In short
ESPN FC episode focuses on Brazil’s Group C knockout qualification after a 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami, plus debate on whether Brazil are genuine World Cup contenders.
Guests
Shaka Hislop (former goalkeeper, TV analyst), Alejandro Moreno (former pro, analyst), Don Hutchison (former player/analyst), and recurring host panelists K. Murray and ESPN FC crew; later, Hercules Gomez joins to discuss USA vs Turkey, plus Alex Kirkland and Sid Lowe appear via reports, and Sam Borden interviews USA captain Tyler Adams.
Key claims
Vinicius Jr. is becoming Brazil’s “role” player like Jairzinho/Romário/Ronaldo/Rivaldo, especially via central “inside channel” scoring; doubts remain about Brazil’s midfield and attacking depth beyond Vinicius (Rafinha injured). Neymar’s 76th-minute return vs Scotland is framed as confidence/minutes for the knockout stage, not a guaranteed game-changer.
Notable examples
Vinicius scored twice before halftime; Scotland’s defensive errors and Robertson’s pass lead to the second goal; USA’s momentum without Pulisic is discussed, with Pulisic’s fitness as the main selection question for Turkey.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOBrazil's Dominance in Group C
0:42 to 1:20
Discussion on Brazil's 3-0 win over Scotland and their secure place in the knockouts.
“Murray, Shaka Hislop, Alejandro Moreno and back for more, Don Hutchison.”
Vinicius Jr.'s Rising Role
1:20 to 2:54
Analyzing Vinicius Jr.'s impressive performance and his place among Brazil's legends.
“Matheus Cunha striking two, and Brazil and Morocco are through to the knockout stages.”
Neymar's Return and Impact
2:54 to 5:28
Exploring Neymar's return to the national team and its implications for Brazil's success.
“This is the best version of Vinny to see for Brazil, isn't it?”
Assessing Brazil's Chances
5:28 to 7:40
Debate on Brazil's chances as World Cup contenders and the team's midfield challenges.
“You've got to give the fans what they want, but is it the best thing for Brazil right now, Xhaka?”
Final Thoughts on Brazil's Strengths
7:40 to 9:49
Concluding thoughts on Brazil's strengths and weaknesses heading into the knockout stages.
“And teams are going to be able to create chances against Brazil.”
The Selecção's Spirit
14:00 to 14:45
Discussing the emotional experience of wearing the national jersey.
“to go back to the Selecção, to defend this shirt.”
Strategic Positioning in Football
14:45 to 15:28
Analyzing Vinny Jr.'s role and positioning for Brazil's success.
“And the only thing that came to mind is when he recognizes that there is an alpha on the field, in this case, Neymar, he retreats.”
Scotland's World Cup Performance
15:28 to 18:14
Evaluating Scotland's strategy and performance against Brazil.
“If they're going to get the best of Vinny Jr.”
Haiti's Journey and Resilience
18:14 to 22:48
Patrick shares pride in Haiti's performance despite elimination.
“what your team has produced or hasn't produced.”
Celebrating Haiti's Efforts
22:48 to 24:13
Highlighting the spirit and unity of the Haitian team and fans.
“we don't make it complicated we are emotional people we're loving people just as you see those images are showing that's what 80 is about you know and then the last point it's about the opportunity for the youth.”
Show all 23 chapters
USA Men's National Team Outlook
25:56 to 28:00
Discussing the U.S. team's performance and strategies moving forward.
“It's definitely called soccer this morning.”
Assessing Christian Pulisic's Fitness for Knockouts
28:00 to 29:18
The panel discusses whether Christian Pulisic should start in upcoming knockout matches based on his fitness and previous performance.
“So I would treat this like a club season.”
Strategic Decisions for Pochettino
29:18 to 31:18
Experts debate the strategic choices Mauricio Pochettino faces regarding player fitness and rotation ahead of crucial matches.
“If you're going to commit, then commit, Hercules.”
Mexico's Performance and Fan Engagement
31:18 to 33:23
The conversation shifts to Mexico's success in the group stages and the enthusiastic support from their fans.
“I think it's a situation where Marisa Pochettino has to take that decision-making away from the player.”
Mexico's Performance and Fan Engagement
33:26 to 33:43
The conversation shifts to Mexico's success in the group stages and the enthusiastic support from their fans.
“It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.”
Ochoa's Legacy and Mexico's Future
33:43 to 36:28
Discussion on Memo Ochoa's impact on Mexican soccer and the team's potential in the World Cup.
“Check responses set up required, compatibility and availability varies 18+.”
Local Cuisine and Global Football
36:28 to 37:36
The hosts share anecdotes about the culinary experiences of their colleagues covering the tournament in Mexico.
“because they are in Guadalajara ahead of Spain playing Uruguay there tomorrow.”
Switzerland and Canada's World Cup Journey
37:36 to 39:39
A discussion on the performances of Switzerland and Canada in the World Cup and their implications for the knockout stages.
“You're not too concerned about either Switzerland or Canada.”
Switzerland and Canada's World Cup Journey
39:42 to 40:05
A discussion on the performances of Switzerland and Canada in the World Cup and their implications for the knockout stages.
“That's the energy State Farm brings to insurance.”
Tyler Adams on U.S. Soccer Aspirations
40:05 to 42:00
Tyler Adams shares insights about the U.S. men's national team and their ambitions in the World Cup.
“men's national team look no further than Tyler Adams.”
US Soccer Team's Aspirations
42:00 to 44:20
Discussing the potential of the US soccer team in the tournament.
“And I think every American believes that we're the best at everything.”
Game Predictions: Bosnia and Beyond
44:20 to 47:25
Analyzing upcoming matches and predicting outcomes for the US against Bosnia and other teams.
“ESPN 2 will have you covered with a look back on all of this.”
Matchups and Team Performances
47:25 to 50:00
Examining the strengths and weaknesses of teams like Netherlands, Ecuador, and Japan.
“You've been a little bit impressed, it would seem.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:02Turn it up! Storm has zero sugar and 200mg of caffeine, so you can turn that workout up a notch.
0:10Dan Thomas:Good energy in, good energy out. Energy for life. Coming up, Vinny Stard and Neymar returned as Brazil sambered their way to the last 32. Are the Celestau genuine World Cup contenders? And we'll get you ready for the USA's final game of the group stage. Where we see the American talisman back on the pitch. Plus some fireworks around the Swiss. They're a team that just stick there. They're always in it. They're all, look at their face. What are you making a face for? ESPN FC is next.
0:49Dan Thomas:Good morning and welcome into ESPN FC. K. Murray, Shaka Hislop, Alejandro Moreno and back for more, Don Hutchison. He liked it so much yesterday. It's going to be a tough ride today. It's going to be a tough ride today because we've got to talk about Scotland. But not yet, Don. Not yet, don't worry. You can gear up for that. Yes, we have to touch on Brazil securing top spot in Group C with that 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami. Vinny Jr. scoring twice before halftime, Matheus Cunha striking two, and Brazil and Morocco are through to the knockout stages. But let's talk about Vinicius Jr. once again on the score sheet.
1:30Dan Thomas:Now LA scoring in all three group games. Can I tell you the names of who've done that in the Brazil side? Sure, go ahead. Okay. Jairzinho. Okay. Romario. He's good. Ronaldo. Very good. And Rivaldo. Yeah, those are all very good players. And when we have talked about this version of Brazil, we have said, where is Jairzinho? Where is Romario? Where is Rivaldo? Where is Ronaldo? And who is the player that is going to take that role for this team? Well, obviously, that has to be Vinny Jr. Now, whatever doubts we had about Vinny Jr. coming into this World Cup were well-founded. They were not made up.
2:09It's because he hasn't been all that successful with Brazil. Still, he hasn't been nearly as productive as you would imagine Vinny Jr. would have been up until this point. But certainly in this World Cup, his role with Brazil has taken more of an important productive role. It's not just about the dribbling. It's not just about getting upset with fans or referees or opposition. It's actually productivity on the field. And you're seeing it from Vinny Jr. And you're seeing it consistently and in moments in which they need it. Go back to the game against Morocco in which they were struggling. It is an individual effort from Vinny Jr.
2:42that gets the team back into the game. He has been excellent. He has been creative. He has been dynamic. He has been explosive. I don't know that he's been as good as Jarsinho, Rivaldo, Romário, Ronaldo, but he's on his way.
2:54Dan Thomas:This is the best version of Vinny to see for Brazil, isn't it? It really is. And I think we had those questions, or those questions were born around Vinny Jr. and his ability to be this for Brazil were born out of Brazil's work of qualifying campaign, where certainly they started slowly, But with the introduction of Ancelotti, they got a whole lot better. Vinicius Jr. got a whole lot better. But still, we wanted to see these kinds of performances, these kinds of numbers from Vinicius Jr. on this kind of stage. I'm still not convinced that this is the Brazil of yesteryear. But with Vinicius Jr.
3:26in this kind of form, at least they are looking more up for the fight than I certainly thought 18 months ago.
3:32Dan Thomas:Vinny, Brazil, how do you think Brazil are going to fare with what you've seen so far, Don? I think under Ancelotti, I think he's the key for Vinny. I think he gets in playing. I think he frees him up. I think he looks like a different player. He doesn't carry that, even though it's a big burden when you obviously pull that yellow jersey on. Well, I'm quite nostalgic when you think about the Brazilian sides over the decades. You think of like Adair and you think of Jairzinho and Falcao and Socrates and the great players that played back in the day. I think the best version of Vinny would be in the conversation to start in them sides.
4:03You think of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho. The list goes on and on and on and on and on. Some very iconic players. But when he plays with a smile on his face and when he plays with the right attitude and the right commitment, the talent is there.
4:16Dan Thomas:Speaking of iconic players for Brazil, we got to see Neymar. Long awaited return on the 76th minute. He came in as a substitute. Ale, how did he do? As you would expect, a guy who hasn't been playing for Brazil for as many years as he has, he went to get touches on the ball he wanted to find rhythm he was excited and I think overcome by emotions by the fact that he was back in the national team I don't think he believed that this was possible I didn't think this was possible and frankly 10 days ago I didn't think this was possible given the fact that he was nursing a calf injury but here he is the whole stadium once they figure out that Brazil was going to go on to win this game the one thing that they wanted to see was Neymar get on the field It's the thing that has dominated news in Brazil leading up to the World Cup and now in the World Cup.
5:08Outside of whether the team is winning or losing is when is Neymar going to play? Well, Neymar has played and came on the field, got his touches on the ball. I don't know how much of a difference maker he's going to be for Brazil in the latter stages of this competition. But at the very least, Ancelotti got him some minutes and maybe built some confidence that perhaps could be useful in the knockout stage.
5:28Dan Thomas:You've got to give the fans what they want, but is it the best thing for Brazil right now, Xhaka? I'm not sure. I'm still not sure that Neymar is a player to lead or change games, impact games for Brazil going forward. This is, in my opinion, looking from the outside, no more than an opportunity to give an iconic player his last appearance at a World Cup. I don't expect to see Neymar in a Brazil shade, certainly not on this stage. So outside of that, even though the understanding between Ancelotti and Neymar was that he'd play as a substitute primarily where needed. Even then, if you're down, I'm not sure Neymar is the man that comes on to change things that significantly.
6:07So I'm a little bit on the fence with this one.
6:10Dan Thomas:OK, Brazil, our six favourites when it comes to winning the World Cup. Can they do it, Don? Are they contenders? Are they contenders? I think they have to be. Do I think they'll win it? No, I think there's better teams as on that graphic. I think France are my favorites. You look at Spain, Argentina, England, Portugal. I think that graphic there is about right. According to that graphic, France are everybody's favorites. Not just your favorites. Well, of course. But I mean, when you look at that, you have to put it into perspective. And you think, a Brazil side, if they can turn it on and get fortunate with the draws that they might get, they can be contenders.
6:41I don't think they'll win it.
6:42Dan Thomas:You weren't a believer going into the tournament about Brazil. Have you changed your mind at all? Still not a believer. Oh, boy. Actually, that's a loaded question because changing my mind on things takes a while, if at all. Are you saying you're setting your ways, Alain? I'm just saying that I may have been accused at home of being stubborn. Maybe. There it is. Is it the midfield? Because you look at the defenders and you think good defenders. Why am I stubborn because of Brazil's midfield? No, I'm saying why are we not convinced? Is it the midfield that's not convincing? The midfield, the lack of option in the outside back position, those guys are not really an outlet for them.
7:20They're not a threat in the attack. So it becomes very limited as to what they can do in the attack, and it becomes very Vinny Jr. dependent. And at some point, it was going to be Rafinha dependent, but he's out injured. And so it is really Vinny Jr. And then whatever else they can get out of Mateus Cunha. But I just don't think they have enough in the attack. And defensively, they're going to leave spaces open in the midfield. And teams are going to be able to create chances against Brazil. It really then comes down to whether Alisson can come up with a save or that through that center back pairing has to be outstanding Which they were with their clubs in there in the season But they are gonna need to be outstanding again If indeed Brazil are not gonna give up goals in the latter stages of this company I think it's a midfield.
7:57I think when you look at the midfield is that a plane like a list midfield So you asked me do you think is a midfield so that then you can set yourself up to say yeah, it's a midfield Yeah, it was good. It was kind of work. It's just a little knockdown for myself. Get a chested one down for myself there, Ali. I'd like to make him win a World Cup with Casemiro and Pakistan midfield. Bruno Gimaraes, he's... It was a one-two, Ali. I love him. To himself. Have it? Take it back. Don't add a ball and an assist. They call it a war pass back home. I lent you it to take it back. Bruno Gimaraes, different, different, you know, generational talent.
8:31I'm a Newcastle fan, right? So we can sell Anthony Gordon, we can sell Tonali, we can sell Lewis Hall. this guy for Newcastle is a must. I watched him yesterday, and the way he plays the game and the pitches that he sees, I think he's an incredible player. But the other two alongside him, I just don't see them winning the World Cup with those. Calm down with Bruno Guimaraes being a generational talent. Newcastle is Bruno Guimaraes, I might add. Yes, in Newcastle he may be a generational talent. But for Brazil, one of the questions that we had was indeed that midfield because there were no generational talents in that midfield.
9:04You can only do so much if you're Bruno, you can only do so much. You just called him a generational talent. I think he is. In a country that has had the players that you mentioned before. Oh, well. Oh, wow. No, no, no. Okay, can I retract the generational bit? Yes, yes, please. Right, he's a talent. Please do. He's a talent.
9:22Dan Thomas:I'm not sure Don's going to come back tomorrow. Okay, Shaka, you get the final say on whether Brazil are World Cup contenders. No, I think it comes down to three teams. France, Spain, and Argentina, late inclusion, kind of given what we've seen from them so far. The only thing for me is I think if they win all their groups, Spain and France meet in a semi-final, which gives somebody in the other side of the bracket at least a puncher's chance. But I think those three are the best three teams in the tournament. I don't see it from Brazil. Vinicius Junior is a generation talent. I'm not sure how many other people other than Brunergy Maris.
9:57I'm retracting generational. Newcastle's Brunergy Maris, I might add, who you put in that same category.
10:03Dan Thomas:The good news is they're definitely going to let you forget that you said that. Big party in Miami. Big parties in Rio de Janeiro as well. All the Brazilian fans enjoying what they saw. Brazil with that 3-0 win against Scotland. And in Sao Paulo, we got to see more of the same. The party atmosphere continuing. And in Boston, of course, look at this. Wonderful scenes as the Brazilians are all celebrating. And when it comes to the papers, they are doing all of the same. I'd pretty much say that's mission complete. And I do not speak Portuguese, but I think that's what it could be. But of course, all the front pages, Neymar, Vinny Jr.
10:43Dan Thomas:Let's talk some more Brazil, shall we, with Ale over at the Sandbox. Thank you, Kay. I wanted to take a look at Brazil's attack with the absence of Rafinha and what the role of Vinny Jr. would be in that attack. And so as we see how Brazil set up in this game against Scotland, Ryan was the choice for Carlo Ancelotti. And while we think that Rayan may be a winger, he's actually more of a guy that likes to combine these sort of central positions. And at times you would see, Rayan, when they have a defensive posture, that this team would actually become an old school, dare I say, 4-4-2 as Mateus Cunha starts drifting into this sort of position.
11:18In fact, as Mateus Cunha starts drifting and he kind of works the underneath spaces, Vinny Jr. becomes the highest attacking player. They become a 4-4-1-1. And I'm thinking to myself, okay, Vinny Jr., usually with Real Madrid, we see him in wide areas on the left-hand side. In this case, he's working the central spaces. Inside channel, central spaces. Now, people, stay with me. Inside channel, central spaces. That's how Vinny Jr. actually scores his first goal. Wally was terrible, Franz Kolen. What a terrible mistake it was. Think about who was the highest player in the attack for Brazil and who was central.
11:56It was Vinny Jr., inside channel, central spaces. Second goal, the same thing. He ends up at the back post, but started in a central position and ends up hitting the ball in this sort of position at the back post. But something happened. I don't know if you guys heard. Something happened. Neymar. Neymar came on the field. Who? Neymar came on the field. And that changed the role for Vinny Jr. Because while Neymar is also drifting, yeah, he's occupying the central space. He'll go everywhere. He'll come here. He'll go there. And I'm not exaggerating. He just likes to drift, which would suggest that Vini would again take that central position inside channel.
12:37Inside channel, central position. What did Neymar do instead? He went back to what he does with Real Madrid. And I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, but it's the same thing that he does when he's playing alongside Kylian Mbappe. Vini Jr. threw himself out here on the line. He had scored two goals in this sort of position. And because Neymar was on the field, Vinny Jr. threw himself out here. What I'm getting to is the fact that Vinny Jr. changes his approach according to who's on the field. And in particular, if it is Neymar, there is reverence, there is respect, there is appreciation for Neymar.
13:11And he's saying, you do you. If you need my help, I'll be out here. But if Brazil are going to be successful, they need Vinny Jr. You know it. Central Spaces, Inside Channel.
13:22Dan Thomas:Nice stuff. Okay, so here is Neymar and what was his first game for Brazil since October of 2023. Three chances created in 14 minutes and in terms of fouls suffered and cards drawn since his debut in 2014. He is the player that stands out above the others. But let's hear from the man himself speaking after the game. When I entered, in fact, I didn't think about anything. I just really appreciate it. It was a moment of gratitude. In these years, since I was injured here in the Selecção, my goal was to play the World Cup, to go back to the Selecção, to defend this shirt. I love being here, I love wearing the Selecção.
14:08So it was just a moment of gratitude. I was very happy, very happy, very emotional with everything that has been happening. and that's what I think is better to help my team to play more fun.
14:44in that inside channel and those central positions. And the only thing that came to mind is when he recognizes that there is an alpha on the field, in this case, Neymar, he retreats. He withdraws. He goes to a place in which he's most comfortable and says, well, you do you over there. I'll be here if you need me. And it's the same thing that we see, as I mentioned, with Real Madrid. When Gonzalo Garcia plays as a center forward for Real Madrid because Kylian Mbappe may be injured or unavailable, you see Vinny Jr. take that central position. But when Mbappe comes back, you see then Vinny Jr. get out to the left-hand side.
15:20And what I say with Real Madrid and I'll say with Brazil, if they're going to be successful, they need him to be more central, not just parked out on the left-hand side. If they're going to get the best of Vinny Jr. in terms of productivity, scoring goals, that's where he's scoring goals from. He has to be more central, not necessarily as a center forward, but in the inside channel and in, not just drifting out wide.
15:38Dan Thomas:On the flip side of all of this, we have to ask, has Scotland's 2026 campaign come to an end? Wonderful scenes in Miami as the Tartan army made their way to the game yesterday to take on Brazil. They have taken the hearts of everyone in America. The fans have been absolutely brilliant. Unfortunately, it's not the fans playing the football on the pitch right now. And it is a nervous wait for them to see if they are going to be one of the third best place teams. obviously more games to come it's not looking good for them right now what did you make of them in this performance Don? Do you know what when I seen the team lineup from Steve Clark I thought yes but that was the yes that should have played against Morocco off the back of the Haiti win he should have been more adventurous now it's not his style he's a pragmatist but he went very defensive against Morocco played four at the back five across midfield and a lone striker and it never worked and they should have been three or four nil down before half time before they then give themselves an opportunity later on.
16:36So he went for the attacking lineup and I looked at it and I thought I wouldn't have made anything different than what he set up last night. But unfortunately, he's set up against Brazil. So why didn't he go offensive against Morocco, knowing if you get a point against them, you're going to go through or better six points, you're definitely going through and you put that attacking side up against the Brazil side. The chances are Scotland are never going to be Brazil. They're never going to beat them on their best day. They can give them a game. but my word Scotland beat themselves yesterday I mean I mean why on earth do Scotland defenders think they're Brazilian players trying to play it from the back and Andy Robertson talked after the game and he was quite apologetic but he didn't really take anything himself personally the score was one nil it should have been two I thought I thought Vinny's second goal should have stood I didn't think it was a foul but they were getting battered but the score was one nil a minute before half-time.
17:29And Andy Robertson, an experienced player who's got loads of caps, who's played for Liverpool for many a year, going to go to Tottenham, experienced defender, plays a fiddly little ball into John McGinn, all of a sudden 2-0 down, game over. Now you're thinking it could be 4, 5 or 6. The only thing they can rely on is trying to finish best third position, which I don't think is going to happen. I think the lineups and the performance and the attitude and the lack of bravery from Scotland is going to put Steve Clarke under pressure. He's just signed a new contract before the World Cup started. I'm not sure he's going to last because his interviews have been poor.
18:02He's walked out of interviews, a lack of respect. I know he's upset. I know he wants to speak to his players first. I get it. But you've got to be more respectful. There's hundreds of thousands of Scotland fans in Scotland won an explanation after a game on what your team has produced or hasn't produced. And you walk out on interviews. I don't think that sets a good tone for the team. I think to me, looking from the outside, and I don't know him, Craig knows him. He's played with him at Chelsea. He looks a hard man to play for. And I just think you've done all this groundwork. And he's qualified for a couple of Euros.
18:33And he's got Scotland to a World Cup. And you've done all this groundwork to get Scotland to a World Cup. And then you go into it with fear. It's like, just go and let these lads play. You've beaten Haiti. Try and go with Morocco. No, I know they're a good side of Morocco. I get that. I get that. Are you okay? You're okay, Don? No, but you've got more chance of beating Morocco than you have against Brazil. Why are you trying to attack Brazil? when you showed it against Morocco. Give him a hug. It's all right. It's okay. It's going to be okay. It's all right. It's all right. You can come and watch the eight.
19:04There's more World Cups. Yes. There's more World Cups. And come and watch the World Cup from the same couch as Xhaka and I. Yeah. I was just so frustrated. No, it's all right. I couldn't tell at all. You're going to be all right. Let's get to the other game in the group.
19:19Dan Thomas:Morocco beating Haiti in a six-goal thriller to take them to seven points in Group C. Not enough to win the group, but they will now face Group F winners in the last 32, which is currently Netherlands. What have we made of Morocco so far? I think inconsistently. You saw the best of Morocco against Brazil. You saw them being resilient. You saw them matching Brazil in every single department. And then all of a sudden in this game, you find yourself behind twice. You rally to come back and win, and I think part of that is to do with some of Haiti's own inexperience. Certainly lesser in quality, so Morocco get the win and get through.
Read the full transcript
20:01But this is a very talented side that are building on a very good World Cup of three and a half years ago. And they have to, again, find that consistency. You give them the excuse that maybe they didn't expect Haiti to put up the fist that they did. you're through to the next round. Now you go back to what we saw three and a half years ago, being defensively solid. You have enough talent to threaten just about anybody going forward when you get good at it. But you cannot allow better teams the kind of starts that they allowed Haiti.
20:33Dan Thomas:And we cannot allow chat about Haiti without welcoming back to the show. He's back, baby. Our very own Patrick. Patrick, it is great to have you back with us. It is great to see you. We are very sorry to see that Haiti are eliminated. But let me tell you, my friend, they did it in style. They came, they saw, and they really did give a great account of themselves. You must be so proud. You know, I'm so very proud indeed. And Don, you would think that I would need a hug as well. And I'll tell you why, Don. I'm waving those flags because, you know, we lost against two top contenders. to the World Cup, I think.
21:15Two massive teams. And we did it with style. You know, I think that it's a historic milestone for us. We came to tell our story, as I was trying to say in the last show. A story of resiliency. A story of fighting spirit. A story of obstacles, of challenges. But you know what? We did it. We fought, we fought, and we did it all with joy, happiness, and love. You know, and when I say we, our team, the Haitian people, I was in the Haiti-Brazil game, and the love that we spread while we were losing, you know, the camaraderie, the bread that we broke with the Brazilians, you know, it was all about love and not hate.
22:10It was embracing one another. You know, I'm so very, very proud of this. And I'll mention a couple of other things. You know, I'm proud because of the courage to compete that we've showed against all odds, you know. And because of the narrative of progress that now we can envision, we can dare hope for, because we will progress from there. We've learned from this. we will progress from there you know the national unity exactly that national unity that we brought you know this is who we are we dance we lose we dance we win we dance life is so complicated but we don't make it complicated we are emotional people we're loving people just as you see those images are showing that's what 80 is about you know and then the last point it's about the opportunity for the youth.
23:07Think about that. I have a 17-year-old son that was at the game. I guarantee you he's going to come back from the trip. He's going to tell me, Dad, I've gone. I've seen. I know I can do it. Isidot did it. I know I can do it. He's going to try out with La Liga club in July. I guarantee you that is the spirit that he is going to have. So, done. That's why I don't need a hug. That's why I'm shaking this and waving this. Because, you know what? For us, it's a different ballgame. It's about the long-term project. It's about the future. And therefore, way to go, Haiti. I'm so, so, so very proud of you guys.
23:46Do you know why they're proud, Kate? It's because they went to the World Cup and had a go. Haiti just didn't sit in thinking, oh, we fear all these big sides. Don't make it about Scotland. No, no, no, no, no. We're celebrating Haiti here. Don't make it about Scotland. I am not going to go down that road. But they had a go. And that's why people have fell in love with them.
24:03Dan Thomas:Yes, so many have. Patrick, thank you so much for being with us. We look forward to hearing more from you. And we look forward to seeing what's next for Wilson Isidartu. Thank you, Patrick. Thank you. We have a seat at the table today. Very nice, Tom. But if you want more Scottish misery, then check out our YouTube channel. Because this is Craig and Stevie. You mean there's more? Oh, yeah. Aye. Aye, there is. Aye, it's there. Okay, USA have already secured top spot in their group, but how will Pochettino set up his side against Turkey? That's next.
24:43So good, so good, so good. New summer arrivals are at Nordstrom Rack stores now. Get ready to save big with up to 60 % off brands like Rag & Bone, Levi's, Adidas, and Free People. Join the Nordic Club to unlock exclusive discounts, shop new arrivals first, and more. Plus, buy online and pick up at your favorite rack store for free. Great brands, great prices. That's why you rack. Are all batteries the same? That's like asking if all soccer players are the same. Take Messi, the most decorated player ever. Is there any other player who has achieved that? No, just him. Now take Duracell. Is there any other battery with power boost ingredients inside?
25:29No, just Duracell. Remember, goats only trust goats because they're built different. And Messi only trusts Duracell.
25:52I'm sorry, are we a soccer country now? I don't know about that. It's definitely called soccer this morning. I can say that. I cannot believe what my eyes have just seen. I actually had to check that this was a U.S. team I was watching. The one thing that will get a grip of the public is not noise. It's performance. I do not think I have seen this good of performance from the U.S. Men's National Team at any level of the game. The challenge now is to keep that level that was so high. Job has been done. No Christian Pulisic, no problem for the USA. Who would have said that you start in this World Cup with two wins right away?
26:30Convincing wins. Now we're ready to jump at the bandwagon, K. This U.S. Men's National Team got us feel a little patriotic here. Get excited. Go crazy. Take advantage of it. Enjoy it while you can. I see clear advantages that this U.S. men's national team has to a lot of teams in this tournament. Anything, absolutely anything is possible. We can dream and we're hosting the World Cup. So let's dream big.
26:55Dan Thomas:Dream big indeed. The U.S. men's national team heading into tonight's final Group D fixture against Turkey A. Already top of the group, but there are questions to be asked. rotations, Christian Pulisic's injury. Can they make it three for three? Hercules Gomez joining us now to talk about those matters. Does this game matter, Herc? Of course it matters. Maybe not in the grand scheme of things for the U.S. men's national team. They're going to win the first place in this group. But in terms of building on that momentum, in terms of keeping that cohesion within this group, in terms of showing America that this team has the ability to perform again and do something historic.
27:32Nine points in three games would be historic. Showing the nation that they need to keep paying attention to this team would be something that no other U.S. men's national team has ever done in a World Cup, certainly in the modern history. We can go back to 1930, but we've never been in this moment. The U.S. has never had this momentum, have never had these players playing in the platforms they play on today, have never had the opportunity to captivate a nation like they have tonight.
27:54Dan Thomas:Do you play Pulisic or not, Herc? Yes, I think, listen, it's a World Cup, but not the World Cup of yesterday. It's not a game every three, four days. It's a game every week. So I would treat this like a club season. If Christian Pulisic has the green light medically, you take him through the parole calls. Whether that's 20 minutes, 30 minutes, you get him involved, you get him in the field. You can't have a situation where your best player is potentially going on two and a half, three weeks without a competitive game heading into a knockout game. That's not what you want to do. Christian Pulisic has the green light.
28:25We've seen video footage of him going through the motions with the team, sprinting, doing fitness at the end of the training sessions. If he's good to go, he's good to go. Whatever the protocol medically says he needs to do, he does it. I don't think you risk saving him and having more rust on it.
28:41Dan Thomas:Do you start him, Chaka? I do. And I played Christian Pulisic for at least 60 minutes in this one. It's been 13 days since the USA Paraguay game where Christian Pulisic had, albeit an outstanding 45 minutes, it was 45 minutes. And now you want him to build on that. You want him to be able to contribute more than that in going into the knockout stages where he'll be absolutely crucial for the United States. So there's no doubt in my mind, if I'm Richard Pochettino, that I start Christian Pulisic. If I don't give him 90 minutes, I'm thinking I'm giving him at least an hour. Can I first give an update on the deep V-neck rankings in the show?
29:22I'm going to have Stewie first. Frank second. It's not that deep of a V-neck. Well, that's what I'm saying. If you're going to commit, then commit. It's not a generational V-neck. If you're going to commit, then commit, Hercules. You're barely making the podium, so he comes in in third place in the deep V-neck. I'm just saying. As for Christian Pulisic, what we don't know is what the medical staff is saying. What we don't know is what those conversations are with Christian Pulisic and Mauricio Pochettino. We are not privy to that conversation. So I would be very careful with him. I agree that he cannot go two and a half weeks without getting competitive touches on the ball and then expect him for him to show up at the knockout stage and be sharp.
30:03I need him to be sharp. I need him to be finding rhythm going into the knockout stage. So I'm more on the side of how is he? Is he really 100 %? Is he close to 100 %? If there's any doubt whatsoever, you bring him off the bench and get him a few minutes. The game has gotten stretched. So late in the match, we assume. So I'll give him 20, 30 minutes and that's about it, which would be the equivalent of having a training session. That's what I would do with Christian Pulisic. If it were me, I would not start him, unlike Xhaka. I'm not taking that risk just yet. Yeah, it depends on if he's 100 % fit.
30:40I think if he is fit, I would lean on to Xhaka's point where I think you're always better off starting games. I think you can find a better rhythm when you've got a proper warm-up. You can feel your way into the game. 45 minutes might be enough for an hour. There's no need for Pochettino to play for 90. You can get rid of them for an hour. That's all he needs.
30:58Dan Thomas:Anything else you would like to say about Mauricio Pochettino right now, Herc? We know that the four guys who are on yellow cards will not be playing. He said that himself. That is Balogun, Robinson, Richards, and Adams. Yeah, it's a delicate balance, right? These four guys can't play, in my estimation. Last night, Jurgen Klinsmann on FC was saying he'd play them. He would trust his players. I think it's a situation where Marisa Pochettino has to take that decision-making away from the player. You can't leave the player to make this decision and then something happens and Tyler Adams isn't available for the first knockout game.
31:29He needs to take the decision out of the player's hands and he needs to find the balance of a good cohesion of the players who have been playing so you don't lose that form, but a healthy rotation because of the four players who are along the spine, three of them and two of them in the back line, where you still have a good competitive balance. I think it's very important that you keep this momentum going. We saw Mexico yesterday for all the talks about how bad they have been playing. The nation is behind them because they are winning. They've done something historic. The United States can get behind the U.S.
31:58men's national team like it never has before. We've seen the montage. We have people who have never spoken about this game, interested about this game. They have a real opportunity to capitalize tonight against a Turkey team that I think is a dangerous team. They're playing for pride. It's a national embarrassment what happened to them, and they're going to want to make a point. So I think this is a game where you've got to find that delicate balance if you're Mariso Pochettino.
32:20Dan Thomas:Okay, you can see a lot more of Herc and his generational V-neck on Football America tonight. It might even get a little lower. Is he also wearing a cape? Thursday, 9 Eastern, ESPN, ESPN Plus, U.S. against Turkey, a pregame. More from Herc and the team. Next up, though, Mexico stay perfect in the groups. and we've got to say Memo Ochoa. Go on the goalkeepers.
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34:01Dan Thomas:Mexico were already assured of top spot, but they ended the group stages three from three with that 3-0 win over Czechia, and that is three from three for the first time in a World Cup group stage for Mexico. The fans have been out in force, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, looking by these pictures. Incredible scenes. 800 ,000, apparently, is the number here. And you can just see, take it to the streets. Who counted? Yeah, exactly, Ale. Who counted? Who cares? Isn't that amazing to see? Wonderful scenes with all of the Mexican fans out celebrating their team. So what is their ceiling, Ale, in this World Cup?
34:42You watched them play against Czechia last night and you see how open they can be in the attack and how creative they can be in the attack. How good is Gilberto Mora, the young kid playing from Mexico, the sort of personality that you see from him and maturity for a kid that is supposed to be the next sort of incoming star of Mexican football. and man, was he good last night. Look, quarterfinals. I have the same feelings about Mexico or similar feelings that I do about the United States. It's a great story to begin with, but eventually they're going to get to a point in which they're playing elite competition and that's where we're going to see whether Javier Aguirre and this team can come up with the goods.
35:20I'm not quite sure that they can. Quarterfinals will be a great World Cup for them.
35:23Dan Thomas:This was very special. Guillermo Ochoa coming on for his sixth World Cup campaign. Xhaka, he's 40 years old. He has secured his place in the history books. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Memo Ochoa. And Ochoa, in my opinion, the best Mexican goalkeeper of all time. Jorge Campos, probably second. But I think it's underlined by Ochoa appearing in this World Cup. The thing for me, and the only thing about Ochoa for me, is while he's had the best of careers at the club levels, in the European action of Mexican goalkeepers, it's these moments where he is most known for. Every four years, Memo and Shaw, when he puts on this Mexico jersey, seems to be a far better version of his own self.
36:08And that's what endeared him to the fans, certainly for the Mexican national team. I think Long remembered this may be the last 12 minutes of his international career, certainly at this level. But I think it was a good statement by Aguirre to at least bring him on to recognize his contributions to Mexican football.
36:28Dan Thomas:Now, among some of those celebrating fans might have been our very own Alex Kirkland and Sid Lowe, because they are in Guadalajara ahead of Spain playing Uruguay there tomorrow. But they have been sampling the delights and the local cuisine as well. Oh, boy. So this is Alex in Houston. Before he left Houston, he didn't get to eat much, but he did get some good barbecue. All right. I can relate. In Mexico, he said the tacos were awesome. Absolutely top-notch. He has been enjoying that. Okay. Look at that. You wouldn't be able to stop it. Sid Lowe says, I have just eaten Mexican chicken so hot, my eyes are sweating.
37:11It looks like a little molly action. Oh, boy.
37:15Dan Thomas:The boys are definitely enjoying themselves. We'll be hearing more from Alex as the tournament progresses. Meanwhile, over in Group B, both Switzerland and Canada have qualified for the World Cup knockout stages. But instead of us giving you a recap on what happened here, here's our guys Dan, Stevie and Craig yesterday. You're one of the bigger sides. You're not too concerned about either Switzerland or Canada. I think you'd be slightly more concerned about Switzerland if nobody really wants to play them. I think you don't mind. Do you compare to other options? This is a team that couldn't beat Qatar.
37:49And here, look, it wasn't that brilliant again. All right, the garbage. They're absolute rubbish. You're right. Who cares? It'd be a good game of things. I don't know. Why are you sulking? Why are you getting a little sulky about it? I'm just saying. Because they're the same. What have you seen from Switzerland that's made you go, ooh? You said no one wants to face them. You said no one wants to face them. I never said anything because you never gave me a chance. All right, sorry. Because as soon as I said, nobody went, oh, you're blah, blah. Who's going to be scared of them? Right. they're a team they're a team that just stick there they're always in they're all look at the face what are you making a face for he's just told they always get out of the group and they're a team that could surprise somebody else really aye can I go can I go I'm enjoying this I'm quite now you're right they're rubbish this is better than that group yeah I tell you what if Scotland get through I hope we get Switzerland there you go
38:43Dan Thomas:you can see why we let you have the guys giving the recap of it instead of us guys here in the studio because Dan once again got under Stevie's skin and does anybody do it better? No, I don't. Easily done, by the way. It is easily done but it's always so funny. When you get Stevie going ooh, ooh. Look at his face. That's the blue. That's the cutting edge analysis that we need. That's Stevie's number though. If you would, he absolutely does. If you would like to see all of that clip in its entirety, head on over to our YouTube channel. We have so many. There he is. that's one for the ages watch it again when we return we will be hearing from Tyler Adams about the US men's national team stick around I think every American believes that we're the best at everything that's just the reality of America and that's exactly what we want to be in the soccer world
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39:46Dan Thomas:That's the energy State Farm brings to insurance. With over 19 ,000 local agents, they help you find the coverage that fits your needs. So you can spend less time worrying about insurance and more time enjoying the ride. Download the State Farm app or go online at statefarm.com. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. I am one of Mochanui. On July 10th. Molly, you will board my boat and restore the heart of Te Fiti And here we go The journey begins See her light up the night in the sea She calls me The ocean chose you Let's go save the world I got your back, Chosen One Disney's Moana Boat's neck His name is Heihei His name is Yum Yum When he goes in my tum-tum Game theaters July 10th Rated PG Parental guidance suggested When you talk about the heartbeat of the U.S.
40:38Dan Thomas:men's national team look no further than Tyler Adams. Ahead of Group D's last clash against Turkey A, Sam Borden caught up with him. What's been the highlight? What's been the moment that you will always remember so far? Probably after the game in Seattle so far, when everyone's singing Country Roads. I think that, for me, that kind of epitomizes what America is. Hearing everyone sing the national anthem, However many people are there, 60 ,000, 70 ,000 people, celebrating and looking how happy the fans were after the game. Everyone wants to talk about how soccer is not a big sport in the U.S. I feel like with what we're doing and bringing people together, it can become one of those big sports in America like it is around the rest of the world.
41:22So for me, it's been really exciting to take on this journey with the boys because we've put a lot of work in over the past four years since Qatar to make something special happen. To hear people having earnest conversations about can the U.S. win this World Cup, what does that make you feel as a player on this team and somebody who's been following U.S. soccer, obviously, for a very long time? I think for me, the most important thing is representing the country in the right way, right? Like, what are our values? What do we stand on as a country? Like, when I think of Americans, I think that we're a diverse place, which our team is diverse.
41:56We're extremely competitive, brave, and we go out there and we want to compete at a high level in whatever we do. And I think every American believes that we're the best at everything. That's just the reality of America. And that's exactly what we want to be in the soccer world. It takes time to continue to build this thing, but hopefully we can continue to be the foundation for that. Do you allow yourself to think about just how far this team could go in terms of making history and getting to the semifinals, getting even beyond that? My goal whenever I'm in something is to win. Do you know what I mean?
42:25I don't set a limit or standard on exactly what that looks like. I know that if we consistently continue to put in performances like this, we can compete at a high level against anyone.
42:36Dan Thomas:Just taking a look at the Bosnian fans here celebrating because it does look as though it will be Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 in Santa Clara. What do you think of that, Ali? It's a similar profile team as the ones that they've already played, the United States. So you think about some of the challenges that Paraguay would have posed against the United States or Australia. And it's the same similar challenge that you would face against Bosnia-Herzegovina. And so I think the game plan doesn't change for the United States. They have been very successful and they've been able to press the ball higher up the field.
43:10They've been able to counterpress the energy and intensity with which they play defensively. It sets them up for success because it gets them lines forward. And when they win the ball in advanced positions, then you have sustained pressure. They're able to do that against Bosnia and Herzegovina. They're going to be fine. If they don't and they get frustrated with their possession and they're unable to break through lines of defending, then maybe Bosnia has a chance. I don't think that that's quite the case. The United States, if they're able to replicate the sort of level of play that they've had against Paraguay and Australia in particular, I think they'll be just fine.
43:39Xhaka? Yeah, I'm with Ali on this. Bosnia and Herzegovina are third-place finisher. I'm not sure they're even as good as Australia. Given what we've seen from the U.S. in the opening two games, I expect the US to make easy work of Bosnia and Herzegovina they've ribbed yeah I think when you look at the make up of the side we touched on it yesterday when we look at the majority of the American players they're all playing a top level football and you look at Tyler Adams there him and Weston McKennie who's been Juve's best player for the last 80 months it's a midfield dynamic I think they've got to play a certain way America I don't think the type of side if they play tippy tappy football they're going to impress anyone they've got to do it their way
44:15Dan Thomas:and you've got to tune in tonight to find out how it all goes down and get all the reaction on ESPN FC 12 a.m. Eastern tomorrow, actually, huh? ESPN 2 will have you covered with a look back on all of this. Will this Dutch fan make it? That's 26 beers. You're going to have to take a rest of time now. Yes, yes, yes. Oh, oh, oh, oh.
44:40Dan Thomas:ESPN has you covered for NWSL action. Boston Legacy against Bay FC coming up Sunday, July 5th at noon Eastern.
44:51Dan Thomas:Pitch Preview is brought to you by DraftKings Sports. A lot of games today. Here they all are. Ecuador, Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Turkey, United States and Paraguay against Australia. But what do we think is going to happen in these games? Let's get started with you, Don. Turkey, United States. Well, I can't believe how bad Turkey have played. I thought there would have been dark horses to go quite far. They've got guys that are playing in the Premier League, guys that are playing for Real Madrid. We've got to get through eight games, Don. Easy, Ali. I'm just saying we've got to get it moving, bro.
45:23Easy, Ali. Easy. Okay.
45:25Dan Thomas:Show notes to Nelly. God bless America, baby. America! Go, Chef. Well, I can't believe how bad Turkey have played. U.S. U.S. U.S.A. Did you just break out a joke there? You know what the height is like. All right, Paraguay, Australia. Done. There you go. Keeping it simple. All right. Got a lot of friends in Australia. I have no friends in Paraguay. I'm picking Australia. I'm going to Australia as well for several reasons. Narrow win. Yeah, I don't want to make any enemies in Australia, which many people have done, but let me give Paraguay some love. All right. Who's made enemies in Australia? Not us.
46:08Oh, got it. Easy.
46:10Dan Thomas:Ecuador, Germany. Easy. See, now you're taking it to the other extreme, Don. You can say a little something. What are you going to say then, Ali? I need some love for Ecuador, but not enough. Yeah, super. Bundesliga, Al. Bundesliga, Scherz. Yeah, there he is. Could be nine. Bundesliga, K. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Jogging. All right. Curacao Ivory Coast. See, I like Ivory Coast. I think there's more to come from these guys. I like them. What, you don't like Curacao? I do like them, but the players that they've got. All right. Okay, don't get mad, Don. You're riling me. You're a little edgy. You're a little edgy today.
46:54You're riling me. Curacao is a beautiful island, yes it is. But not beautiful enough. Ah, boy. Listen, Curacao, body-fled game of the Crypto itself as well, But I just don't see them getting the better by every course.
47:08Dan Thomas:Worrying that I agree with you. It is a lot concerning. Whoever finishes second in Group F takes on Brazil. So here's how things are looking right now. Tunisia against Netherlands. Japan against Sweden. Let's talk about that game Tunisia against Netherlands. You've been a little bit impressed, it would seem. A little bit impressed as it would seem has been Don Hutchison. as I just get the screen ready for it, with Netherlands. Well, what's not to like? I mean, when you watch Netherlands play and you watch the individual play, you think, well, all over the pitch, they've got top-class players. So it's a Dutch win for me.
47:47Yeah, the attack of the Netherlands the other day, it was sassy. It was spicy. It was saucy. Combined with how decidedly average and of being nice Tunisia have been. That's an easy pick. All right.
48:00Dan Thomas:And they all say, if it ain't Dutch, it ain't much. Okay. I'm going for them too. All right, Japan, Sweden. I mean, what do they do? Win by five or lose by five? Right. How do we know?
48:16Fencing. Fencing I am. You know what? You all don't believe in ESAC and joking this. And neither do I. But yes, I do. Nope. No, sir. I do not believe Japan wins it.
48:30Dan Thomas:Okay, I'm sticking with Don on this one. I'll get on the fences. It's not fencing when you call out a draw, you just nail it. It is. It's a version of the fence. We're done. Right there. It's a fence right there. All right. We'll just start with the... If he made it. Now this is a Dutchman in Scotland. Here we go, baby. Come on now. Concentration. Form. Form. Oh! No, no, no, no, no. Let's start over. Here we go. Re-assess. Watch the video. Here we go. Come on. Hang on. Hang on. Now stick it. Stick the landing. Yes. Yes. Yes. Deep squat. Deep squat. Yeah. Super. Hey. Have a good dance. Hey. What about this drink for Don yesterday?
49:20Dan Thomas:Beautiful. What is that? Beautiful. There was your cocktails. Bit of rum in there, Shack. We've got a little leaf on there. What is that, Don? What was it? It was called... It's a razzmatazz. What is that? Shaq, a little bit of rum in there. It's purple, though! It's not pineapple, it's a lime! It's not a twirly straw, I don't leave! Shaq, Shaq, that is not pineapple, it's a lime. Know your fruits. What kind of Scottish guy are you? I sat with Kay, we had a nice little lunch, it was a little bit of rum, beautiful, wasn't Kay? Met your mum. Of course your mum liked it, Don! Of course your mum liked it, Don!
49:54Oh, come on!
49:55Dan Thomas:We just drank that purple drink, though. No! What's that?! Stay away from that. Be back tomorrow. Same time, same place. The right window treatments change everything. Your sleep, your privacy, the way every room looks and feels. At Blinds.com, we've spent 30 years making it surprisingly simple to get exactly what your home needs. We've covered over 25 million windows and have 50 ,000 five-star reviews to prove we deliver. Whether you DIY it or want a pro to handle everything from measure to install, we have you covered. Real design professionals. Free samples. Zero pressure. Right now, get up to 50 % off with minimum purchase.
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From the publisher
The FC Morning Crew break down Brazil's dominant 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami on Wednesday, winning Group C in the process. They talk about Vini's brace and Neymar's return to the World Stage. They also discuss Morocco's win over Haiti before previewing the United States' final group stage match against Turkiye. They also touch on Mexico's win over Czechia before giving their predictions for Thursday's slate of games.
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