11:30,000 --> 01:11:33,000
I haven't looked at their XG, but I'm sure it was really high.

899
01:11:33,000 --> 01:11:41,000
But then again, in a match like this, the quality they have, I mean, for me, this was the strongest.

900
01:11:41,000 --> 01:11:46,000
If we look at the squad, we look at the squad depth, this was the strongest team left.

901
01:11:46,000 --> 01:11:54,000
They shouldn't be looking back on a match like this and thinking, you know, if we scored that chance, we could have.

902
01:11:54,000 --> 01:11:57,000
It shouldn't have been up to chance in the first place.

903
01:11:57,000 --> 01:12:01,000
They should have been more convincing here.

904
01:12:01,000 --> 01:12:04,000
They didn't bring the best out of the players they had.

905
01:12:04,000 --> 01:12:07,000
I think it went down to that.

906
01:12:07,000 --> 01:12:09,000
They played into Morocco's hands.

907
01:12:09,000 --> 01:12:11,000
Yeah, for sure.

908
01:12:11,000 --> 01:12:13,000
So it's crazy.

909
01:12:13,000 --> 01:12:18,000
They absolutely dominated possession and in many ways it looked like they dominated the game, if you know what I mean.

910
01:12:18,000 --> 01:12:23,000
So way more shots, way more possession, winning the ball way quicker and all that sort of thing.

911
01:12:23,000 --> 01:12:33,000
So you'd have expected them to at least grab a goal today, which points to some maybe misgivings in their finishing, maybe a bit more intent to their attack.

912
01:12:33,000 --> 01:12:36,000
Who knows?

913
01:12:36,000 --> 01:12:39,000
One question mark I had was not starting Gonzalo.

914
01:12:39,000 --> 01:12:44,000
I found that to be pretty weird to get a goal, so I know he can play left back or right back.

915
01:12:44,000 --> 01:12:48,000
I know Guerrero is a fantastic left back, even though I think Gonzalo is better.

916
01:12:48,000 --> 01:12:54,000
But starting the law, let's say we're talking about the law, maybe things are good, maybe things are not, I think it's alright.

917
01:12:54,000 --> 01:12:58,000
I think you have to be starting someone like Gonzalo ahead of the law.

918
01:12:58,000 --> 01:13:03,000
Gonzalo for me is top three, top four, top five right back in the world.

919
01:13:03,000 --> 01:13:05,000
Top five footballers in the world.

920
01:13:05,000 --> 01:13:07,000
He's absolutely amazing.

921
01:13:07,000 --> 01:13:10,000
So that's one thing I could say about them.

922
01:13:10,000 --> 01:13:12,000
But no, as in I'm surprised.

923
01:13:12,000 --> 01:13:14,000
I'm surprised. I feel like they should have won.

924
01:13:14,000 --> 01:13:16,000
They could have won.

925
01:13:16,000 --> 01:13:21,000
I don't really know how it happened.

926
01:13:21,000 --> 01:13:25,000
I mean, we look at the decisions that the manager made and Santosh,

927
01:13:25,000 --> 01:13:30,000
and I feel like he has always been very mature with his decision making so far.

928
01:13:30,000 --> 01:13:37,000
So you look at teams like Belgium, because they have a lot of flair and they have a lot of positively attacking players,

929
01:13:37,000 --> 01:13:40,000
he just tries to fit them all into one team.

930
01:13:40,000 --> 01:13:46,000
We see Santosh and he's got the confidence of keeping Ronaldo out of the team.

931
01:13:46,000 --> 01:13:50,000
He's got the confidence of keeping Leao out of the team.

932
01:13:50,000 --> 01:13:52,000
And he trusts his intuition.

933
01:13:52,000 --> 01:13:59,000
He starts players like Felix, he starts Fernandes, he starts Ramos, Silva as well.

934
01:13:59,000 --> 01:14:08,000
So I genuinely think that Portugal, had they faced Croatia, had they even maybe even faced Brazil,

935
01:14:08,000 --> 01:14:10,000
they would have had a better shot at this.

936
01:14:10,000 --> 01:14:22,000
Because one thing I noticed is a team like Morocco, because they don't have enough quality within their own starting eleven

937
01:14:22,000 --> 01:14:24,000
to just go in and focus on themselves.

938
01:14:24,000 --> 01:14:27,000
They're like, OK, we're riding good momentum, we're going to go in, we're going to play our own game.

939
01:14:27,000 --> 01:14:31,000
They can try, but we're too strong in our own game for them to affect us.

940
01:14:31,000 --> 01:14:34,000
No, team like Morocco go in, they're going to study you.

941
01:14:34,000 --> 01:14:36,000
They're going to know how to break you down.

942
01:14:36,000 --> 01:14:38,000
They know your strengths, they know your weaknesses.

943
01:14:38,000 --> 01:14:43,000
Teams like Portugal, teams like Brazil, they're like, OK, we know our strengths, we know our weaknesses.

944
01:14:43,000 --> 01:14:44,000
This is what we're going to do.

945
01:14:44,000 --> 01:14:46,000
Fuck Morocco, they're going to sit back.

946
01:14:46,000 --> 01:14:48,000
We're going to attack them, we're going to attack them, we're going to attack them.

947
01:14:48,000 --> 01:14:50,000
We have enough quality to get it past the line.

948
01:14:50,000 --> 01:14:52,000
You scored the hat trick last game, bro.

949
01:14:52,000 --> 01:14:53,000
If nothing works, we can bring on Leao.

950
01:14:53,000 --> 01:14:54,000
We can do this, we can do that.

951
01:14:54,000 --> 01:14:58,000
And they don't focus enough on the team in front of them.

952
01:14:58,000 --> 01:15:04,000
And I think that is why playing a team like Morocco is more awkward than playing a team like Brazil.

953
01:15:04,000 --> 01:15:06,000
Yeah, it's interesting you mentioned that.

954
01:15:06,000 --> 01:15:14,000
I think we've seen a few matches like this throughout the tournament, quite a few matches where the underdog pulled off the upset.

955
01:15:14,000 --> 01:15:20,000
You think back to Japan, you think back to Saudi, you look at what Morocco have done.

956
01:15:20,000 --> 01:15:30,000
There is definitely something in the fact that these big teams are not enjoying playing these underdogs.

957
01:15:30,000 --> 01:15:37,000
They come in with spirit, they know that they're just going to sit back, they're going to work hard, they're going to put everything out there.

958
01:15:37,000 --> 01:15:39,000
And they're just going to try to hit you on the counter.

959
01:15:39,000 --> 01:15:40,000
Yeah, exactly.

960
01:15:40,000 --> 01:15:47,000
And it's been exposed, these teams have been exposed on numerous occasions throughout this tournament.

961
01:15:47,000 --> 01:15:50,000
There's definitely something there.

962
01:15:50,000 --> 01:15:53,000
And I think it's interesting you make that point.

963
01:15:53,000 --> 01:15:56,000
Portugal may have preferred playing Brazil.

964
01:15:56,000 --> 01:16:01,000
They might have preferred to be on that team that is maybe more on the back foot.

965
01:16:01,000 --> 01:16:02,000
Exactly.

966
01:16:02,000 --> 01:16:06,000
Really hitting them on the break, exposing that space.

967
01:16:06,000 --> 01:16:12,000
Which is why as a Milan fan I noticed that Milan struggle a lot against teams that play the low block.

968
01:16:12,000 --> 01:16:19,000
Which is why Milan wouldn't get full three points against Spezia, but they get full three points against Inter and Juve and all of these teams.

969
01:16:19,000 --> 01:16:26,000
The second you're faced with, and bear in mind these international teams don't have much experience facing sides like that.

970
01:16:26,000 --> 01:16:28,000
They're preparing for the biggest stage.

971
01:16:28,000 --> 01:16:37,000
They're preparing for how to defend against Neymar, how to defend against Mbappe, how to get past some of the best defenders that there are out there.

972
01:16:37,000 --> 01:16:44,000
And then they come across something they're not exactly prepared for, but they've got confidence about and that's where they slip up.

973
01:16:44,000 --> 01:16:49,000
I mean the low block is a very, very tough fucking system to play against.

974
01:16:49,000 --> 01:16:53,000
You're knocking the ball into the box and you've got ten men inside the box.

975
01:16:53,000 --> 01:16:55,000
What the fuck can you do?

976
01:16:55,000 --> 01:16:56,000
They brought on Léa.

977
01:16:56,000 --> 01:17:01,000
One thing I was telling you is when we're discussing João Felix versus Léa.

978
01:17:01,000 --> 01:17:06,000
I was saying João Felix is a more intelligent player and he can dictate play better from the left hand side.

979
01:17:06,000 --> 01:17:12,000
But Léa, if he gets the ball from the halfway line on the left hand side, one step and he's inside the box.

980
01:17:12,000 --> 01:17:13,000
Which makes him a more dangerous player.

981
01:17:13,000 --> 01:17:16,000
So it's up to who they're playing and what they want to prioritize.

982
01:17:16,000 --> 01:17:17,000
Léa came on.

983
01:17:17,000 --> 01:17:20,000
I didn't see him inside the box once because they neutralized him so well.

984
01:17:20,000 --> 01:17:21,000
These guys are prepared.

985
01:17:21,000 --> 01:17:23,000
They're preparing for you.

986
01:17:23,000 --> 01:17:26,000
They're preparing for Léa, not for themselves.

987
01:17:26,000 --> 01:17:28,000
They don't have enough quality in their camp.

988
01:17:30,000 --> 01:17:31,000
Can they go all the way?

989
01:17:31,000 --> 01:17:32,000
I don't know, man.

990
01:17:32,000 --> 01:17:34,000
Can they do it?

991
01:17:34,000 --> 01:17:36,000
Can Morocco fucking do it?

992
01:17:36,000 --> 01:17:38,000
Fuck speaking about Portugal.

993
01:17:38,000 --> 01:17:39,000
They're out now.

994
01:17:39,000 --> 01:17:41,000
They poop a lot every time.

995
01:17:41,000 --> 01:17:43,000
So theoretically they can, sure.

996
01:17:45,000 --> 01:17:49,000
We're going to keep on picking them to lose every time and they're just going to hopefully be surprising us.

997
01:17:49,000 --> 01:17:52,000
But I think about Portugal just real quick one time.

998
01:17:52,000 --> 01:17:53,000
Go for it.

999
01:17:53,000 --> 01:17:56,000
I also want to address the elephant in the room, which I'm sure you thought about a little bit.

1000
01:17:56,000 --> 01:18:01,000
I'm sure Jake all across the world in Africa is thinking about right now and crying his heart out that.

1001
01:18:01,000 --> 01:18:03,000
Which is why isn't Léa starting?

1002
01:18:03,000 --> 01:18:05,000
Or why wasn't he starting?

1003
01:18:05,000 --> 01:18:06,000
Good question.

1004
01:18:06,000 --> 01:18:11,000
I don't have a problem with it, but I'm sure Jake's very angry about it.

1005
01:18:11,000 --> 01:18:14,000
I'm wondering what your opinion as a Milan fan is, man.

1006
01:18:14,000 --> 01:18:17,000
I think it brings me back to my former point, man.

1007
01:18:17,000 --> 01:18:23,000
I think, again, it's a mature...

1008
01:18:23,000 --> 01:18:27,000
No matter what Santos does in this case, it's controversial.

1009
01:18:27,000 --> 01:18:32,000
Just like the same thing we said about Southgate when he benches Foden, when he benches Saka, when he benches Rashford.

1010
01:18:32,000 --> 01:18:35,000
The fact of the matter is a decision needs to be made.

1011
01:18:35,000 --> 01:18:39,000
You're not going to play players out of position because that's not what they're trained to do.

1012
01:18:39,000 --> 01:18:40,000
That's not what they're wired to do.

1013
01:18:40,000 --> 01:18:42,000
So you have to make a strict decision.

1014
01:18:42,000 --> 01:18:46,000
Joao Felix has been one of the best players this tournament so far.

1015
01:18:46,000 --> 01:18:47,000
He's been incredible.

1016
01:18:47,000 --> 01:18:49,000
And it's great to see him play.

1017
01:18:49,000 --> 01:18:50,000
Exactly.

1018
01:18:50,000 --> 01:18:55,000
Because he's so normal at Atletico because of the system that Atletico play.

1019
01:18:55,000 --> 01:18:59,000
It's great to see him on the stage doing what he does.

1020
01:18:59,000 --> 01:19:05,000
Léa could have been utilized better in the sense that when it comes to making a substitution,

1021
01:19:05,000 --> 01:19:11,000
I don't think Portugal had much of a Plan B because they're so strong when it comes to direct substitutions

1022
01:19:11,000 --> 01:19:14,000
that they could rely on a change of personnel to fix things.

1023
01:19:14,000 --> 01:19:19,000
But what about a change in the system when you face a team like Morocco that are giving you the low block?

1024
01:19:19,000 --> 01:19:24,000
Is there a change in formation that was made maybe moving to a 4-4-2,

1025
01:19:24,000 --> 01:19:29,000
maybe putting Léa as a striker and utilizing Felix out wide, for example?

1026
01:19:29,000 --> 01:19:32,000
I think he could have been used better as a super sub.

1027
01:19:32,000 --> 01:19:37,000
Even if he was brought on very late in every single game, Léa.

1028
01:19:37,000 --> 01:19:42,000
So I personally have no problem with him not starting the game, although it is the flip of a coin.

1029
01:19:42,000 --> 01:19:47,000
And again, you start players depending on who you're facing, preparing for the team in front of you.

1030
01:19:47,000 --> 01:19:50,000
There are certain cases where Léa should have started.

1031
01:19:50,000 --> 01:19:57,000
There are certain cases where Felix should have started, but he could have been utilized way, way better as a sub.

1032
01:19:57,000 --> 01:20:00,000
I'm eager to hear your take, Té.

1033
01:20:00,000 --> 01:20:11,000
I mean, coming off the 6-1 win, I think he was always going to go with the same 11 there.

1034
01:20:11,000 --> 01:20:18,000
A big, big, big part of these tournaments is confidence, you know, there's momentum.

1035
01:20:18,000 --> 01:20:21,000
He was always going to play that same 11.

1036
01:20:21,000 --> 01:20:27,000
And to be fair, it worked thus far.

1037
01:20:27,000 --> 01:20:30,000
I understand why he would go with that.

1038
01:20:30,000 --> 01:20:34,000
There are always going to be questions when you get knocked out, what could have been done different?

1039
01:20:34,000 --> 01:20:39,000
As Jamie mentioned, though, I mean, Felix was never going to be dropped.

1040
01:20:39,000 --> 01:20:43,000
Are you going to change system after a win like that? Probably not.

1041
01:20:43,000 --> 01:20:50,000
So what I will say is that that's the elephant in the room.

1042
01:20:50,000 --> 01:20:55,000
Then I don't know what kind of elephant Cristiano Ronaldo is.

1043
01:20:55,000 --> 01:20:57,000
I have two questions here.

1044
01:20:57,000 --> 01:21:03,000
Before you say that, I'll close the conversation by saying the only people I've heard who say Léa should be starting are Milo fans.

1045
01:21:03,000 --> 01:21:06,000
Fair enough, fair enough.

1046
01:21:06,000 --> 01:21:09,000
Two questions here.

1047
01:21:09,000 --> 01:21:13,000
OK, let's let's go with the easy one first.

1048
01:21:13,000 --> 01:21:16,000
Should Cristiano Ronaldo have started? I think people have.

1049
01:21:16,000 --> 01:21:19,000
No, people have the same opinion on this question.

1050
01:21:19,000 --> 01:21:23,000
OK, second question.

1051
01:21:23,000 --> 01:21:25,000
He cries in a really strange way.

1052
01:21:25,000 --> 01:21:29,000
No, look, look, this is my problem.

1053
01:21:29,000 --> 01:21:32,000
This is my fucking this is my fucking problem.

1054
01:21:32,000 --> 01:21:38,000
And it's not only when you're on the camera, but I know certain people that are crying in general.

1055
01:21:38,000 --> 01:21:50,000
When you cover your face before you start crying, when you make it obvious that you're crying because you start covering your face, it's a bit of an act, in my opinion.

1056
01:21:50,000 --> 01:21:56,000
If your eyes start welling up, a tear comes down and you cover your face because, oh, my God, people are going to fucking know I'm crying.

1057
01:21:56,000 --> 01:22:01,000
Then you're covering the fact that you're crying and you're like, oh, my God, Ronaldo cares so much.

1058
01:22:01,000 --> 01:22:02,000
Jesus Christ.

1059
01:22:02,000 --> 01:22:08,000
But he's covering his face the second the final whistle blows before his lips even quiver.

1060
01:22:08,000 --> 01:22:16,000
And I'm like, but always have there have had a knack for the art of the cry.

1061
01:22:16,000 --> 01:22:18,000
Elaborate, please.

1062
01:22:18,000 --> 01:22:25,000
I mean, your analysis when it comes to crying is unmatched.

1063
01:22:25,000 --> 01:22:26,000
That's what I'm saying here.

1064
01:22:26,000 --> 01:22:32,000
OK, men should cry. Men have every right to cry. That's one thing.

1065
01:22:32,000 --> 01:22:35,000
And it feels good. Endorphins and all that.

1066
01:22:35,000 --> 01:22:37,000
You love a good cry.

1067
01:22:37,000 --> 01:22:40,000
I cry once every two years. It feels great every time.

1068
01:22:40,000 --> 01:22:43,000
When he does, I'm holding him. It's always a good thing.

1069
01:22:43,000 --> 01:22:44,000
It's tears of joy.

1070
01:22:44,000 --> 01:22:56,000
No, like, look, he cried and I kind of disagree with you that I think it was genuine.

1071
01:22:56,000 --> 01:23:04,000
I think it's if I'm putting myself in all those shoes, which is not easy to do when you're followed by 500 million people and probably one of the richest men in the world.

1072
01:23:04,000 --> 01:23:06,000
You have something close to that, no?

1073
01:23:06,000 --> 01:23:08,000
Around 900, I think.

1074
01:23:08,000 --> 01:23:13,000
If you're on the top of the list, 500 million, I'm there.

1075
01:23:13,000 --> 01:23:18,000
If I'm in my Ronaldo shoes and I'm turning 38, this is his last World Cup.

1076
01:23:18,000 --> 01:23:19,000
This was it.

1077
01:23:19,000 --> 01:23:21,000
This is the last World Cup. This was the last shot.

1078
01:23:21,000 --> 01:23:25,000
So we had the Euros, which I'm sure felt great. But let's be honest, World Cup is a holy grail.

1079
01:23:25,000 --> 01:23:28,000
And he just lost to fucking Morocco.

1080
01:23:28,000 --> 01:23:30,000
So I think he was feeling at the moment. I think he's really right.

1081
01:23:30,000 --> 01:23:35,000
I think he just got hit to the sudden realization that, yep, I'm Cristiano Ronaldo.

1082
01:23:35,000 --> 01:23:39,000
I'm the probably second best player ever to play the game.

1083
01:23:39,000 --> 01:23:44,000
And I'm leaving the game without the World Cup, which that stings.

1084
01:23:44,000 --> 01:23:45,000
It stings.

1085
01:23:45,000 --> 01:23:50,000
I'm sure he was emotional, but I think he's quick to kind of showcase.

1086
01:23:50,000 --> 01:23:55,000
I'm the main character and I'm upset more than anyone because of what you just said.

1087
01:23:55,000 --> 01:23:56,000
I'm 38 years old.

1088
01:23:56,000 --> 01:23:57,000
That's unlike Ronaldo.

1089
01:23:57,000 --> 01:24:00,000
No, Ronaldo hates me because I'm the main character.

1090
01:24:00,000 --> 01:24:03,000
Sitting down with Keirs Morgan as we speak.

1091
01:24:03,000 --> 01:24:05,000
100%.

1092
01:24:05,000 --> 01:24:07,000
We should have started.

1093
01:24:07,000 --> 01:24:10,000
Portuguese accent.

1094
01:24:10,000 --> 01:24:17,000
So what's before you segue onto the next exciting part of this podcast?

1095
01:24:17,000 --> 01:24:19,000
What is next for Cristiano Ronaldo?

1096
01:24:19,000 --> 01:24:21,000
Will we ever see him at another international tournament?

1097
01:24:21,000 --> 01:24:22,000
Can I make a point before you speak?

1098
01:24:22,000 --> 01:24:26,000
I think genuinely, because it feels like I'm disrespecting Ronaldo a little bit.

1099
01:24:26,000 --> 01:24:34,000
I think he still has the quality to contribute for Champions League level teams.

1100
01:24:34,000 --> 01:24:37,000
Does that mean he's going to be the star man in every team?

1101
01:24:37,000 --> 01:24:38,000
No.

1102
01:24:38,000 --> 01:24:40,000
Does it mean he might come off the bench?

1103
01:24:40,000 --> 01:24:41,000
Yes.

1104
01:24:41,000 --> 01:24:45,000
Does it mean he might have to play in a two up front and in a maybe system that doesn't

1105
01:24:45,000 --> 01:24:48,000
allow him to shine the way that he likes to shine?

1106
01:24:48,000 --> 01:24:50,000
Definitely not.

1107
01:24:50,000 --> 01:24:52,000
I still think he has it in him.

1108
01:24:52,000 --> 01:24:54,000
And for example, his finishing is still incredible.

1109
01:24:54,000 --> 01:25:00,000
There was a moment he had half a chance and he had to get Bono reacting and he had to

1110
01:25:00,000 --> 01:25:04,000
get the best out of Bono to save that strike.

1111
01:25:04,000 --> 01:25:13,000
But I don't think any team is willing to sacrifice their identity to suit Cristiano Ronaldo.

1112
01:25:13,000 --> 01:25:16,000
Not even for a season and bear in mind his wages.

1113
01:25:16,000 --> 01:25:19,000
He bankrupted Juve alongside COVID.

1114
01:25:19,000 --> 01:25:21,000
Juve had Ronaldo and COVID at once, man.

1115
01:25:21,000 --> 01:25:23,000
It's no fucking joke.

1116
01:25:23,000 --> 01:25:25,000
So I don't think any team is...

1117
01:25:25,000 --> 01:25:27,000
Two diseases.

1118
01:25:27,000 --> 01:25:32,000
I don't think anyone would be willing to take Ronaldo for the wage reason and his demands,

1119
01:25:32,000 --> 01:25:33,000
man, as well.

1120
01:25:33,000 --> 01:25:35,000
He's too much of a superstar.

1121
01:25:35,000 --> 01:25:36,000
I think it goes well.

1122
01:25:36,000 --> 01:25:40,000
I think he has two paths ahead of him and it's entirely up to him which one he chooses.

1123
01:25:40,000 --> 01:25:43,000
So I think either he takes the romantic route and he goes back to Lisbon, takes the pay cut

1124
01:25:43,000 --> 01:25:48,000
and has a beautiful last couple of years, two, three years playing his heart out, boyhood club,

1125
01:25:48,000 --> 01:25:51,000
a bit of Champions League football and help elevate them however he can.

1126
01:25:51,000 --> 01:25:54,000
It would be a great addition for them because he is a fantastic player.

1127
01:25:54,000 --> 01:25:57,000
He could still play Premier League football, Serie A or whatever.

1128
01:25:57,000 --> 01:25:58,000
He's a fantastic player.

1129
01:25:58,000 --> 01:26:00,000
So he could do that.

1130
01:26:00,000 --> 01:26:04,000
I think the more realistic option and this is unpopular but I think it's a fair option

1131
01:26:04,000 --> 01:26:10,000
from his sort of selfish perspective would be to take the much talked about Saudi Arabia

1132
01:26:10,000 --> 01:26:12,000
job that he's been talking about.

1133
01:26:12,000 --> 01:26:13,000
500 million in two years.

1134
01:26:13,000 --> 01:26:17,000
I mean, look, if you've got 500 million two and a half years placed right in front of you,

1135
01:26:17,000 --> 01:26:19,000
no matter who you are, it's going to be hard to say no.

1136
01:26:19,000 --> 01:26:22,000
It took him his entire career to make that much and he's about to make it in two and a half years.

1137
01:26:22,000 --> 01:26:25,000
What's the first thing you would do Jamie with that kind of money?

1138
01:26:25,000 --> 01:26:27,000
No, I'd love to hear this.

1139
01:26:27,000 --> 01:26:29,000
I would donate to the charity.

1140
01:26:29,000 --> 01:26:31,000
You've always been the thicc.

1141
01:26:31,000 --> 01:26:33,000
Yeah, you're really, really good like that.

1142
01:26:33,000 --> 01:26:35,000
Robin Hood of modern days.

1143
01:26:35,000 --> 01:26:38,000
What would you do with that money?

1144
01:26:38,000 --> 01:26:40,000
500 million.

1145
01:26:40,000 --> 01:26:42,000
Your first hour with 500 million.

1146
01:26:42,000 --> 01:26:44,000
When you're done with the strippers.

1147
01:26:44,000 --> 01:26:54,000
I'd probably go get another Amra butt type haircut.

1148
01:26:54,000 --> 01:26:57,000
That's a more expensive barber.

1149
01:26:57,000 --> 01:27:01,000
It's called a Tonyon guy.

1150
01:27:01,000 --> 01:27:05,000
500 million, I can't even imagine.

1151
01:27:05,000 --> 01:27:10,000
No, I mean, take a day off for sure.

1152
01:27:10,000 --> 01:27:12,000
Not quit.

1153
01:27:12,000 --> 01:27:14,000
Take a day off.

1154
01:27:14,000 --> 01:27:19,000
Get back to saying it on the morning.

1155
01:27:19,000 --> 01:27:23,000
Donate an amount to Free Hour, definitely.

1156
01:27:23,000 --> 01:27:26,000
For boosting purposes only.

1157
01:27:26,000 --> 01:27:29,000
It's tough to say everything I want.

1158
01:27:29,000 --> 01:27:33,000
I guess a big house, a nice car.

1159
01:27:33,000 --> 01:27:36,000
Then buy my girlfriend a big house and a nice car.

1160
01:27:36,000 --> 01:27:38,000
Then buy my mom a big house and a nice car.

1161
01:27:38,000 --> 01:27:40,000
You just have to have a happy family.

1162
01:27:40,000 --> 01:27:42,000
A big house and a nice car.

1163
01:27:42,000 --> 01:27:44,000
All in your own houses.

1164
01:27:44,000 --> 01:27:46,000
Big house and all your own nice cars.

1165
01:27:46,000 --> 01:27:50,000
I've always told Jake, my co-host, that if,

1166
01:27:50,000 --> 01:27:52,000
this is a mutual agreement between us,

1167
01:27:52,000 --> 01:27:55,000
if any of us come across great money out of nowhere,

1168
01:27:55,000 --> 01:27:57,000
the other person is entitled to a portion.

1169
01:27:57,000 --> 01:27:59,000
Now what is the portion?

1170
01:27:59,000 --> 01:28:00,000
I don't know.

1171
01:28:00,000 --> 01:28:08,000
I think I would give Jake a healthy at least 25% of that to do his thing.

1172
01:28:08,000 --> 01:28:10,000
That's very sweet of you.

1173
01:28:10,000 --> 01:28:11,000
Thank you.

1174
01:28:11,000 --> 01:28:16,000
Netherlands to Argentina 2.

1175
01:28:16,000 --> 01:28:21,000
It took the 120th minute for the Netherlands to find the equalizer.

1176
01:28:21,000 --> 01:28:23,000
In spectacular fashion.

1177
01:28:23,000 --> 01:28:27,000
I was really pissed that our stream got stuck at yours, Jamie.

1178
01:28:27,000 --> 01:28:31,000
But it was one of the most entertaining matches we've seen.

1179
01:28:31,000 --> 01:28:33,000
I had it 2-1 to Argentina.

1180
01:28:33,000 --> 01:28:39,000
So I was literally three seconds away from moving up what, like, two places in our predictor.

1181
01:28:39,000 --> 01:28:42,000
Theo, you also said 2-1 Argentina.

1182
01:28:42,000 --> 01:28:45,000
Why?

1183
01:28:45,000 --> 01:28:49,000
I think the Netherlands...

1184
01:28:49,000 --> 01:28:53,000
So when you look at the Netherlands, you look at obviously at Louis van Gaal.

1185
01:28:53,000 --> 01:28:56,000
I think he sets the Netherlands up.

1186
01:28:56,000 --> 01:28:57,000
Can I just stop there?

1187
01:28:57,000 --> 01:29:01,000
Louis van Gaal's army!

1188
01:29:01,000 --> 01:29:03,000
Go on.

1189
01:29:03,000 --> 01:29:07,000
Every team talk starts like that, it's been confirmed.

1190
01:29:07,000 --> 01:29:09,000
That's a real spotlight as well.

1191
01:29:09,000 --> 01:29:25,000
They have that famous story in the Bayern dressing room where he walks in, he drops his pants and he points to his very old, large, wrinkled ball sack.

1192
01:29:25,000 --> 01:29:32,000
And he basically tells them that they need to have some of that to play for the club.

1193
01:29:32,000 --> 01:29:34,000
I think you're wrong, I guess.

1194
01:29:34,000 --> 01:29:35,000
Fair point.

1195
01:29:35,000 --> 01:29:37,000
You said some weird things.

1196
01:29:37,000 --> 01:29:40,000
Would I transmit a message like that? I don't know.

1197
01:29:40,000 --> 01:29:45,000
Jamie, you have somewhat of a managerial role in your day-to-day life, right?

1198
01:29:45,000 --> 01:29:49,000
Have you ever considered dropping your pants?

1199
01:29:49,000 --> 01:29:51,000
No, I've never thought about it.

1200
01:29:51,000 --> 01:29:54,000
I think HR might flag that.

1201
01:29:54,000 --> 01:29:58,000
But hey, football is a different game, there's showers after the game and all that.

1202
01:29:58,000 --> 01:30:00,000
My pants are down.

1203
01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:02,000
It's not my style, let's say that.

1204
01:30:02,000 --> 01:30:08,000
You guys can't see it, we haven't invested in video yet, but my pants are down just to display the amount of balls.

1205
01:30:08,000 --> 01:30:12,000
Every week, by the way, J.K. and Madd do this podcast without any pants on.

1206
01:30:12,000 --> 01:30:15,000
No, no, no. Balls out. There's a strict balls out.

1207
01:30:15,000 --> 01:30:17,000
We're all guys.

1208
01:30:17,000 --> 01:30:19,000
We're all friends.

1209
01:30:19,000 --> 01:30:24,000
So speaking of old things, Louis van Gaal's style of play.

1210
01:30:24,000 --> 01:30:28,000
You can see what he tries to do.

1211
01:30:28,000 --> 01:30:34,000
He tries to set the Netherlands up to be, first of all, very defensively solid.

1212
01:30:34,000 --> 01:30:38,000
They have quality in the forward positions as well.

1213
01:30:38,000 --> 01:30:43,000
I never really fancied them to go all the way.

1214
01:30:43,000 --> 01:30:47,000
I think Argentina have much more to them, much more flair.

1215
01:30:47,000 --> 01:30:52,000
I'm much more inventive style of play, let's say.

1216
01:30:52,000 --> 01:30:58,000
And Argentina looked comfortable for the most part, and then they didn't.

1217
01:30:58,000 --> 01:31:07,000
What I really enjoyed from this game, and I think it's been probably the moment of the tournament for me, is that free kick.

1218
01:31:07,000 --> 01:31:14,000
I mean, one of those moments where you feel like I've just witnessed something special.

1219
01:31:14,000 --> 01:31:22,000
All of the pressure and that last kick of the game and he goes for a pass.

1220
01:31:22,000 --> 01:31:29,000
We all have a well-worked set piece routine, but in the last minute of the game, incredible.

1221
01:31:29,000 --> 01:31:33,000
So that's what fucked your prediction.

1222
01:31:33,000 --> 01:31:35,000
Yes, yes, yes, yes.

1223
01:31:35,000 --> 01:31:42,000
I will admit to being somewhat brokenhearted, but I had to accept that sometimes the football gods have their own plan.

1224
01:31:42,000 --> 01:31:44,000
And I have to accept it.

1225
01:31:44,000 --> 01:31:45,000
Yeah.

1226
01:31:45,000 --> 01:31:49,000
James, you had a 1-1, so you had the outcome down, obviously just the number of goals over there.

1227
01:31:49,000 --> 01:31:53,000
So you were quite close to getting that right.

1228
01:31:53,000 --> 01:31:54,000
What is it about?

1229
01:31:54,000 --> 01:32:03,000
Because you look at Argentina, Netherlands and the kind of journey they had, although, albeit like Argentina had a hiccup against Saudi Arabia.

1230
01:32:03,000 --> 01:32:05,000
I thought Argentina came in as clear favorites.

1231
01:32:05,000 --> 01:32:10,000
It was always going to be a scrap, a game full of yellow cards.

1232
01:32:10,000 --> 01:32:16,000
Two completely different styles as well of teams facing off against each other.

1233
01:32:16,000 --> 01:32:20,000
Why did you think that this would lead to a stalemate?

1234
01:32:20,000 --> 01:32:21,000
I'm a genius.

1235
01:32:21,000 --> 01:32:23,000
So there's that, first of all.

1236
01:32:23,000 --> 01:32:25,000
You kind of know boy.

1237
01:32:25,000 --> 01:32:28,000
No, I think I know everything.

1238
01:32:28,000 --> 01:32:30,000
But no, no, jokes aside.

1239
01:32:30,000 --> 01:32:34,000
So coming to the tournament, I didn't have much hope for Netherlands.

1240
01:32:34,000 --> 01:32:39,000
I'm not sure if it was the Euros or the tournament before that, but I believe it was the Euros leading Qualify.

1241
01:32:39,000 --> 01:32:42,000
So they've been underperforming for quite a while.

1242
01:32:42,000 --> 01:32:56,000
They had a bit of a golden generation a few years ago, the likes of Snyder and Robben, Van Bursy and Orys, and de Jong, who was also a karate expert.

1243
01:32:56,000 --> 01:33:03,000
But no, so they had a fantastic generation not too long ago, but it's kind of dwindled over the years.

1244
01:33:03,000 --> 01:33:05,000
So I came into this tournament.

1245
01:33:05,000 --> 01:33:11,000
I wasn't really seeing them as a big team anymore. I was seeing them as the likes of Argentina and Brazil and England, all of these.

1246
01:33:11,000 --> 01:33:14,000
And the Netherlands weren't quite there for me.

1247
01:33:14,000 --> 01:33:21,000
But to their credit, they came into this tournament and up until this game, they were one of the few undefeated teams.

1248
01:33:21,000 --> 01:33:23,000
Unlike Argentina, who lost the game.

1249
01:33:23,000 --> 01:33:24,000
I can't remember who, but they lost.

1250
01:33:24,000 --> 01:33:25,000
Saudi Arabia.

1251
01:33:25,000 --> 01:33:26,000
So yeah, there you go.

1252
01:33:26,000 --> 01:33:28,000
So the Netherlands came into this undefeated.

1253
01:33:28,000 --> 01:33:35,000
So I felt like although they may have been underperforming in this tournament to an extent that they would carry on riding that momentum.

1254
01:33:35,000 --> 01:33:38,000
The fact that they were undefeated has to be respected to an extent.

1255
01:33:38,000 --> 01:33:49,000
And Argentina, for their greatness, for their individual brilliance and prayers like Messi and a bunch of others, they still do have certain gaps.

1256
01:33:49,000 --> 01:33:54,000
They're not the perfect team at all, I think, if you compare them to the likes of France or even Brazil and these other teams.

1257
01:33:54,000 --> 01:33:58,000
There's a lot more solidity in the other top teams.

1258
01:33:58,000 --> 01:34:07,000
So I felt like those gaps combined with Netherlands having a bit of momentum would result in a stalemate.

1259
01:34:07,000 --> 01:34:11,000
I'm still confused at how players like Ottomendi are starting at centre back.

1260
01:34:11,000 --> 01:34:17,000
I'm confused at how a player called McAllister is Argentinian and not Scottish.

1261
01:34:17,000 --> 01:34:23,000
Even Claude McAlely was French and not Scottish, bro. McAlely.

1262
01:34:23,000 --> 01:34:27,000
There you go. These things just boggled my mind.

1263
01:34:27,000 --> 01:34:33,000
But no, those things, the gaps in Argentina's team and Netherlands having a bit of momentum, not losing a game yet,

1264
01:34:33,000 --> 01:34:41,000
made me think they have that solidity and that they could at least steal a draw and see what happens, which didn't need to happen.

1265
01:34:41,000 --> 01:34:46,000
And by the way, you mentioned that there's like Ottomendi were starting at the back for Argentina.

1266
01:34:46,000 --> 01:34:52,000
Really interesting to see that Daley Blind was starting as left wing back for the Netherlands.

1267
01:34:52,000 --> 01:34:55,000
Obviously, he's been there for so many tournaments.

1268
01:34:55,000 --> 01:35:00,000
He isn't how old now? He's 32. That's not too old.

1269
01:35:00,000 --> 01:35:04,000
I swear he could have easily been like 57.

1270
01:35:04,000 --> 01:35:11,000
Louis van Gaal really likes Daley Blind. He really fits into his style of play well.

1271
01:35:11,000 --> 01:35:19,000
He's a great diagonal passer. He's very good at playing out from the back.

1272
01:35:19,000 --> 01:35:24,000
He's a very composed player, very positionally aware. He loved him at United.

1273
01:35:24,000 --> 01:35:34,000
He's loved him for the Dutch. He had a good tournament. I believe he scored in one of the games.

1274
01:35:34,000 --> 01:35:42,000
It was against the USA. A nice clean finish.

1275
01:35:42,000 --> 01:35:53,000
Looking at the Netherlands squad, there are some like Daley Blind, Noppert, the goalkeeper as well, third choice for Ajax.

1276
01:35:53,000 --> 01:35:57,000
There's Tim Bauer, who I've never heard of, but they've got some quality over here.

1277
01:35:57,000 --> 01:36:02,000
Gacpo is a great player. I've always loved Depay as well.

1278
01:36:02,000 --> 01:36:08,000
Depay, Steven Bergwijn, obviously me being a Serie A, I have to mention De Hoon.

1279
01:36:08,000 --> 01:36:14,000
They have Dumfries and also a little Koop they have on the bench as well.

1280
01:36:14,000 --> 01:36:18,000
Koop Meijners, who comes on and he does a fantastic job every single time.

1281
01:36:18,000 --> 01:36:26,000
A product of Gasperini, a product of Atalanta. When it comes to dead ball situations, when it comes to knocking the ball into the area, he's fantastic.

1282
01:36:26,000 --> 01:36:28,000
We saw that as well in this World Cup.

1283
01:36:28,000 --> 01:36:36,000
It's a shame that the players like De Hoon, De Jong and Gacpo playing in central midfield, it's difficult to accommodate all of these players.

1284
01:36:36,000 --> 01:36:40,000
But I do think that a little bit more of Koop Meijners could have made them a little bit more difficult.

1285
01:36:40,000 --> 01:36:44,000
I don't know if you guys know much about Koop Meijners.

1286
01:36:44,000 --> 01:36:47,000
He's very versatile, he can play in multiple different positions.

1287
01:36:47,000 --> 01:36:57,000
Still a young guy, you need to find out how old he is over here. 24 years old, 24 years old, so just a year younger than the last.

1288
01:36:57,000 --> 01:37:04,000
I'll trust that he's solid, but I still think that their problems lie in, they have a thin squad is the problem.

1289
01:37:04,000 --> 01:37:10,000
So even relying on players like, I think both of their goals were scored by Veghurst over the bench.

1290
01:37:10,000 --> 01:37:14,000
I'm sure he's fine and I trust opponents to be solid.

1291
01:37:14,000 --> 01:37:18,000
Again, they have a couple solid players in there like Van Dijk and a few others.

1292
01:37:18,000 --> 01:37:25,000
But he compared their full squad to the likes of France, Argentina, England and all these.

1293
01:37:25,000 --> 01:37:28,000
Where we mentioned England's bench before and how strong they are.

1294
01:37:28,000 --> 01:37:34,000
I think we can compare them to the Netherlands first team and England's bench will literally compete with the Netherlands first team.

1295
01:37:34,000 --> 01:37:38,000
So I think the Netherlands have just dwindled over the years for whatever reason, I'm not sure why.

1296
01:37:38,000 --> 01:37:45,000
It's kind of surprising to be honest because the Netherlands have always had fantastic economies and places like Ajax and PSV and Feyenoord and all these.

1297
01:37:45,000 --> 01:37:49,000
But they're just not so impressive anymore. I'm not sure why.

1298
01:37:49,000 --> 01:37:52,000
I'll tell you what is impressive.

1299
01:37:52,000 --> 01:37:57,000
Did you know that a record was broken yesterday?

1300
01:37:57,000 --> 01:38:03,000
The World Cup yellow cards record actually. 17 yellow cards were dished out in this match.

1301
01:38:03,000 --> 01:38:07,000
In this match? That was aggressive to be fair.

1302
01:38:07,000 --> 01:38:10,000
I was going to mention my favorite, so it was a pretty scrappy game.

1303
01:38:10,000 --> 01:38:13,000
So it got entertaining towards the end with two goals on each side.

1304
01:38:13,000 --> 01:38:17,000
But the first half was really scrappy and a bit boring to be honest.

1305
01:38:17,000 --> 01:38:24,000
And my favorite moment of the entire game was Paredes.

1306
01:38:24,000 --> 01:38:28,000
Just out of nowhere whilst I believe they were up at two at the time.

1307
01:38:28,000 --> 01:38:33,000
They were winning and they were relatively comfortable at the time.

1308
01:38:33,000 --> 01:38:37,000
Just smacking the ball into the Netherlands reserves.

1309
01:38:37,000 --> 01:38:42,000
The innocent, vulnerable Netherlands reserves are sat there watching on in despair.

1310
01:38:42,000 --> 01:38:45,000
And Paredes smacks it with all his might.

1311
01:38:45,000 --> 01:38:49,000
He got lucky and didn't hit anyone because it was a couple inches away from one of their subs.

1312
01:38:49,000 --> 01:38:52,000
No idea what happened there, but I loved it.

1313
01:38:52,000 --> 01:38:58,000
Van Dijk brought him down. I've never seen ten Dutchmen run so fast in my life.

1314
01:38:58,000 --> 01:39:00,000
I love fucking Van Dijk, he's massive.

1315
01:39:00,000 --> 01:39:07,000
Paredes was, and then they say, before I say that, it's incredible how personal this game got.

1316
01:39:07,000 --> 01:39:12,000
It seems like there's a lot of beef. A lot of Argentine players who have played for United don't like Van Gaal's system.

1317
01:39:12,000 --> 01:39:15,000
There's Di Maria who hated his man-management tactics.

1318
01:39:15,000 --> 01:39:22,000
You mentioned before this podcast where Di Maria had a goal and an assist in a United game.

1319
01:39:22,000 --> 01:39:26,000
And after the match, Van Gaal went up to him, showed him his highlights and told him,

1320
01:39:26,000 --> 01:39:29,000
this is where you were shit, this is where you were shit, this is where you were shit.

1321
01:39:29,000 --> 01:39:38,000
And gave him no positive words of affirmation, which obviously footballers that are struggling like Di Maria was needed at that time.

1322
01:39:38,000 --> 01:39:49,000
But it was Paredes that made that foul in a dangerous area, which led to the 120th minute goal by the Netherlands.

1323
01:39:49,000 --> 01:39:55,000
It's crazy to see the change that Argentina would have made bringing on a more defensive-minded player.

1324
01:39:55,000 --> 01:40:01,000
And then the change that the Netherlands would have made in bringing on Veghorst, which is a way more attacking player,

1325
01:40:01,000 --> 01:40:03,000
and them just working in total opposite ways.

1326
01:40:03,000 --> 01:40:10,000
So Veghorst getting that goal in the last minute and Paredes just fucking it up. A very clumsy free kick to give away.

1327
01:40:10,000 --> 01:40:16,000
And at that time, with all the personnel that the Netherlands have to stand over the ball as well from the ball situation,

1328
01:40:16,000 --> 01:40:26,000
players like Cope Miners, I think much like Teo Hernandez, he got away with it because of his friend named Emiliano Martinez.

1329
01:40:26,000 --> 01:40:32,000
What a fucking game Emiliano had, man. What a goalkeeper.

1330
01:40:32,000 --> 01:40:38,000
I love him, man. I love him. I think people who don't watch Premier League might not know too much about him.

1331
01:40:38,000 --> 01:40:46,000
But the guy is hilarious, man. Every time he's in a penalty shootout, he just starts playing these mind games with the players

1332
01:40:46,000 --> 01:40:50,000
and starts dancing around and kicking the ball around and putting funny faces at them.

1333
01:40:50,000 --> 01:40:51,000
Shit houses you, man.

1334
01:40:51,000 --> 01:40:58,000
And the thing is, he backs it up. So if a player or a goalie or a player starts doing that and then misses the penalty or doesn't save a thing,

1335
01:40:58,000 --> 01:41:00,000
he just looks like an idiot.

1336
01:41:00,000 --> 01:41:01,000
Yeah, yeah.

1337
01:41:01,000 --> 01:41:08,000
But Martinez does that and then together with that, one of the top three penalty savers in the world hands down.

1338
01:41:08,000 --> 01:41:09,000
For sure.

1339
01:41:09,000 --> 01:41:10,000
And he proved that.

1340
01:41:10,000 --> 01:41:12,000
It's him, Donald Romance, in my opinion.

1341
01:41:12,000 --> 01:41:15,000
I agree. I'd literally put those three. I'd literally put those three.

1342
01:41:15,000 --> 01:41:19,000
So I love it when a player can absolutely chat shit and then back it up.

1343
01:41:19,000 --> 01:41:22,000
And I'm happy for him and I'm proud of him. He's brilliant.

1344
01:41:22,000 --> 01:41:28,000
And what's beautiful is this guy, what one, two years ago, Teo, remember, this guy was just arsonist back up goalie.

1345
01:41:28,000 --> 01:41:33,000
This guy had barely had a sniff of first team football for ages.

1346
01:41:33,000 --> 01:41:40,000
And then Leno got injured. Martinez had half a season and killed it and then fucked up to Asim Bela.

1347
01:41:40,000 --> 01:41:42,000
I believe it's Asim Bela, right?

1348
01:41:42,000 --> 01:41:47,000
And has been fantastic ever since. And look at him now, man. He's easy. He's killing it in the World Cup.

1349
01:41:47,000 --> 01:41:49,000
It's a beautiful, beautiful hero work.

1350
01:41:49,000 --> 01:41:56,000
Can I just point out that I did say Argentina to win the league, sorry, to win the World Cup.

1351
01:41:56,000 --> 01:41:59,000
Outstanding performance of saying Messi and being boring.

1352
01:41:59,000 --> 01:42:02,000
So then the other Martinez because of their leaky defense on this.

1353
01:42:02,000 --> 01:42:03,000
I'll keep you care for that.

1354
01:42:03,000 --> 01:42:12,000
And definitely better prediction than one of our other colleagues who said the standout performer would be none other than Michy Batshuayi.

1355
01:42:12,000 --> 01:42:15,000
I won't name him, but no, we won't.

1356
01:42:15,000 --> 01:42:17,000
He was a bit embarrassed by that prediction as well.

1357
01:42:17,000 --> 01:42:22,000
So Teo, what do you think of Emiliano?

1358
01:42:22,000 --> 01:42:27,000
I mean, I just I just love I just love players that endorse the art of shit.

1359
01:42:27,000 --> 01:42:29,000
How's the ring? Yeah, we always love Martinez.

1360
01:42:29,000 --> 01:42:32,000
And Martinez is fantastic at this.

1361
01:42:32,000 --> 01:42:41,000
He he gets into players minds, you know, he the way he celebrated when he made the second save.

1362
01:42:41,000 --> 01:42:49,000
I mean, there's also the video going around after they won the match where he says I fucked you twice.

1363
01:42:49,000 --> 01:42:54,000
He says this multiple times. He points to the Dutch Benz.

1364
01:42:54,000 --> 01:43:00,000
He he made them known that that, you know, he is the man.

1365
01:43:00,000 --> 01:43:02,000
And I love players like this.

1366
01:43:02,000 --> 01:43:15,000
And I think it's an interesting point to look at the Argentinian players and how many of them actually have this this this this this side to them.

1367
01:43:15,000 --> 01:43:16,000
You know, they're aggressive.

1368
01:43:16,000 --> 01:43:22,000
They they're hungry, you know, they they're they're willing to put their body on the line to get into other players' heads.

1369
01:43:22,000 --> 01:43:27,000
And I think I think that gives them a really good chance, you know, of going of going all the way.

1370
01:43:27,000 --> 01:43:35,000
And I mean, we'll discuss a bit more when the Brazilian game comes up, but I'm disappointed we won't get that that semi against Brazil.

1371
01:43:35,000 --> 01:43:41,000
That would have given me a semi. Yes, it would have.

1372
01:43:41,000 --> 01:43:49,000
I'm hoping I'm hoping we get we get them in the final, though, I think with the stakes as high as that, we'll see some very, very interesting things.

1373
01:43:49,000 --> 01:43:51,000
And that leads me to the question.

1374
01:43:51,000 --> 01:43:55,000
I mean, they were somewhat favorites coming into this alongside Brazil.

1375
01:43:55,000 --> 01:44:01,000
Everyone was looking at the South American teams and players like Messi, players like De Paul, players like Molina.

1376
01:44:01,000 --> 01:44:04,000
There's a Romero at the back as well.

1377
01:44:04,000 --> 01:44:12,000
McAllister was proven to be really good. Alvarez coming in to replace Lautaro as well.

1378
01:44:12,000 --> 01:44:16,000
It has a lot of quality for this Argentina team.

1379
01:44:16,000 --> 01:44:23,000
We saw that there's a strong element of togetherness, especially with the way they tackled the Netherlands in this game.

1380
01:44:23,000 --> 01:44:26,000
They out toughened them, so to say.

1381
01:44:26,000 --> 01:44:32,000
Do you think because you guys said that France are favorites to win the entire thing.

1382
01:44:32,000 --> 01:44:38,000
France against Argentina as a World Cup final, which is probably the most popular kind of prediction.

1383
01:44:38,000 --> 01:44:45,000
You know, think Argentina have a solid fucking chance to take France down, man, especially run them over in that midfield area.

1384
01:44:45,000 --> 01:44:51,000
So I think Argentina have a massive hurdle in getting past Croatia, first of all.

1385
01:44:51,000 --> 01:44:58,000
So I think Croatia are super solid in the semis, and that's going to be a massive game in itself.

1386
01:44:58,000 --> 01:45:04,000
Obviously, they're favorites, but I wouldn't put them as massive favorites because of how hard Croatia are to break down.

1387
01:45:04,000 --> 01:45:14,000
But assuming they do make it through, which is the likelihood, Argentina-France, if France make it there, it would be a beautiful game to watch.

1388
01:45:14,000 --> 01:45:16,000
Can they win? Yes.

1389
01:45:16,000 --> 01:45:22,000
They're extremely strong, especially with the likes of Messi, and it would be poetic for Messi to finally get his World Cup.

1390
01:45:22,000 --> 01:45:25,000
He obviously deserves it and I'd love to see it.

1391
01:45:25,000 --> 01:45:32,000
And there's a big part of me which wouldn't like to see France win two World Cups in a row for whatever reason.

1392
01:45:32,000 --> 01:45:36,000
But with that said, France is quality thrower.

1393
01:45:36,000 --> 01:45:38,000
I mean, just compare them man for man.

1394
01:45:38,000 --> 01:45:40,000
France's team is incredible.

1395
01:45:40,000 --> 01:45:42,000
And I can't say I think Argentina would beat them.

1396
01:45:42,000 --> 01:45:49,000
I think France would quite easily be favorites, even though Argentina are very strong.

1397
01:45:49,000 --> 01:45:52,000
I think Argentina have a great chance.

1398
01:45:52,000 --> 01:45:54,000
I think they have a great chance.

1399
01:45:54,000 --> 01:45:55,000
There's a good point about Croatia.

1400
01:45:55,000 --> 01:45:58,000
They have a definite obstacle there.

1401
01:45:58,000 --> 01:46:02,000
I think it's a win-win game.

1402
01:46:02,000 --> 01:46:05,000
I mean, Croatia will sit back.

1403
01:46:05,000 --> 01:46:07,000
They've proven that they'll do that.

1404
01:46:07,000 --> 01:46:18,000
And when you have a certain Lionel Messi in the middle of the park, obviously, there's always a good chance he's going to pull something out and decide the game.

1405
01:46:18,000 --> 01:46:24,000
Against France will be the test for them.

1406
01:46:24,000 --> 01:46:35,000
Squad death is also a topic of conversation for Argentina, bringing on the likes of Lautaro Martinez, Di Maria, De Bala, Papu Gomez.

1407
01:46:35,000 --> 01:46:38,000
These are serious fucking players.

1408
01:46:38,000 --> 01:46:39,000
These are serious players.

1409
01:46:39,000 --> 01:46:43,000
They go up 4-2-4 if they're one goal down.

1410
01:46:43,000 --> 01:46:50,000
And also, like I mentioned with France having that belief because they've won things together, Argentina also have done that.

1411
01:46:50,000 --> 01:46:51,000
They won the Copa America.

1412
01:46:51,000 --> 01:46:52,000
Yeah.

1413
01:46:52,000 --> 01:46:55,000
So it won't be their first taste of a final together.

1414
01:46:55,000 --> 01:47:01,000
I think there's a very good collective cohesion between the Argentinian players.

1415
01:47:01,000 --> 01:47:06,000
I think that would be a really fascinating match if we get the Argentina-France match.

1416
01:47:06,000 --> 01:47:15,000
And with Messi and the story going on there, I think he'll have a lot of players playing for him specifically.

1417
01:47:15,000 --> 01:47:16,000
Oh, 100%.

1418
01:47:16,000 --> 01:47:21,000
My prediction, just so you know, is the final will be France against Argentina.

1419
01:47:21,000 --> 01:47:23,000
Argentina to win on penalties.

1420
01:47:23,000 --> 01:47:25,000
I think the second it goes to penalties, there's no debate.

1421
01:47:25,000 --> 01:47:28,000
I mean, we saw France in the Euros getting knocked out.

1422
01:47:28,000 --> 01:47:31,000
It was Switzerland on penalties.

1423
01:47:31,000 --> 01:47:34,000
And on the other hand, Argentina with Emiliano on goal.

1424
01:47:34,000 --> 01:47:38,000
I mean, and then France having your recent goal.

1425
01:47:38,000 --> 01:47:42,000
I think that's what this is all leaning towards.

1426
01:47:42,000 --> 01:47:43,000
But yeah, fuck it, whatever.

1427
01:47:43,000 --> 01:47:46,000
You guys can have your silly little opinions.

1428
01:47:46,000 --> 01:47:50,000
As in, look, I think the like-people are always going to be at France-Argentina final.

1429
01:47:50,000 --> 01:47:53,000
I would fancy France to win.

1430
01:47:53,000 --> 01:48:01,000
But with that said, I'll still say I think Croatia have a really big chance at taking Argentina down just on the way it's set up.

1431
01:48:01,000 --> 01:48:04,000
I feel like Argentina and Croatia will go to penalties.

1432
01:48:04,000 --> 01:48:07,000
And I think they have a solid chance, man.

1433
01:48:07,000 --> 01:48:10,000
But regardless, France will win the end.

1434
01:48:10,000 --> 01:48:16,000
That penalty shootout would be interesting, especially with Ljubakovic in goal for Croatia and Emiliano on goal for Argentina.

1435
01:48:16,000 --> 01:48:19,000
Should we shift to Croatia?

1436
01:48:19,000 --> 01:48:23,000
The final game we're going to be covering is Croatia 1-Brazil 1.

1437
01:48:23,000 --> 01:48:29,000
Croatia go through 4-2 on penalties thanks to two saves by Nadejde and Ljubakovic.

1438
01:48:29,000 --> 01:48:31,000
I had Brazil 2-0.

1439
01:48:31,000 --> 01:48:33,000
Theo, you had Brazil 2-0 as well.

1440
01:48:33,000 --> 01:48:35,000
Jamie, you had Brazil 2-1.

1441
01:48:35,000 --> 01:48:37,000
Why were we all so confident?

1442
01:48:37,000 --> 01:48:40,000
I think it's clear why, because Brazil were favorites.

1443
01:48:40,000 --> 01:48:45,000
Brazil coming off a massive victory, bit cocky in that victory.

1444
01:48:45,000 --> 01:48:55,000
I think as much as Roikin is very conservative when it comes to his analysis, and I hardly find myself agreeing with him,

1445
01:48:55,000 --> 01:49:04,000
I think that all the dancing and prancing around they did every time they scored a goal in front of the opposition with the manager of all was very annoying, very disrespectful.

1446
01:49:04,000 --> 01:49:06,000
I didn't even enjoy it as a spectator.

1447
01:49:06,000 --> 01:49:09,000
You've never been a fan of Brazilian dancing, however?

1448
01:49:09,000 --> 01:49:16,000
Look, there is certain Brazilian dancing that actually, Theo, I love more than any other dancing in history.

1449
01:49:16,000 --> 01:49:18,000
So I will contradict you on that.

1450
01:49:18,000 --> 01:49:20,000
That jumping around though was fucking annoying.

1451
01:49:20,000 --> 01:49:22,000
You didn't like the chicken?

1452
01:49:22,000 --> 01:49:23,000
The chicken is great.

1453
01:49:23,000 --> 01:49:25,000
You definitely loved the chicken.

1454
01:49:25,000 --> 01:49:28,000
After a few pints, I've seen you do the chicken.

1455
01:49:28,000 --> 01:49:30,000
I've done the chicken.

1456
01:49:30,000 --> 01:49:32,000
That's normally my mating call.

1457
01:49:32,000 --> 01:49:35,000
That's why I haven't done it in around five years.

1458
01:49:35,000 --> 01:49:38,000
But yeah, we were all confident for our Brazil win.

1459
01:49:38,000 --> 01:49:43,000
Were we kind of, I don't know, you seem all high and mighty on Croatia now.

1460
01:49:43,000 --> 01:49:45,000
You weren't high and mighty when they were playing Brazil.

1461
01:49:45,000 --> 01:49:47,000
Why was that?

1462
01:49:47,000 --> 01:49:56,000
Well, I believe and I still believe this despite the loss that Brazil were the best team in this competition.

1463
01:49:56,000 --> 01:50:02,000
I think they had the best squad when you look from the fence to attack.

1464
01:50:02,000 --> 01:50:09,000
I mean, they were stacked and they were not only stacked with great players, but they were stacked with difference makers, you know, match winners.

1465
01:50:09,000 --> 01:50:13,000
The players, they are incredible.

1466
01:50:13,000 --> 01:50:19,000
I think as well, besides this leading up to the tournament, they're playing very good stuff.

1467
01:50:19,000 --> 01:50:21,000
They played very good stuff in the in the groups as well.

1468
01:50:21,000 --> 01:50:24,000
It was all shaping up really nicely.

1469
01:50:24,000 --> 01:50:28,000
On another day, they could have taken some more of those chances.

1470
01:50:28,000 --> 01:50:36,000
They could have, you know, maybe been a bit more defensively solid once they took the lead and just seen the game out.

1471
01:50:36,000 --> 01:50:39,000
They didn't do it once you're in once you're at penalties.

1472
01:50:39,000 --> 01:50:41,000
Yeah, it's a toss of the coin.

1473
01:50:41,000 --> 01:50:43,000
Exactly.

1474
01:50:43,000 --> 01:50:49,000
For me, I think it's a bit of a shame that I feel I've been robbed of Brazil, Argentina, semi-finals.

1475
01:50:49,000 --> 01:50:53,000
That would have been a lovely evening.

1476
01:50:53,000 --> 01:50:56,000
Argentina, Croatia doesn't have exactly the same ring to it.

1477
01:50:56,000 --> 01:50:57,000
Absolutely not.

1478
01:50:57,000 --> 01:51:02,000
But yeah, maybe maybe a few drinks and we can think about it a bit differently.

1479
01:51:02,000 --> 01:51:05,000
For sure.

1480
01:51:05,000 --> 01:51:11,000
It's funny, I was really disappointed in Brazil to be honest in that game.

1481
01:51:11,000 --> 01:51:21,000
I feel like they got caught up or they maybe tend to get caught up in the sort of brand that Brazil has.

1482
01:51:21,000 --> 01:51:22,000
Too many touches.

1483
01:51:22,000 --> 01:51:27,000
Of being these fucking players with techers and tricks and skidding down the wing and all that.

1484
01:51:27,000 --> 01:51:35,000
I don't know if it's them getting caught up in that or them just being truly true to themselves in the obvious move for them is to dribble.

1485
01:51:35,000 --> 01:51:40,000
But so many times during this game in particular, more than in any of their other games,

1486
01:51:40,000 --> 01:51:47,000
I was seeing any one of their attackers, whether it's Rafinha, Vinny, Neymar, Jaresin or the ones who came on,

1487
01:51:47,000 --> 01:51:55,000
whether they'd have the ball on the wing and there'd be clear passes to make, very clear, good passes to make.

1488
01:51:55,000 --> 01:52:00,000
They just insist on just bombing down the wing and trying to beat their man every single time.

1489
01:52:00,000 --> 01:52:04,000
Players like Anthony as well, I know Theo loves him, but players like Anthony as well.

1490
01:52:04,000 --> 01:52:11,000
I feel like they just get way too caught up in trying to beat their man, which it just reminds me of playing football.

1491
01:52:11,000 --> 01:52:16,000
My friends were eight years old and there's that one guy on the team who's alright, he's really good.

1492
01:52:16,000 --> 01:52:17,000
He's really good.

1493
01:52:17,000 --> 01:52:23,000
There's that one guy on the team who's really good and you'll pass to him because he's the best, but then you're never going to get the ball back.

1494
01:52:23,000 --> 01:52:25,000
It's like Brazil had four of those.

1495
01:52:25,000 --> 01:52:33,000
I feel like that was prevalent because I understand that they have a lot of players, especially for example Vinny and Rafinha, Jaresin and Neymar,

1496
01:52:33,000 --> 01:52:38,000
that can beat their man, which is at the right time a massive asset.

1497
01:52:38,000 --> 01:52:44,000
But when you're trying to transition play from the right to the left and each time you can't play one touch football because they need to take two, three touches to go like,

1498
01:52:44,000 --> 01:52:47,000
what am I going to do now, what am I going to do now before they pass the ball?

1499
01:52:47,000 --> 01:52:57,000
Really, really for the amount of pace that they have, they slowed themselves down so much with the amount of touches that each player took in transitional play.

1500
01:52:57,000 --> 01:53:09,000
And that allowed Croatia to take their shape and transition into their shape easier when it came to defending, which made them simply harder to break down.

1501
01:53:09,000 --> 01:53:12,000
And naturally they might actually get a goal back, they might actually take it to penalties.

1502
01:53:12,000 --> 01:53:17,000
And obviously with Ljubakovic being the difference maker that he is, might actually take it over the line.

1503
01:53:17,000 --> 01:53:23,000
I think it says more, does it say more about Croatia or Brazil, this result, Croatia advancing?

1504
01:53:23,000 --> 01:53:33,000
I think it's a bit of both. So like I said, Brazil fucked up in how they decided to attack, I felt like.

1505
01:53:33,000 --> 01:53:41,000
And that's partially down to themselves, partially down to Croatia set up in the sense that I feel like Brazil should have expected Croatia to stop in the way they did.

1506
01:53:41,000 --> 01:53:48,000
And what I mean by that is Croatia were obviously going to sit back, Croatia were going to have 8, 9, 10 players in and around the box,

1507
01:53:48,000 --> 01:53:56,000
which is going to make it impossible for the likes of Rafinha, trying to just what, skin three players and then get thrown goal, no way, it's not going to happen.

1508
01:53:56,000 --> 01:54:02,000
But with that said, powers Croatia man, they were excellent and they had so much heart in how they played.

1509
01:54:02,000 --> 01:54:08,000
I'm loving seeing Perisic, I feel like he's been around for ages and he's still doing so well.

1510
01:54:08,000 --> 01:54:15,000
I think he played quite advanced in the game against Brazil and even in his old age, still has a lot of attacking flair.

1511
01:54:15,000 --> 01:54:19,000
He might not be as quick as he used to be, but he's still always creating chances of getting shots on goal.

1512
01:54:19,000 --> 01:54:27,000
And they were strong, man, they were strong. They might not have the big names of Brazil have, but the likes of Perisic, the likes of Kovačić, Brozović, they're doing a lot.

1513
01:54:27,000 --> 01:54:33,000
Modrić, Modrić, still in his old age, Modrić now, Modrić in his old age, what a guy, man, what a guy.

1514
01:54:33,000 --> 01:54:37,000
Tell us a bit about Modrić, Teo, I know you romanticize.

1515
01:54:37,000 --> 01:54:42,000
Yeah, you're pointing this question at me because every Croatia game that comes on, I want to talk about Modrić.

1516
01:54:42,000 --> 01:54:46,000
Every time he touches Bojak, oh my, oh my god.

1517
01:54:46,000 --> 01:54:52,000
37 years old, still making runs down the channels, still winning the ball back.

1518
01:54:52,000 --> 01:54:56,000
I mean, this is a player that will go down in history.

1519
01:54:56,000 --> 01:55:05,000
I mean, even when you look at the fact that he's made the final of the World Cup with Croatia and now he's in this...

1520
01:55:05,000 --> 01:55:07,000
He won the Ballon d'Or that season.

1521
01:55:07,000 --> 01:55:13,000
He won the Ballon d'Or that season. Now we see him in the semis of the World Cup again, right in the heart of it.

1522
01:55:13,000 --> 01:55:19,000
It's really lovely to see that and I'm happiest to see Croatia go this far because of him.

1523
01:55:19,000 --> 01:55:20,000
Yeah, 100%.

1524
01:55:20,000 --> 01:55:23,000
It's an amazing storyline.

1525
01:55:23,000 --> 01:55:34,000
And as well, just you look at, not particularly the personnel in the lineup that Croatia have, but you look at the way they operate, the great balance that they have within the team, you look at in particular.

1526
01:55:34,000 --> 01:55:39,000
Firstly, massive shout out obviously to Ljubakovic for being the great shot stopper that he is.

1527
01:55:39,000 --> 01:55:42,000
The back two of Lovren and Gvardiol, brilliant.

1528
01:55:42,000 --> 01:55:48,000
Particularly Gvardiol has been a monster, the best center back in this competition so far, in my opinion.

1529
01:55:48,000 --> 01:55:50,000
Let me know if I'm disrespecting anyone with that statement.

1530
01:55:50,000 --> 01:55:54,000
Harry Maguire.

1531
01:55:54,000 --> 01:55:56,000
That midfield three, that midfield three.

1532
01:55:56,000 --> 01:55:59,000
That is set up in such a beautiful way.

1533
01:55:59,000 --> 01:56:05,000
So you have Brozovic who stays back, his job is between the midfield and the defense dictating the play.

1534
01:56:05,000 --> 01:56:07,000
He lets you know where the play is going to go.

1535
01:56:07,000 --> 01:56:09,000
He's that metronome.

1536
01:56:09,000 --> 01:56:13,000
The same way that Inter are reliant on him on a weekly basis.

1537
01:56:13,000 --> 01:56:16,000
Same way that Croatia rely on him.

1538
01:56:16,000 --> 01:56:17,000
He does the exact same thing.

1539
01:56:17,000 --> 01:56:18,000
He's that fucking metronome.

1540
01:56:18,000 --> 01:56:21,000
He's that Georginio for them, so to say.

1541
01:56:21,000 --> 01:56:33,000
Kovacic with that box to box, that energy, he gives you 90 minutes running up and down, winning the ball back, turning defense into attack, defense into attack, defense into attack.

1542
01:56:33,000 --> 01:56:37,000
Modrić on the other hand, everything he touches turns into gold.

1543
01:56:37,000 --> 01:56:42,000
It seems like if you're in a tight area, you don't know what to do.

1544
01:56:42,000 --> 01:56:43,000
You want to play it safe.

1545
01:56:43,000 --> 01:56:45,000
You want to get the best outcome possible.

1546
01:56:45,000 --> 01:56:48,000
Being a Croatian player is incredibly easy.

1547
01:56:48,000 --> 01:56:54,000
Look up and look for Luka Modrić and he will spot the perfect thing to do at any given moment.

1548
01:56:54,000 --> 01:57:02,000
He has aged so brilliantly because he's mature and he's used experience to learn more about the game.

1549
01:57:02,000 --> 01:57:07,000
And it seems like no matter where he is, he understands the players in his team so well.

1550
01:57:07,000 --> 01:57:08,000
He knows where they are constantly.

1551
01:57:08,000 --> 01:57:10,000
He knows where to play a pass.

1552
01:57:10,000 --> 01:57:12,000
He plays passes without even looking.

1553
01:57:12,000 --> 01:57:13,000
The man just knows.

1554
01:57:13,000 --> 01:57:15,000
He knows everything.

1555
01:57:15,000 --> 01:57:19,000
And he is definitely one of my favorite players of all time.

1556
01:57:19,000 --> 01:57:28,000
To be 37 years old and to be playing at the level he is with an underdog team like Croatia and doing all that, it's underrated as fuck what he's been doing.

1557
01:57:28,000 --> 01:57:32,000
Has he surpassed the Shavis and the Iniesta's?

1558
01:57:32,000 --> 01:57:37,000
I saw this debate on Twitter today, but I'd like to see what you guys think.

1559
01:57:37,000 --> 01:57:40,000
Surpass is hard to say because those guys were incredible.

1560
01:57:40,000 --> 01:57:42,000
They won the World Cup as well.

1561
01:57:42,000 --> 01:57:45,000
They won the World Cup in two Euros, so they had one.

1562
01:57:45,000 --> 01:57:51,000
I remember they won three tournaments in a row together, which was ridiculous and might never be done again, at least in our lifetimes.

1563
01:57:51,000 --> 01:57:58,000
And not only that, but what they did with Barcelona was ridiculous as well under Pep and a few other managers as well.

1564
01:57:58,000 --> 01:58:04,000
But that takes nothing away from Modrić because he's either at that level or very close to it in my opinion.

1565
01:58:04,000 --> 01:58:06,000
Five champions in the XC as well.

1566
01:58:06,000 --> 01:58:10,000
No, that's incredible stat and he's been so good for so long as well.

1567
01:58:10,000 --> 01:58:16,000
I remember him at Spurs 10 plus years ago when he was still relatively young, 26, 27 years old.

1568
01:58:16,000 --> 01:58:20,000
And he was just as good then as he is now, just a different style of player.

1569
01:58:20,000 --> 01:58:23,000
So maybe that back then he had more energy, less intelligence.

1570
01:58:23,000 --> 01:58:30,000
And as he's packed on the years, as time goes by, maybe he's lost a bit of physicality or whatever.

1571
01:58:30,000 --> 01:58:34,000
Like you said very rightly yourself, he's just gained intelligence.

1572
01:58:34,000 --> 01:58:37,000
He's gained that composure and has a bit more measure in his play.

1573
01:58:37,000 --> 01:58:39,000
And he's just absolutely brilliant.

1574
01:58:39,000 --> 01:58:47,000
And I love the fact, I love the fact that against Brazil he puts in 120 minutes still and there are 120 fantastic minutes.

1575
01:58:47,000 --> 01:58:50,000
And he takes a penalty as well at the end, scores it.

1576
01:58:50,000 --> 01:58:53,000
It's brilliant. It's a beautiful story. I love the man. He's brilliant.

1577
01:58:53,000 --> 01:59:01,000
And obviously, you remember, I don't know if you guys remember, he joined Real Madrid in 2012 under José Mourinho.

1578
01:59:01,000 --> 01:59:08,000
And for the first season he was dubbed and voted as the worst signing of that season worldwide in football.

1579
01:59:08,000 --> 01:59:17,000
And to just have that moment, we were talking about the press ruining players' careers earlier, the Harry Maguire's, so on, so forth.

1580
01:59:17,000 --> 01:59:28,000
For him to have that experience and just turn it into what he's been capable of turning into winning a Ballon d'Or and winning five Champions Leagues.

1581
01:59:28,000 --> 01:59:34,000
Maldini won five Champions Leagues with the 90s Milan and the early 2000s Milan.

1582
01:59:34,000 --> 01:59:37,000
That's no fucking joke what this guy's been doing.

1583
01:59:37,000 --> 01:59:48,000
I think it's very admirable how he carries so much pressure of the country on his shoulders and he does it repeatedly, doesn't shy away, steps up to take that penalty as well, buries it.

1584
01:59:48,000 --> 01:59:53,000
He's just an absolute role model for every single Croatian player.

1585
01:59:53,000 --> 01:59:54,000
For sure.

1586
01:59:54,000 --> 02:00:01,000
What I do think is going to be a factor though. So in the match before against Japan, right?

1587
02:00:01,000 --> 02:00:02,000
Yeah.

1588
02:00:02,000 --> 02:00:07,000
He was subbed off in extra time when the match was very much still in the balance.

1589
02:00:07,000 --> 02:00:15,000
That tells me that there are concerns over his fitness, rightly so. He's five, seven years old. It's understandable.

1590
02:00:15,000 --> 02:00:22,000
He has another match coming up now. How much can he give? How much can the Croatian team in general give?

1591
02:00:22,000 --> 02:00:27,000
Because it is a slightly thin squad, right?

1592
02:00:27,000 --> 02:00:34,000
I would argue it's probably not as strong as the one we saw, the team that made that final in the World Cup.

1593
02:00:34,000 --> 02:00:46,000
No, I mean when you look at their bench, I mean, apart from there being, for example, Pasalic normally starts and we saw him start in a bit of a wider position, but we have seen him start from the bench.

1594
02:00:46,000 --> 02:00:57,000
He's a nice little player to kind of bring on. One of the most, when it comes to his positioning on the pitch, he puts himself as a box to box in very key positions.

1595
02:00:57,000 --> 02:01:04,000
We've seen him in Serie A, so you know, score hat tricks this guy from a box to box role just by being in the right place at the right time.

1596
02:01:04,000 --> 02:01:14,000
Otherwise, you see a player in Orsic who hasn't really been given much time. We know, we've seen him score hat tricks in last season in the Champions League.

1597
02:01:14,000 --> 02:01:21,000
We've seen him do that for Dynamo Zagreb. He's very highly rated, but we hardly see him come on before the 80th minute, man.

1598
02:01:21,000 --> 02:01:34,000
So definitely even players like Petkovic, who although he had that goal, he had that insane dribble where he turned those two defenders inside out, the Croatians don't rate him.

1599
02:01:34,000 --> 02:01:45,000
You know what I mean? So it is a fairly thin squad, but they just keep going, man. They keep going for 120 minutes. Like even when Modrić came on, I bet you could have gone for the entirety of it.

1600
02:01:45,000 --> 02:01:53,000
Like they brought on Meyer, so I'm sure it wasn't a tactical substitution and it was based around fatigue. Just the same reason Kovačić was taken off in that game.

1601
02:01:53,000 --> 02:02:04,000
But if they keep the game in 90 minutes, they can get it done against Argentina, I feel. They definitely have what it takes. They just need to be smart about it.

1602
02:02:04,000 --> 02:02:10,000
It's a semi-final. I mean, every single team in a semi-final has a chance at that stage of the competition, you know.

1603
02:02:10,000 --> 02:02:20,000
Exactly. Shall we discuss the semi-finals a little bit? I don't know if there's anything else you want to discuss about Brazil or Croatia, anything of the sort.

1604
02:02:20,000 --> 02:02:25,000
I'd say we give some quick predictions. Let's get into it. Yeah, let's give some predictions.

1605
02:02:25,000 --> 02:02:34,000
So in case you missed the intro, the semi-finals are in fact Croatia against Argentina that's taking place on Tuesday, 13th at 8 p.m.

1606
02:02:34,000 --> 02:02:40,000
You can watch it on TVM if you'd like. France against Morocco, Wednesday, 14th at 8 p.m.

1607
02:02:40,000 --> 02:02:47,000
This is Maltese time, by the way. You can also watch that on TVM. So let's start. Croatia vs Argentina.

1608
02:02:47,000 --> 02:03:02,000
Let's do it. We go clockwise. Yeah, let's do it. That way I think that in extra time Argentina managed to take away a 2-1 victory in extra time.

1609
02:03:02,000 --> 02:03:11,000
I'm going to go for a somewhat comfortable Argentina win. I think they take the lead against Croatia.

1610
02:03:11,000 --> 02:03:19,000
And then I think once they take the lead they manage to see that game out. I think Croatia will struggle to create too many chances.

1611
02:03:19,000 --> 02:03:24,000
And Argentina will see it through. I'm going with a 2-0 Argentina.

1612
02:03:24,000 --> 02:03:32,000
I think it will be 1-1 after 90 minutes. I think they'll scruff through extra time on both penalties.

1613
02:03:32,000 --> 02:03:37,000
For whatever reason I feel like Croatia will make it through on penalties.

1614
02:03:37,000 --> 02:03:41,000
But my heart wants Argentina to make it through because I'd love to see an Argentina-France final.

1615
02:03:41,000 --> 02:03:46,000
Yeah, fair enough. I think what we're seeing over here, one thing we have to take into consideration,

1616
02:03:46,000 --> 02:03:51,000
is the amount of yellow cards that Argentina have accumulated against the Netherlands.

1617
02:03:51,000 --> 02:03:57,000
We thought if those same players get another yellow card it means they will miss the final, which will make them more conservative in that game.

1618
02:03:57,000 --> 02:04:03,000
Some will definitely will. Some will miss the final and some will take a very conservative stance in that game.

1619
02:04:03,000 --> 02:04:09,000
Imagine you're a defensive midfielder, you're De Paul, you're a yellow card away from missing the final.

1620
02:04:09,000 --> 02:04:11,000
There's a challenge to make and you shy out of that.

1621
02:04:11,000 --> 02:04:15,000
Leaving a guy clean through on goal, that's going to be so fucking difficult.

1622
02:04:15,000 --> 02:04:21,000
And Croatia will turn it into a fucking scrabble, bro. They will. They'll make it that game.

1623
02:04:21,000 --> 02:04:24,000
Let us know what you think, guys. This is going to be an interesting one.

1624
02:04:24,000 --> 02:04:32,000
I don't know if you've seen it, but back in like 96, something like that, there was a really famous one.

1625
02:04:32,000 --> 02:04:34,000
Back in my prime, before I was born, but sure.

1626
02:04:34,000 --> 02:04:41,000
Where England were in the semis against, I think, Germany.

1627
02:04:41,000 --> 02:04:48,000
And Gaza, Paul Gascoigne, got a yellow in that game and in the game before he had a yellow as well.

1628
02:04:48,000 --> 02:04:52,000
So he got a yellow in this game and it wasn't even meant to be a yellow, it was barely even a foul.

1629
02:04:52,000 --> 02:04:55,000
And he knew that that meant he wasn't going to make it to the final.

1630
02:04:55,000 --> 02:04:59,000
And because he got the yellow there, he started literally bowling whilst playing.

1631
02:04:59,000 --> 02:05:03,000
He was crying, he was in tears. There's really famous clips about it.

1632
02:05:03,000 --> 02:05:06,000
Which just goes to show how much it can weigh on a player.

1633
02:05:06,000 --> 02:05:08,000
It's hard to play.

1634
02:05:08,000 --> 02:05:14,000
It's massive. So don't underrate how much it can play on a player's mental state.

1635
02:05:14,000 --> 02:05:18,000
I'd love to have a list of the players that are a yellow card away for Argentina.

1636
02:05:18,000 --> 02:05:21,000
So at least I can pull up who got a yellow card in the last game.

1637
02:05:21,000 --> 02:05:23,000
If you list them, you're going to be talking for a few minutes.

1638
02:05:23,000 --> 02:05:25,000
So there's Messi.

1639
02:05:25,000 --> 02:05:29,000
Imagine that, imagine that. No way.

1640
02:05:29,000 --> 02:05:33,000
That's not even a ticket.

1641
02:05:33,000 --> 02:05:40,000
You think about a left wing back facing who Croatia have on the right.

1642
02:05:40,000 --> 02:05:42,000
It's not Perisic, it's not Pasalic.

1643
02:05:42,000 --> 02:05:44,000
So Acuña.

1644
02:05:44,000 --> 02:05:46,000
Acuña is suspended.

1645
02:05:46,000 --> 02:05:52,000
There's Martina at the back, there's Atamendi, there's Romero.

1646
02:05:52,000 --> 02:05:55,000
Those are all the yellow card away.

1647
02:05:55,000 --> 02:06:02,000
They substituted Romero actually at 2-0 to protect him.

1648
02:06:02,000 --> 02:06:06,000
And actually there was a lot of debate on whether that was the right decision

1649
02:06:06,000 --> 02:06:08,000
because then they conceded two goals after it.

1650
02:06:08,000 --> 02:06:10,000
What a player Romero is by the way.

1651
02:06:10,000 --> 02:06:13,000
Another shithouser.

1652
02:06:13,000 --> 02:06:18,000
He came out of Atalanta, moved to Spurs, and then there's another guy,

1653
02:06:18,000 --> 02:06:20,000
Drake and I have been rating for ages.

1654
02:06:20,000 --> 02:06:22,000
The aggressive player is very good.

1655
02:06:22,000 --> 02:06:24,000
So that's going to be an interesting one.

1656
02:06:24,000 --> 02:06:28,000
I think it will be tighter than we may anticipate.

1657
02:06:28,000 --> 02:06:32,000
But yeah guys, if you have any predictions, please do let us know about those.

1658
02:06:32,000 --> 02:06:35,000
Interesting, interesting.

1659
02:06:35,000 --> 02:06:37,000
France, Morocco.

1660
02:06:37,000 --> 02:06:39,000
What are our predictions for France, Morocco?

1661
02:06:39,000 --> 02:06:44,000
Fuck, I really don't know man.

1662
02:06:44,000 --> 02:06:48,000
As in the, you obviously have to go for a France win.

1663
02:06:48,000 --> 02:06:51,000
I don't think anybody is saying they're going to go predict a Morocco win.

1664
02:06:51,000 --> 02:06:57,000
Even though we all know the possibility of it based on the last two games.

1665
02:06:57,000 --> 02:07:00,000
My God just says 2-0 France, comfortable 90 minutes,

1666
02:07:00,000 --> 02:07:02,000
and Bappa has to get one.

1667
02:07:02,000 --> 02:07:03,000
2-0, is that so?

1668
02:07:03,000 --> 02:07:05,000
2-0 France, and Bappa has to get one.

1669
02:07:05,000 --> 02:07:07,000
I don't know if he'll get the other.

1670
02:07:07,000 --> 02:07:10,000
But I feel like you're going to predict a comfortable France win aren't you?

1671
02:07:10,000 --> 02:07:12,000
Yeah, I think so.

1672
02:07:12,000 --> 02:07:13,000
Té?

1673
02:07:13,000 --> 02:07:17,000
I'm going for the exact same result as the Croatia-Argentina match.

1674
02:07:17,000 --> 02:07:19,000
I think France 2-0.

1675
02:07:19,000 --> 02:07:26,000
I think these games, both games I feel really rest on whether the favourites can get the first goal.

1676
02:07:26,000 --> 02:07:30,000
If they do that, then the underdog is going to struggle.

1677
02:07:30,000 --> 02:07:40,000
I think considering the different, the versatile way in which France can attack the different weapons that they have,

1678
02:07:40,000 --> 02:07:44,000
the fact that they can go with a long ball over the top to Giroud who could head it in,

1679
02:07:44,000 --> 02:07:49,000
the fact that they could go directly through Mbappe, the fact that Rabiot can have a crack with Sartreau-Ameni,

1680
02:07:49,000 --> 02:07:54,000
have a crack as well, Kingsley-Corman can come on and do stuff, Griezmann can have a crack.

1681
02:07:54,000 --> 02:07:56,000
They all have cracks.

1682
02:07:56,000 --> 02:07:58,000
So much crack.

1683
02:07:58,000 --> 02:08:00,000
So much crack in that team.

1684
02:08:00,000 --> 02:08:06,000
And then you look at, I can't help but consider, take into consideration the fitness of Morocco,

1685
02:08:06,000 --> 02:08:09,000
the fact that they might be a little bit deflated.

1686
02:08:09,000 --> 02:08:14,000
I think that it will show a lot of heart.

1687
02:08:14,000 --> 02:08:18,000
I do think, I'm going to agree with both of you, I think France will get away with a 2-0 victory.

1688
02:08:18,000 --> 02:08:20,000
So Morocco will definitely win now.

1689
02:08:20,000 --> 02:08:22,000
Yeah, so Morocco for sure.

1690
02:08:22,000 --> 02:08:24,000
We should place a bet, boys.

1691
02:08:24,000 --> 02:08:26,000
We should know that we'll post it.

1692
02:08:26,000 --> 02:08:27,000
You mean on what?

1693
02:08:27,000 --> 02:08:28,000
On France to win?

1694
02:08:28,000 --> 02:08:29,000
On the football?

1695
02:08:29,000 --> 02:08:32,000
No, on who's going to win Love Island next year.

1696
02:08:32,000 --> 02:08:33,000
Love Island.

1697
02:08:33,000 --> 02:08:34,000
You're taking part next year, no?

1698
02:08:34,000 --> 02:08:35,000
Yes, I am.

1699
02:08:35,000 --> 02:08:36,000
Yes, I am.

1700
02:08:36,000 --> 02:08:37,000
Stay tuned, guys.

1701
02:08:37,000 --> 02:08:41,000
I think that's pretty much it for the episode.

1702
02:08:41,000 --> 02:08:47,000
I know we have a question from one of our listeners, Pablo.

1703
02:08:47,000 --> 02:08:48,000
It's day one, guys.

1704
02:08:48,000 --> 02:08:50,000
Can you please give a nice warm welcome to Pablo?

1705
02:08:50,000 --> 02:08:54,000
Lovely, lovely guy.

1706
02:08:54,000 --> 02:08:55,000
Hello, Pablo.

1707
02:08:55,000 --> 02:08:56,000
Thank you, Pablo.

1708
02:08:56,000 --> 02:08:58,000
So tough questions.

1709
02:08:58,000 --> 02:08:59,000
He's very well versed.

1710
02:08:59,000 --> 02:09:01,000
He watches a lot of football.

1711
02:09:01,000 --> 02:09:02,000
He lives and breathes it.

1712
02:09:02,000 --> 02:09:05,000
So he asks us the following.

1713
02:09:05,000 --> 02:09:10,000
With the memory of yesterday's match still in mind, could you talk a bit about Lajos?

1714
02:09:10,000 --> 02:09:14,000
Has to be the worst performance all round I've ever seen out of a ref.

1715
02:09:14,000 --> 02:09:22,000
So obviously he's talking about, in case you guys watch Sopranos, that referee that kind of looks like Tony Sopranos.

1716
02:09:22,000 --> 02:09:26,000
He officiated the match between Netherlands and Argentina.

1717
02:09:26,000 --> 02:09:32,000
Obviously from the amount of yellow cards, 17 yellow cards, you could understand that maybe he didn't have too much control over the game.

1718
02:09:32,000 --> 02:09:36,000
But there were also a number of controversial decisions.

1719
02:09:36,000 --> 02:09:39,000
This is a very experienced referee.

1720
02:09:39,000 --> 02:09:41,000
I've seen him in La Liga.

1721
02:09:41,000 --> 02:09:47,000
Jake and I always spoke about what a great referee he is when we saw him in the Champions League.

1722
02:09:47,000 --> 02:09:48,000
He lets play go on.

1723
02:09:48,000 --> 02:09:53,000
He's strict when he needs to be strict and he always has control over the game.

1724
02:09:53,000 --> 02:09:54,000
This one got away from him.

1725
02:09:54,000 --> 02:10:01,000
And there were controversial decisions made, like the free kick late on, the yellow cards that were dished out, so on and so forth.

1726
02:10:01,000 --> 02:10:08,000
He's definitely one of the referees with the highest pedigree in this championship.

1727
02:10:08,000 --> 02:10:11,000
So it's obvious that he's going to be called up.

1728
02:10:11,000 --> 02:10:21,000
Do you think that the criticism on him is fair or do you think it's a little bit harsh on him, considering the magnitude of the game?

1729
02:10:21,000 --> 02:10:28,000
I mean, it was a heated affair, no doubt about that, but definitely felt like he lost control of it.

1730
02:10:28,000 --> 02:10:34,000
He started dishing cards out to the point where you're not even sure who he's even pointing the cards at anymore.

1731
02:10:34,000 --> 02:10:41,000
At a point in the penalty shootout, he put a yellow card out and aimed at the Dutch squad.

1732
02:10:41,000 --> 02:10:46,000
And the commentator was just like, I don't even know who that's aimed at.

1733
02:10:46,000 --> 02:10:48,000
He was just dishing them out.

1734
02:10:48,000 --> 02:10:55,000
Like even prior to smashing the ball at the reserves in my head, I kind of thought it was a red card, to be honest.

1735
02:10:55,000 --> 02:10:58,000
If that hits a player, it's a red, to be honest.

1736
02:10:58,000 --> 02:11:00,000
He could have hurt someone with that.

1737
02:11:00,000 --> 02:11:02,000
So it felt a bit random.

1738
02:11:02,000 --> 02:11:03,000
He did lose control.

1739
02:11:03,000 --> 02:11:06,000
I don't know how many cards he said, yellow card, he said something like that.

1740
02:11:06,000 --> 02:11:07,000
That's mental.

1741
02:11:07,000 --> 02:11:09,000
16, 16 now.

1742
02:11:09,000 --> 02:11:11,000
Massive difference.

1743
02:11:11,000 --> 02:11:15,000
Now, if you have to dish out that many cards in the game, you've lost control.

1744
02:11:15,000 --> 02:11:16,000
It got very messy.

1745
02:11:16,000 --> 02:11:17,000
It wasn't an easy one to ref.

1746
02:11:17,000 --> 02:11:18,000
I'll give him that.

1747
02:11:18,000 --> 02:11:20,000
Players were being a bit much.

1748
02:11:20,000 --> 02:11:22,000
Sorry, what an idiot I am.

1749
02:11:22,000 --> 02:11:27,000
It was 17, 16 was the last record, which was between Portugal and the Netherlands in 2006.

1750
02:11:27,000 --> 02:11:30,000
I remember that game.

1751
02:11:30,000 --> 02:11:33,000
The game was mad.

1752
02:11:33,000 --> 02:11:36,000
But no, as in Kerry, the game ran away from him.

1753
02:11:36,000 --> 02:11:39,000
And it was very messy.

1754
02:11:39,000 --> 02:11:42,000
Messy.

1755
02:11:42,000 --> 02:11:46,000
I know that those are the games where you expect a good ref to come through and take control and sprint the players.

1756
02:11:46,000 --> 02:11:48,000
I think there's a lot more to ref in the game.

1757
02:11:48,000 --> 02:11:49,000
Bless you, Matthew.

1758
02:11:49,000 --> 02:11:51,000
Thank you so much.

1759
02:11:51,000 --> 02:11:56,000
You're ruining our podcast.

1760
02:11:56,000 --> 02:12:07,000
I think in games like these where a strong ref, a good ref comes through and shows his quality and can dictate the game and put players in their place.

1761
02:12:07,000 --> 02:12:12,000
You wouldn't have seen this happen to the likes of Colleen back in the day.

1762
02:12:12,000 --> 02:12:15,000
And I feel like he kind of lost it here a little bit.

1763
02:12:15,000 --> 02:12:24,000
Now, obviously, some games are just destined to be scraps and the players, you know, it says a lot about like we all know Argentina have a very tough squad.

1764
02:12:24,000 --> 02:12:26,000
We know that the Netherlands are always up to the task.

1765
02:12:26,000 --> 02:12:28,000
They have a lot of leaders within that team.

1766
02:12:28,000 --> 02:12:35,000
So, you know, when they make certain challenges and when they're carrying themselves a certain way, yellow cards are going to be dished out.

1767
02:12:35,000 --> 02:12:40,000
I have absolutely no problem with the fact that he dished out as many yellows as he did.

1768
02:12:40,000 --> 02:12:49,000
This takes me back to the argument I brought up earlier about consistency because there was, for example, Messi said that he had a fixation against him that he had.

1769
02:12:49,000 --> 02:12:52,000
He kept on talking shit to Messi throughout the game.

1770
02:12:52,000 --> 02:12:54,000
He gave Messi a yellow card at a point.

1771
02:12:54,000 --> 02:12:59,000
Messi handled the ball later on quite blatantly and he should have gotten a second yellow card and he spared him that.

1772
02:12:59,000 --> 02:13:06,000
So a bit of consistency in these cases, like perhaps Messi should have been off at that point.

1773
02:13:06,000 --> 02:13:08,000
So it's all about consistency.

1774
02:13:08,000 --> 02:13:13,000
There are lenient referees, there are strict referees, there are referees that like to let play go on.

1775
02:13:13,000 --> 02:13:16,000
This guy is normally that kind of referee.

1776
02:13:16,000 --> 02:13:23,000
The only way he was going to assert his dominance in a game like this is by brandishing yellow cards that he brandished.

1777
02:13:23,000 --> 02:13:26,000
But, you know, Argentina have their opinions on him.

1778
02:13:26,000 --> 02:13:27,000
Messi said that.

1779
02:13:27,000 --> 02:13:33,000
Emiliano Martinez said that he is the World Cup's worst ref by far.

1780
02:13:33,000 --> 02:13:37,000
The reason he awarded 10 added minutes is because he wanted them to draw the game.

1781
02:13:37,000 --> 02:13:40,000
So I'm not sure about that one.

1782
02:13:40,000 --> 02:13:42,000
There needed to be that much time.

1783
02:13:42,000 --> 02:13:47,000
Like I don't think Emiliano Martinez is aware of the new system of additional time.

1784
02:13:47,000 --> 02:13:53,000
Like today there were eight minutes added, not because they wanted England to get an equalizer,

1785
02:13:53,000 --> 02:13:57,000
but because there are Varchegs and it's the same thing over there.

1786
02:13:57,000 --> 02:13:58,000
It's interesting.

1787
02:13:58,000 --> 02:14:05,000
I don't feel like I could give you a definite yes or no as to whether he had a shocker of a performance.

1788
02:14:05,000 --> 02:14:07,000
I know the game got away from him.

1789
02:14:07,000 --> 02:14:09,000
Sometimes that's going to happen.

1790
02:14:09,000 --> 02:14:13,000
A little bit more consistency within his decisions in the game would have been better.

1791
02:14:13,000 --> 02:14:17,000
I don't think, to be honest, bottom line, I don't think it changed the result massively.

1792
02:14:17,000 --> 02:14:20,000
I still felt like a draw in the end was relatively fair.

1793
02:14:20,000 --> 02:14:21,000
Yeah.

1794
02:14:21,000 --> 02:14:24,000
And I think the game sort of just took its own course naturally in that sense.

1795
02:14:24,000 --> 02:14:25,000
Yeah.

1796
02:14:25,000 --> 02:14:27,000
Next question by Pablo.

1797
02:14:27,000 --> 02:14:29,000
He's on a positive side.

1798
02:14:29,000 --> 02:14:31,000
Why was Croatia so good yesterday?

1799
02:14:31,000 --> 02:14:36,000
I think we went through this a lot about the balance within the team, the experience within the team.

1800
02:14:36,000 --> 02:14:44,000
But one thing I want to bring up on Pablo's note is that we saw De Bruyne talk about Belgium,

1801
02:14:44,000 --> 02:14:46,000
how he said the golden days are behind us.

1802
02:14:46,000 --> 02:14:47,000
We're old.

1803
02:14:47,000 --> 02:14:48,000
We can't do anything.

1804
02:14:48,000 --> 02:14:54,000
Now we see Croatia have a very aging squad, a very experienced squad, and they almost use experience to their benefit.

1805
02:14:54,000 --> 02:14:58,000
It's almost a good thing when you look at Croatia.

1806
02:14:58,000 --> 02:15:04,000
So just food for thought as to how the different approaches two teams can take.

1807
02:15:04,000 --> 02:15:07,000
As in, I don't fully agree.

1808
02:15:07,000 --> 02:15:11,000
As in De Bruyne's right, but he's also not in the sense that, yes, the best days are behind them.

1809
02:15:11,000 --> 02:15:12,000
They're golden generation.

1810
02:15:12,000 --> 02:15:16,000
I question how much of a golden generation it was because they didn't even win anything.

1811
02:15:16,000 --> 02:15:19,000
They didn't get very far very often, to be honest.

1812
02:15:19,000 --> 02:15:27,000
And the problems that they have today, so sure, Vertogan and otherwise still being at the back is hilarious.

1813
02:15:27,000 --> 02:15:33,000
But they have the same problems they had five, 10 years ago where they're just a very disjointed squad.

1814
02:15:33,000 --> 02:15:37,000
It just feels like a bunch of individuals who are put together and are kind of doing their own thing,

1815
02:15:37,000 --> 02:15:41,000
which is kind of the opposite of Croatia, which just feels like 11 men who are banded together,

1816
02:15:41,000 --> 02:15:46,000
working as a collective, all for the same kind of cause.

1817
02:15:46,000 --> 02:15:52,000
What I said before the game, which I didn't say here, is I see Croatia as kind of similar to England in many ways,

1818
02:15:52,000 --> 02:15:59,000
just worse, not as much quality, but just very organised, tight, hard to break down, good, solid 11.

1819
02:15:59,000 --> 02:16:01,000
And I think that's always going to win.

1820
02:16:01,000 --> 02:16:06,000
I think the likes of Belgium, who you mentioned there, are just much messier than that.

1821
02:16:06,000 --> 02:16:09,000
So if you're organised and tight, hey, the JME up, he's clearly...

1822
02:16:09,000 --> 02:16:10,000
He's into that.

1823
02:16:10,000 --> 02:16:11,000
He's really into that.

1824
02:16:11,000 --> 02:16:13,000
Especially if you're organised.

1825
02:16:13,000 --> 02:16:18,000
I think Croatia have a certain humility which has served them really well.

1826
02:16:18,000 --> 02:16:25,000
They know their strengths, they know they're not going to be this fluid, free, flowing attack.

1827
02:16:25,000 --> 02:16:31,000
They're going to work hard, they're going to put men behind the ball, they're going to try to hit on the counter,

1828
02:16:31,000 --> 02:16:33,000
similar to Morocco in this way.

1829
02:16:33,000 --> 02:16:35,000
And it worked.

1830
02:16:35,000 --> 02:16:43,000
I mean, they took Brazil as far as they wanted to take them, and then once you're in the penalty shootout, anything can happen.

1831
02:16:43,000 --> 02:16:50,000
I have no doubt that they're going to try something somewhat similar for the final two games, if they have two games.

1832
02:16:50,000 --> 02:16:52,000
Exactly.

1833
02:16:52,000 --> 02:16:54,000
I think that's it, guys.

1834
02:16:54,000 --> 02:16:57,000
What did you think? How did you find it, your first time being on the podcast?

1835
02:16:57,000 --> 02:16:59,000
I enjoyed it, man. It was lovely.

1836
02:16:59,000 --> 02:17:02,000
I'll be retiring today.

1837
02:17:02,000 --> 02:17:05,000
I heard that you were interested in starting your own podcast.

1838
02:17:05,000 --> 02:17:09,000
What's stopping you, man?

1839
02:17:09,000 --> 02:17:16,000
Yeah, I need to work through my life commitments and find the slot.

1840
02:17:16,000 --> 02:17:18,000
It's a very busy life.

1841
02:17:18,000 --> 02:17:20,000
I'm a very busy man.

1842
02:17:20,000 --> 02:17:23,000
I have lots of things to do.

1843
02:17:23,000 --> 02:17:24,000
Trying new things.

1844
02:17:24,000 --> 02:17:25,000
I try a lot of new things.

1845
02:17:25,000 --> 02:17:26,000
Places to be.

1846
02:17:26,000 --> 02:17:27,000
Yeah.

1847
02:17:27,000 --> 02:17:28,000
Moving the meat.

1848
02:17:28,000 --> 02:17:29,000
Yes.

1849
02:17:29,000 --> 02:17:30,000
People to see.

1850
02:17:30,000 --> 02:17:31,000
Yes.

1851
02:17:31,000 --> 02:17:38,000
All it takes, just so you know, is a microphone that costs around 40 euro, maybe buy a plug-in that costs 3 euro.

1852
02:17:38,000 --> 02:17:41,000
Record, edit and dish it out.

1853
02:17:41,000 --> 02:17:51,000
So it's incredibly easy to start, to keep consistent and to keep on a weekly basis and to keep finding good content and to be up to date.

1854
02:17:51,000 --> 02:17:53,000
It takes a lot of effort.

1855
02:17:53,000 --> 02:17:54,000
You have it.

1856
02:17:54,000 --> 02:17:56,000
You should definitely give it a bash.

1857
02:17:56,000 --> 02:17:58,000
You're very well versed.

1858
02:17:58,000 --> 02:18:01,000
You should definitely add video because you're incredibly handsome.

1859
02:18:01,000 --> 02:18:03,000
I can't. I'm probably part of the problem here.

1860
02:18:03,000 --> 02:18:09,000
Teo has for years been telling me that he wants to do a podcast with me and I've always...

1861
02:18:09,000 --> 02:18:11,000
Jamie shuns me.

1862
02:18:11,000 --> 02:18:16,000
I've always been interested, but I have some reasons to stay where I've just never managed my time.

1863
02:18:16,000 --> 02:18:19,000
We'll see where we go from here.

1864
02:18:19,000 --> 02:18:22,000
Maybe Matt has triggered us here.

1865
02:18:22,000 --> 02:18:24,000
I want to internationalize.

1866
02:18:24,000 --> 02:18:26,000
So Seria Spotlight is just one of the spotlights.

1867
02:18:26,000 --> 02:18:29,000
If you guys want to take over Premier League Spotlight, do that.

1868
02:18:29,000 --> 02:18:32,000
I can assure you we will have more listeners than you.

1869
02:18:32,000 --> 02:18:34,000
At the beginning, yeah.

1870
02:18:34,000 --> 02:18:36,000
Until we bring video on.

1871
02:18:36,000 --> 02:18:40,000
The more we're like three or four episodes in, it will be just millions of views.

1872
02:18:40,000 --> 02:18:41,000
Exactly.

1873
02:18:41,000 --> 02:18:48,000
Guys, follow us on Instagram, follow us on Twitter, give us a five-star rating wherever the fuck you're listening.

1874
02:18:48,000 --> 02:18:52,000
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, wherever you want.

1875
02:18:52,000 --> 02:18:56,000
Send us your voice notes if you have any hot takes, send us any questions you might have.

1876
02:18:56,000 --> 02:18:58,000
Let us know what you want us to discuss.

1877
02:18:58,000 --> 02:19:01,000
We'll see you guys next week and we love you all.

1878
02:19:01,000 --> 02:19:03,000
Ciao ciao. See you guys. Bye bye.