Jackson Fuller, Michael Johnston and Tom Desborough recap a thrilling World Cup Final that saw Lionel Messi lift the trophy he's always craved. How did Argentina outplay France, and what does this tournament mean for Messi's legacy? Also, what do we want to see from Mbappe moving forward in his career? Finally, the two Englishmen discuss Southgate returning as England's manager.
The original trio: Michael Johnston, Jackson Fuller and Dan Evans are all on to preview Sunday's World Cup Final featuring a heavyweight bout between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Will Argentina be able to slow down France's star power? Or is it simply destiny for Messi to lift the trophy? We take a look at some of the key questions, tactical battles and make predictions in this episode.
Michael Johnston, Jackson Fuller and Alex Guilford recap France's 2-0 victory over Morocco that sets up a delicious Messi vs. Mbappe World Cup Final. The trio heap praise upon Antoine Griezmann and Morocco's entire squad while dissecting France's innate ability to win these types of matches. Also, who do we like to win the final?
Jackson Fuller, Michael Johnston and Shubi Arun recap a dominant 3-0 Argentina win over Croatia to send Messi and company into the World Cup Final. Julián Álvarez provided the help Messi has been craving, while Croatia underwhelm despite a positive start. Is Argentina now ready to go lift the trophy?
Jackson Fuller is joined by Andrew Smith and George Yates to preview this week's semi-finals between Argentina-Croatia and France-Morocco. Which aging superstar, Luka Modric or Lionel Messi, will reach the final? Can Morocco keep its Cinderella story alive against the star-studded French?
Jackson Fuller is joined by Seth Nobes, Alex Reed and Conor Kenan to recap another exciting day in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, but a disappointing day for England fans as France took their chances in a 2-1 win. Does Southgate deserve another major tournament with England, and was this tournament a success for The Three Lions? The foursome also dive into Morocco's upset over Portugal, and if Morocco can keep the magic alive against France in the semis.
Michael Johnston is joined by Shubi Arun and Reuven Blingnault to try and digest a wild Friday as both World Cup went to penalties. Brazil are no longer dancing, with Luka Modric turning in a masterclass to get Croatia back to a World Cup semi-final. Meanwhile, despite a late push from the Netherlands, Argentina can still dream about Lionel Messi lifting his first World Cup trophy. To close the pod, African football expert Ali Howorth joins us to discuss Morocco's run to the quarter-finals and their entire continent's performance at this tournament.
Michael Johnston is joined by Alex Guilford and Nyah Barnett to dive into all four quarter-final matches scheduled for this weekend. Can England stop Mbappe? Are we headed for a Brazil-Argentina semi and what's next for Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo. Marina Izidro, a Brazilian freelancer for TV Globo and Sport TV, also joins the pod to discuss some of the political ramifications of Brazil's success at this tournament.
Jackson Fuller is joined by Joaquín Serna Sánchez and Todd Harris to recap a thrilling conclusion to the Round of 16. Morocco oust Spain on penalty kicks, while Portugal dominate Switzerland without Cristiano Ronaldo. The trio also pick their favorite upcoming matches in the quarterfinals. Somehow, all eyes aren't fixed on France-England.
Jackson Fuller is joined by Lyle-Anthony Golding and Caleb Mutombwa to recap another exciting day of World Cup action. Brazil danced their way to an easy victory over South Korea, while Croatia displayed their big tournament experience in a penalty shootout win against Japan. The trio also take a look to Tuesday's fixtures featuring Spain-Morocco and Portugal-Switzerland. Is there really any chance Fernando Santos drops Cristiano Ronaldo to the bench?
Michael Johnston is joined by Alex Reed and Jack Hobbs to celebrate England's rampant 3-0 victory over Senegal, and take a quick peek at the upcoming quarterfinal against France, who are flying high behind Kylian Mbappé. They also preview Monday's fixtures between featuring Japan-Croatia and Brazil-South Korea.
Jackson Fuller is joined by Sports Gazette editor Alex Guilford and reporter Ashley Ahmed to recap the first two knockout games at the FIFA World Cup. Netherlands tactically outclass the United States, while Argentina move on but fail to dazzle in a win over Australia. Finally, the trio preview Sunday's matches, including England's Round of 16 tie with Senegal. Will we get an England-France quarterfinal?
Jackson Fuller is joined by Adriana Wehrens and George Yates to discuss the final day of Group Stage matches, including losses by Portugal and Brazil. Luis Suarez turns up against Ghana, but Uruguay crash out thanks to South Korea. The trio also take a quick preview at Saturday's fixtures in the Round of 16, with watchful eyes on the battle of the midfield between the USA and Netherlands.
EMERGENCY EPISODE! Jackson Fuller is joined by Kieran Roy and Dan Evans to recap a wild night of football in Group E. They discuss Japan's upset of Spain and where it all went wrong for Germany. They also debate if Spain are still title contenders, and recap the Group C action from Wednesday night that saw Lionel Messi keep his World Cup dreams alive.
Michael Johnston is joined by Paddy Knowles and Kieran Roy to analyze the final day of matches in Group B, with England thrashing Wales and the United States surviving against Iran. Jackson Fuller checks in with his US-biased opinions, and we take a quick look at key group games on the horizon. Will Messi reach the Round of 16? Can Ghana get revenge against Uruguay?
Michael is back and joined by Ana Rodríguez and Andrew Smith as they dissect the topsy-turvy Group E, featuring an entertaining draw between Germany and Spain, and a shocking Costa Rica upset over Japan. They also discuss Belgium's struggles before taking one final look at Group B, with a preview of Matchday 3 fixtures England-Wales and USA-Iran. All four teams still have a chance to reach the knockout round.
Jackson is joined by James Price and Seth Nobes to recap a surprising day of action in Group B, where Iran stunned Wales and the USA outplayed England to the tune of a nil-nil draw. What does this mean for the group, and who will be advancing into the round of 16? The trio is also joined by Guardian freelancer Júlia Belas with her thoughts on Brazil, and they look forward to the next two days of World Cup action.
Jackson is joined by Tom Desborough and Lyle Anthony-Golding to recap Tuesday and Wednesday's action from the FIFA World Cup. The trio debate who is in more trouble between Argentina and Germany, and whether France or Spain impressed more an early-tournament routs. They discuss Germany and Denmark's forms of protest against FIFA and Qatar before diving into a preview of Matchday Two in Group B featuring England-USA and Wales-Iran.
Michael is joined by Dan Evans and Conor Keenan to recap the first two days of the FIFA World Cup. England's young stars make a statement behind a new formation, while substitutions and Gareth Bale help Wales scratch out a point against the USA. Meanwhile, controversy continues to surround this tournament from beer sales to the word "love" on an armband.
Jackson and Michael are joined by Welshman Dan Evans to preview matchday 1 in Group B. They discuss potential England lineups for the game versus Iran and wonder if Gareth Southgate will stay conservative, or play a more attacking lineup against a team expect to sit and defend. Dan outlines Welsh expectations ahead of their first trip to the World Cup in 64 years, and Jackson wonders how much pressure Christian Pulisic will feel for the United States. Finally, they finish with a quick look at Qatar-Ecuador in the tournament's opening match.
