Cape Verde Comes Close vs the World Champions

24:14And I just think Ghana just couldn't really get to grips with the intensity, especially at the early stages and they kind of gained control. got that early goal. I was a bit disappointed with Ghana, to be honest. I felt that they could have, you know, thrown caution to the wind a little bit more and really gone for it. I think technically they were a bit sloppy. But credit to Colombia. I think they deserve to go through. And I like watching the teams that are exciting to watch, to be honest. We're kind of getting two different style teams in this World Cup so far. you've got teams that are really going for it and then you've got the kind of teams that are sitting back.

24:56The Colombian fans are fantastic as well. They're unbelievable. I saw the Scotland fans. What? I want to talk about the Scottish team. Well, because they've gone home. Well, Carlos Kira's got what he wanted. What did he want? He said all these third-place teams shouldn't be here. Right. And they're not. And that's it. And now he's done. And if anybody watched the Colombia-Portugal game, which was a nil-nil, but it was super exciting. Columbia have got something about them. Definitely. They haven't got the best squad in the tournament. They probably don't have the most talented players as a whole in the tournament.

25:27But they've got a good team spirit. They've got a big support behind them. A lot of Colombians. And they've got a little bit of momentum. They're going to be a tough nut to crack. And they deserve to go through in this game. But again, it was no surprise. They were the big favourites coming in. Yeah, nothing much to say on top of that. Yeah, I was expecting more from Ghana. I mean, I know it's a great nation of football and they have good talents. but they didn't find the composure that we were expecting them to have. And it's sad for the population. I think about Marcel Desailly because he comes from Ghana and he was supporting them a lot.

26:01But I'm disappointed about their performance tonight. But great game from Colombia. I mean, they dominate in the game for 90 minutes and it's a deserving result for them. Next up, Switzerland. That's kind of a tough game to call. I really like Switzerland. I really like them. I think they've got control, experience. They've got pace on the wings. They've got a number nine that can score goals up top. I might tip them to go through. Yeah, you'd have them. I think I would. I think I would. I just think with Colombia, as much as I like them with their high energy, I think that they can get erratic at times and lose control a little bit.

26:39And I think that the experience of Switzerland, especially in the middle of that park, I think when the game gets edgy. They'll definitely be the home team, quote-unquote. Oh, yeah, that's for sure. Well, I saw Switzerland early on in the tournament and in the group station, and I didn't... There were no great shakes. No, I think they've hit form at the right time, though. Especially in the last game, I think, the way they... I don't think they've ever been... They might have maybe been to one quarter-final or something. I can't remember. They generally get to a kind... Right, so you would like Colombia in this matchup?

27:06Yeah, I do. I think they get a wee bit more flair about them. I mean, Switzerland are more solid. They've got a bit of power up front, a bit of pace. Yeah, but when I saw them earlier, I think it was Egypt they played. I might be wrong. There's been so many games. But there was a couple of games against teams that are supposed weaker in the competition. And they hoffed and poffed. They're kind of average, aren't they? I think Colombia are a better side, if I'm being honest. And, yeah, maybe they could grind it out, Switzerland. But I could see Colombia going through. And that would then see them face Argentina, Frank.

27:38Considering what we've seen earlier in the day, that's no given for the defending champions. No, of course, but when you reach a certain round of a competition, every game is going to be difficult. And so let's go game by game because it's not going to be easy for Colombia against Switzerland. And I have doubts about the favorite of that game because it's going to be very even for me. And if the granny chacker that I know is capable of bringing that leadership that we expect from him, the Swiss can do the difference. But with the atmosphere, the fans, the talent that you have in Colombia, it's possible for them to also win.

28:18To give a favourite, I don't have. But it's true that the one who's going to get qualified will have to maybe play against Argentina. That's going to be tough for the world champion. One more game to discuss from today. And let's reflect on it, shall we? Egypt taking on Australia. Not a lot of quality, really, on show from either side. And by the end, everyone was just playing. You could have just stopped it at the end of 90 minutes. Shall we draw straws? No, because what I'm intrigued about was the decision to swap goalkeepers for the penalty shootout. And what's interesting, this is what Popovich had to say about that decision.

28:55Matt is experienced. And I think if you look at the record in saving penalties, Patrick is new as a goalkeeper, not just in with the national team, but even in club football. In the end, it didn't work out that way, but not because of Mattie's poor judgment or lack of ability. they took really good penalties. Neither goalkeeper was aware that this was going to happen. This wasn't pre-planned. This wasn't discussed before the game. They were kind of launched into it when penalty shootout came around. Was it a mistake? Well, listen. When it's unsuccessful, it's a mistake. This seems to me that it was done on the hoof.

29:33And it was a goalkeeper who had a good game. A young goalkeeper, 22 years old, and he was brilliant. Now, this has been done before, both at international football and at club level. The issue I have here, generally what you want to do is if you have a goalkeeper who is A, excellent at penalties, and B, is physically imposing standing in the goal, it's like mental torture to the penalty taker. When you bring a goalkeeper in who's 6 '4", 6 '5", with a huge wingspan, because all of a sudden you're looking as a player going, oh my God. Matty Ryan comes in. You went from 6 '3 to 6 '0. He's not imposing at all.

30:14It's one of those things, if it comes off, you look as if you're the smartest man on the planet. But if they hadn't discussed it beforehand, it suggests to me that it's come into his head right at the last minute. He's thought, I'm going to make this decision. It didn't work. I'll tell you what else didn't work. Sending two big... Two defenders to the penalties. Two defenders to the penalties. Don't start with that. I was a defender, I was able to kick penalties. So it's not because you're a defender, you're not good at... No, no, but you're wrong, Frank. Because you were a defender that could pass the ball for fun.

30:44These are two big ham and eggers that can barely pass the ball from A to B. Why Rigton? Why are you laughing? Rigton is about to sign for Barcelona, so don't tell me... No, no, I'm not talking about the youngster. I'm not talking about... I'm talking about when Suter comes up. Because I talked the other day about Virgil van Dijk not taking the penalty as a centre-half and as a captain. But he's a very good technical player. Suter comes up as not. He's just not. So that was a surprise. And then the youngster taking a penalty, which I've seen an interview with him after the game. He speaks very well, and there's no criticism of him whatsoever.

31:18I can't tell you how much guts that would have taken for a youngster, anybody to step up. But I think Popovich, the manager, should have pulled rank there and said, no, no, we have other experienced players here that need to take responsibility. Anyway, probably on the scale and basis of the game, Egypt probably just about deserved to go through. You know what? When I saw that, and I have to stop with that modern football statistic at some point, you know, to watch. I saw the Egyptian team watching on the computer, the penalties and everything. We all saw that. That cracked me up and made me laugh because I wasn't capable of saying like 30 seconds before shooting the penalty where I would play the ball.

32:00So how an opponent would have known? Well, they're looking for patterns. Yeah, good, good. I'm happy for that, you know, because I didn't know anything about that before. Really, I was putting the ball and I was looking at the goalkeeper and I said, OK, what is my feeling, right or left? Strong on the floor. To Craig's point, does the height of a goalkeeper have that intimidating factor? Did you find that as well? Well, I was saying that if he's tall, he can go on the floor very quickly. If he's small, he can go on the air. very far. So there is always a plus and a minus on everything but it's true that it can be what I was against Peter Schmeichel say wow and the guy was moving right to left and that was huge.

32:43But again you pick a side, you shoot strong on the floor, it shouldn't be a problem. And if he saves it it's because he was great. Not because you played with him or because you made a mistake but I think that's stupid. I mean it doesn't make any sense for me to change the goalkeeper the one in position, Patrick Beach, was ready to do the job. And if he wouldn't have done that, that would not have been his mistake. So, don't go there. Don't try to play chess. And he made a save. I think it might have been during the second half. I'm not sure now. From a header point, he was going one way and he had to go back the other.

33:21It was just brilliant. So, he's in a really good frame of mind. But, you know, these decisions... Look, Australia... That was a Dutch... It's only so far they're going to go in. It will be then. Officially, Egypt against Argentina. The round of 16 is set. Question mark, though, over whether or not the Mexico-England game will be brought forward on Sunday because of the weather. Mark Ogden rushed in to give us all the latest on this and whether or not the match will be played earlier on in the day.

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35:48So the bracket is set then for the round of 16. It all starts tomorrow. All eyes on Sunday, of course, we've got this incredible doubleheader. Brazil taking on Norway and then England against Mexico. Now, in theory, the England-Mexico game was supposed to be after the Brazil match. However, there's been a lot of speculation about whether or not the kickoff will be moved. There's a welcome in Mark Ogden. Mark, this has been quite a strange story over the last 12 hours. Where did it start? Where did it begin? what's happening and how's it going to finish well they started at Mexico midday New York time and the story was that weather forecast in Mexico City is really bad on on Sunday evening storms threatened it could be a severe delay to the game so the next news was that FIFA were speaking to both associations about changing the kickoff time from six o 'clock local to midday massive change in time yeah England want you to leave Kansas City their base until mid afternoon they were due to land in Mexico at five o 'clock local time so really really closed down the England preparation time.

36:45But the English FA were completely unaware of this. They were like, well, nobody's told us. FIFA were having talks about this, but they didn't know anything about it. The Mexican FA, it turns out, were also not happy about it. Javier Aguirre of the Mexican culture was absolutely furious about it. So, more talks took place later in the day, to the point where it came out probably 6, 7 o 'clock local time that the game was actually going to go back to its original time, despite the weather. So, FIFA are still monitoring the weather, but the game is going to be played at 6 o 'clock, despite the fact there's going to be bad weather.

37:17But is this a fluid situation, or is this set now? It's set now. Unless it changes. It's always good to have you on, I'll give you three shame hands. Thank you very much. It's fluid in the sense that it depends on the weather. So, obviously, FIFA have now decided that that game stays where it is. The game in New York or New Jersey stays where it is. Because that was going to be delayed for an hour, just in case. It was, yeah. But if the weather changed at the weekend, we all know what it's like at this time of year. Yeah. The weather could be bad in New York. It could be bad in Mexico City. So as it stands right now, the games are kicking off at the scheduled time.

37:47If the game in New York is delayed, does the game in Mexico then get delayed as well? Well, it could be because there's an article in the FIFA regulation, which I studied today, 6.9 in the World Cup regulation. You're so cool, Mark. Well, exactly. What else to do in a day in New York? But it says that FIFA has the ultimate right to change games and features at their behest. So it's up to them. It's not up to the local government or the FAs. It's all up to them. So if there is bad weather, I mean, there was bad weather at Mexico-Ecuador, that was delayed by an hour. Yes. Anything can happen. We were speaking to your fiancé-to-be, Kieran, and you had a major strop over this because you were supposed to be, you're flying to this game and you're getting at 11.55.

38:28That's right, yeah. It was just all about you. That was the issue. Absolutely. You spoke to Infantino, sort out. Yeah. Managed to, I've got an extra ticket if you want to come. No, I'm here with you. Did you see England flying in the same day? No, England arrived in Mexico City at, I think, five or so. Yeah, they're there now and they're at their secret hotel, which sounds like it's been a secret for about five minutes. Yeah, because they have to adjust to the altitude. They're very clandestine about this whole thing, aren't they, England? Yeah, England wanted to keep it secret at their base in Mexico City, which is kind of funny because, obviously, you'd imagine that the staff at the hotel might tell their mates.

39:00Yeah, exactly. How long can you keep that a secret in Mexico City? But they've flown in late because of the situation of the altitude. They've been told that, obviously, there's no ideal preparation. And you've been writing about this, beetroot juice? Apparently beetroot juice is a way to... But none of that tonight when we're finished. Well, you never know. Beetroot juice apparently opens the arteries to ensure more oxygen through the blood. I mean, this is a serious matter. It's a serious matter because obviously to acclimatise to altitude you need two or three weeks. England don't have that.

39:27Right, and beetroot juice is the secret. Beetroot juice, don't laugh, beetroot juice opens the arteries and caffeine as well, so there's a suggestion that during the hydration breaks, England should obviously load up on caffeine tablets and things just to help them deal with the altitude. So I'm imagining all the Mexicans are getting rid of all the beetroot juice. Yeah. Or just pretending. Trying everything. Yeah, yeah. I mean, how can... Has Tuchel spoke about this at all to the press? How worried is he? He said it's impossible to prepare. He's actually admitted that because physiologically it is impossible.

39:59But there is a theory that is called the fly-in-fly-out theory where you go in 40 hours before you actually, you know, participate. and that the factors will be lessened by the fact you're going in so quickly. But, I mean, I was in Guadalajara earlier in this competition. It's lower than Mexico, so it's quite a lot, but it's still at altitude. And for two days, I had a headache. Now, don't make any jokes about, you know, I didn't drink. I was on water all the time. Don't make jokes about that. It will. Yeah. So, it does affect players. And the FA are expecting the players to have a bad night's sleep tonight and not because of the fact, because of the conditions of players.

40:337 ,500. Listen, has anybody questioned Infantin or FIFA about allowing Mexico to play all the games in this scenario? But they did play in Guadalajara. They haven't played all the games in Mexico City. So had they not topped the group, they would have had to go somewhere else. But when they had the World Cup in 1986, they had some games. Stevie coped. Close to the beach and the sea and the other ones in Mexico. course or the host why do you want to justify whether I'm just saying playing it with that advantage that's that's your host you're the host of the tournament you get an advantage not an altitude advantage that's what happens the US happening in 86 exactly what do you mean how do I know I don't know why you go oh no why are FIFA letting this happen that's just how that happens when you're a host doesn't it no no no no no that's the difference no it doesn't we hear You're dealing with altitude.

41:30Dealing with altitude is different. But that's what happens. That's what happens in Commonwealth qualifying, wherever you play there. That's the home advantage that you have. Well, the USA have played all the games the same time zone. A lot of countries have had to fly across the country, change time zones. The US have played everything on the West Coast. So that suits them. So they're basically playing up to the advantage that their hosting status gives them. Anyway, are you English going to use this as an excuse if you do get put out? Absolutely. The disruptions cause chaos. Well, we've already seen the Germans knocked down.

41:59And a surprise exit early on by Kieran's Paraguay. It looks like they've got a new boss, Jurgen Klopp, linked to the job to take over from Nagelsmann. We'll be discussing that after this.

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43:09Jurgen Klopp's going to be the new German manager this is what he had to say on the subject yes I can confirm the talks the DFB have reached out to me when I stopped at Liverpool I lacked the energy for even one more year with the club and I'm more than recharged now it's an inadvertent Red Bull advert Yeah, well done. Or some beetroot. This makes sense, doesn't it, Frank? Yeah, I think. I think it's a good choice if he decides to go for it. We all were very impressed with what he finally achieved with Liverpool. The beginning was a little bit tense, but overall, you know, he did very well. And he's a confirmed coach.

43:45I don't know in a national team way of working if it suits him. but he knows the job and I'm pretty sure he's going to give a big boost to the national team. I'm not sure how much the difference... I see what you're saying. You know that every day works. To me, he's the type of manager that gets the best out of teams when he works with them over a long period. Because it's high intensity, it's pressing, it's all that sort of stuff. International football is different in a sense. You have very little time to work with your players. There's a different type of management skill. Yeah. So that is going to be difficult, or certainly different for him.

44:25And it's going to be interesting to see how he does. And also the fact that it isn't, by a long stretch, the greatest group of German players. So if he can get a chin out of this lot, then he has done a great job. How much do international managers really have an effect? The sort of effect that Klopp has had in the past with the likes of Liverpool? I think if anyone could have the ability to affect a national team, it's someone like Jurgen Klopp. I played against his teams. I think we all know what his teams are about. And you can do that, you can get that over a three, four-day period? Because that's all he's kind of working with, isn't it?

45:02No, I mean, obviously he's going to be there for a year. There's multiple international breaks. He's going to be visiting players. He'll spend a lot of time with the players that he likes throughout the year. whether it's in-person meetings. I remember when I was part of the national team back in 2014 under maybe Roy Hodgson. And I had three different international meetings. That's a lot to remember. We would have to fly out for meetings during the season, even not during international break. Really? With which manager? We did that with Roy Hudson. Really? Yeah. That didn't go very well, did it?

45:48But my point is... The thing is that he doesn't have to choose the same players. According to what he thinks and the way that he wants to play, he will have to change some individuals. And it's what happened with Emé Jacquet. After Girard Houillier, we didn't qualify for the... That was the 1990 and 94. And he changed maybe half of the team and change the mentality of the team. So I think it's what he's going to look for. Maybe new players, new way of playing, and maybe more pace into the game. And that's why it's changing. They kind of lost their way a little bit, Germany. They've been rubbish.

46:28They're known for being efficiency monsters, you know. And they've gone to a kind of almost like a bit of a tippy-tappy Spanish style. And I think they've just got a little bit confused on the way. So I think for Jürgen, it's about getting the identity of the nation back into the team. We'll finish off today's show by looking ahead to the US in action against Belgium. We'll be hearing from Chris Richards and his thought on the Balogun red card.

47:03Pitch Preview is brought to you by DraftKings Sports. Not long now and then until the US take on Belgium. still the big story Balogun that red card seeing red red white and screwed Sam Borden caught up with Chris Richards obviously Foller and Balogun is such a big part of the attack during the World Cup so far how do you replace him now that he's suspended for this match I mean we're we're a full team you know 26 guys who are ready to to fight for this for this country and for this badge so I think whoever's playing you know they're going to be very ready for this opportunity and ultimately this is what we've prepared for, for different guys being ready to play.

47:42And so that's what's going to happen. Some people around the team said that the atmosphere after the last game in Seattle was maybe the best that men's team's ever had. You're back here. What do you expect? I mean, I see your jersey. What are you expecting from the Seattle crowd? A lot of love. I think after the Seattle game, that was really probably one of my favorite moments of the national team was just experiencing everything from the first whistle, from before the first whistle until hearing country roads afterwards. So overall, really excited to hear this crowd again and to feel the love.

48:10What do you expect to see from Belgium on Monday? Still a really strong team. They have a lot of really good players, a lot of world-class players. And so ultimately, it's going to be a really tough game. Even their game against Senegal the other night, we were watching it. It was an exciting game as a spectator, but now we have to go and face them. So ultimately, we're really expecting a tough fight, but ultimately, we're really looking forward for it. Boys, we have spoken a lot, not only on this show, but every other show it feels about Balogun's red card. Do you want to talk about that or Pochettino's pitch tonight?

48:42I mean, I'm all balling the note. OK, let's take a look. Pochettino, they're on the team. That's, of course, ahead of the game. Let's go with the pitch. He got to throw out the first pitch at the Mariners game. Lovely reception for him. His teammates all watching. What's it going to be like? Here we go. Oh, my God. That was very bad. for a lofter. That's not too, compared to some of them. That's very bad. Why don't they go for a fastball? Well, because that's where you look like an idiot, isn't it? Somehow he'll hit Pulisic in the head with it. That's how he'd get injured, wouldn't he? He was chipping the ball.

49:22That's stupid. Well, I suppose he's just making sure. Yeah, straight. You have a square. Yeah. You don't see the square? No, he doesn't see the square. No, he doesn't see the square. You should have put a square. I believe that's added on. You should have put a square for him. Yeah, exactly. Frank, is there somewhere in France that you do something similar? Baseball? We don't even know what it is. In the set, you get a special guest to do something like that. I'm not sure we have it in England, do we? No. No one coming out to do that? No. Scotland. Tossing the caber. How would you describe tossing the caber for people who don't know what that is, Chris?

49:55It's almost like a large tree. Yes. And people wear kelp. You may have seen this in Boston quite a lot. And you push it. And you push it. I mean, it's very hundreds of years ago. Right. You take this caber and they just throw it. Why? That's a good question. And then people go like that. God, they're drunk. Oh, man. I don't think... Is she going to toss the caber tonight? I don't think it's going to catch on here in New York. Oh, who knows? We'll be back tomorrow as we kick off the round of 16. And we say goodbye to Kieran. Bye, Kieran. Bye, Kieran. See you in Mexico. Prima.

50:34Welcome into the latest edition of Extra Time. It's Kieran's last night with us because you're getting up early to go to Philadelphia. To get married. To get married. To get married. You brought up the French fans. You have to stop this. Well, you're going to have to do it sometime. France against Paraguay. France against Paraguay. Your fiancé's from Paraguay, so that's why. Yes, that's why I do. You know how I get the ticket? Say again. You get the ticket from a French guy. Oh, really? A famous French guy. It wasn't Frank. It wasn't me. It didn't say French guy. No, no, no. He's gonna wear the Paraguay shirt.

51:06He wants me to go to the Federation. Somebody else. For me, it's generation. So I won't name him because I don't know if he wants to be named. Blaise Matweeney. Yeah, exactly. He got him two tickets. I said, how come? And you're gonna wear the Paraguay shirt. Well, he wanted to wear a French shirt. No. But he's bright to be very soon. bullied him into and he buckled which is not a good sign long time you need to back me up on this one okay tell me because as being married to a Latina right you know how it is you do not get away with not wearing their national I invited him to France Brazil and he was wearing a Brazilian shot the guy he's English I've decided I'm out of this conversation let's go and then you're flying to Mexico moving to the game I'm over to Mexico for the honeymoon

52:00You're going to be a busy boy then Seriously You were saying The flights out in Mexico To get back Are a fortune Yeah Frank's going to help me out With that as well Which match Kieran has been the most dramatic And exciting in the knockout phase Cape Verde Argentina Portugal Croatia Or Belgium I mean it's Pretty easy one isn't it Cape Verde Argentina Yeah it was Yeah it was It was an unbelievable game. Everyone's reaction when they equalised to make it 2-2 was the same. It was like, wow, scenes everywhere. Even he was excited. Yeah, which is pretty rare. We took a picture of it. Well, no, the food came in at the same time.

52:42No, but it's the fairytale of the World Cup. Yeah, it was very cool, wasn't it? Yeah, that's it. You were saying you had goosebumps. Yeah, that was incredible. Neutral. Neutrality and all that. Did anybody really think, come on, Want Cape Verde to win? I think everyone did, didn't they? You think so? Yeah, I think so, just because it's just such an incredible story. Well, you're not on the Messi train? I'm not on any train. I'm on ESPN's train. At the moment. Why? What's happening? What do you know? Frank, did seeing Argentinian struggle make you happy and give you more belief that France can win it all, or is there another team you now see as the bigger threat?

53:19No. What does it say? It's a bit of French at the end. Rentre a la maison. There's a song there's a song they sung on in 2018 when they won okay bring the trophy back to to home I can your song is coming home yes bringing back the trophy the bell issues guys bring it home you just sing it I give your own song yeah after coffee hours no no that was for the 2018 it was coming 96 was your night was the three lines coming home yeah yeah so to answer to your question I never thought he wasn't coming home in 66 he was already there 96 was when the song came out I do beg your pardon I wasn't listening to you Argentina I never thought they would be at that level when they started the World Cup I was pretty surprised in a good way about the fact that they were all working together and it's only this game against Cape Verde made me thought maybe they're not at the same level but again Credit to that crazy, fantastic team, which is Cape Verde, and who created almost a surprise by only playing very well football.

54:29And it's not Argentina not playing well. Argentina suffered because they were playing a great team, and that's only fair in this football. So I'm not saying that Argentina is not a threat, or it is a threat. I think you have to respect that team. Let's see how it goes. and it's still a long way and many, many surprises can happen. And we don't know. And Kian will be very close to the players. But it's not going to be easy for France. I'd like to go back and see how, because I haven't got time, how the Argentinians did and get into winning the World Cup in 2022, whether they had the struggles or not in some of the games.

55:08Of course, remember the Netherlands game? Similar to this. It wasn't an easy path. They lost against Saudi Arabia. That was match day one. There are lots of penalties. Yeah, penalties. Craig, how is a team like Cape Verde able to compete with the likes of Spain and Argentina compared to teams like Turkey and Czechia that flopped in the group stages? And Scotland, you could put in that. Yeah. I thought Scotland was going to be in there, to be fair. I think these countries are getting better. These countries are getting better. it's quite simple and they have a better their mentality is better their quality is better so therefore they're more of a threat not them all but some of them can compete Cape Verde let's not forget eliminated Cameroon that's why they're here if it were still 32 teams they would still be at this World Cup because of what they did in qualifying it's always Scotland that doesn't make them the point is some of these other countries in Western Europe Turkey, Cheshire, Scotland and others.

56:11Some of the other home nations, by the way, Wales, Northern Ireland, they're regressing. It's kind of archaic, some of the football, compared to what we're seeing. They don't have the athleticism of some of these teams. They don't have the talent level of some of these teams. In fact, in some of these countries, there's almost like a feeling that it's a God-given right that they should be at the tournament and they should be better in these teams and quite frankly they're not anymore. I think really some European teams, most European teams have to give up that tiki-taka that they are using right now.

56:48I think it's over. Barcelona and Guardiola everywhere he went brought that but in a fair way because it was working at the time but we found the solution to counter this move and it's getting just boring and slow. Where you saw Cape Verde, they go far, they go fast, they have the pace, they change the rhythm and that's why we lacked it and it's why they were productive. So they have to react. Liverpool enjoyed us, put the joy on us about what they did but the verticality of it. We love Paris Saint-Germain because at some point they can change the pace and France is good because sometimes at a certain point they know how to to put the second gear and surprise.

57:36If you don't do that in a modern football, you're going to be boring and you won't get any result. Do you think, Kieran, that there should be no transfer movement during the World Cup? I find it distracting.

57:50We don't want to talk about it, do we? It's weird. But Alvarez is talking about it. Yeah, Alvarez is talking about it. But for us, you're kind of all in for the World Cup. I mean, yeah, I'm not really paying attention to any of the transfers. I think the World Cup just dominates everything anyway, so I'm not sure. Yeah, but I think what the point is is that certain players will be affected by it. The players... So if you just shut it off, boom, completely. I think what the question is talking about is what effect will it have on however many players are talking to the Regents during the World Cup about potential moves or how far, you know, a move's breaking down or a move's going through or it's in the balance and how does that affect the mentality of a player?

58:33You know, their training, their sleep, the mindset when maybe they get news of a big move is broken down for whatever reason, right slap bang in the middle of a major tournament. It's going to have some sort of effect, doesn't it? Yeah. And then you've got to push it back. You've got to push the window back. Yeah, then you've got to change the window. It's not an ideal scenario, but it's every four years. So it's not... There you go. I don't want to talk about this anymore. If you are in a way to move, you will think about it. Even if you don't talk about it, you will think about it. So he's going to disturb you at some point.

59:10Both Craig and Kieran being together, is it time for the rowing competition? And can someone get the potato for the potential ear piercer? Well, apparently Craig's given up. Apparently Craig's given up all exercise. The bet was that you'd beat him in a rowing competition and his forfeit would be piercing his ear. Is that correct? Yes. Right. And that's over now? But he's given up on all exercises. No, I've moved on because what's happened is I've moved on to the rowing is... I don't fancy it now, so I've got this new health drive. It's beetroot juice. Oh, really? Yeah. Beautiful. So I'm out of the rowing and it's just beetroot juice.

59:47Beetroot juice. If you want a beetroot juice drinking... It's not easy to say. Even for an English guy. Or Scottish. Sorry. I'm beetroot. You're a bit beetroot. I'm a bit beetroot. I would be... Listen. If I did a bit of training, you would not beat me in a Concept 2 roar. You wouldn't. But I'm not doing it. Just put it on the table. Just put it on the table. Just a little bit of beetroot. Bit of beetroot. A bit of beetroot. Yeah, it's a hard time. Last one. For the panel, how hard was it to get to the set today in New York City because of the big wedding? Well, the big wedding... That way or that way?

1:00:26I don't know. I don't know. You come out of a hotel and turn left. You turn left and walk up. Well, that's a 40-minute walk. Yes, see, I was there yesterday. Because you were hanging around. I went to Meatpacking District today. I didn't see them. It was a little bit above us. Why are we talking about Taylor Swift? Yes, that's a Madison Square Garden. It's like 40 minutes. Now we wish them the best and to be happy. You could do that. We weren't asking for... Turn the paint. We don't care. It's all right. Now we have to ask for some tips. What's that? That is it. Kieran, have a lovely time. Thank you very much.

1:01:01Thank you, Dan. Enjoy. Yeah. But if you make a move in the middle of the French fans, you're going to be punished. Ah, no. Paraguay. We're going to... And that is it. ESPN FC returns to your screen tomorrow as we kick off the round of 16.

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