Extra Time Extravagance!

12 Jul 2026 · 1 h 5 min · 26 chapters

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In short

ESPN FC’s World Cup quarterfinal recap and debate, focusing on Argentina vs Switzerland (Argentina win 3-1 after extra time) and England vs Norway (England win after extra time to reach the semi-finals).

Guests

Dan Thomas (host) with Craig Burley, Frank Leboeuf, and Julianne Laurent; plus later interviews with Adrian Healy (in Miami) and Jan Åge Fjørtoft (former Norwegian international).

Guest backgrounds

Burley is an ex-professional footballer/analyst; Leboeuf is a former France defender/analyst; Laurent is a soccer journalist/host; Healy is a broadcaster covering the match in person; Fjørtoft is a Norwegian former international and pundit.

Key claims

Argentina are “chaotic” and win via “moments” (especially Julian Alvarez), not 90/120 minutes of control; Switzerland were well-organized and deserved credit; VAR law changes explain the Mbolo second-yellow simulation call. England were tactically managed by Norway early, then ran out of gas; Bellingham is England’s decisive star.

Notable examples

Alvarez’s late knockout magic; Lautaro Martínez scoring late; Switzerland’s Mbolo sending off; England’s Bellingham double and goalkeeper spill in extra time; Norway’s disputed “TV wire” goal incident; Haaland’s halftime extra-time substitution questioned as “empty/tired” by Fjørtoft.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

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Argentina vs Switzerland Match Analysis

2:18 to 6:09

In-depth discussion on Argentina's performance against Switzerland in the quarterfinal.

“But we'll kick things off with Argentina against Switzerland.”

Assessing Argentina's Chances Against England

6:10 to 12:02

Discussion on Argentina's future matches, focusing on their performance and challenges ahead.

“One way or another, they just find a way of winning those games.”

Match Analysis: England vs Norway

14:10 to 15:04

A detailed breakdown of the match and key moments.

“These are the celebrations in Manchester as Jude Belegum once again is the star of the show as the three Lions make it through to the semi-finals.”

Adrian Healy's Perspective

15:04 to 15:50

Adrian shares his experience at the game and insights on England's performance.

“who is the man of the match as England are through to the semi-final to face Argentina.”

Tactical Breakdown of England's Strategy

15:50 to 18:14

Discussion on England's tactics and Norway's response during the game.

“But my goodness, England didn't make it easy, did they?”

Evaluating the Norwegian Team's Performance

18:14 to 20:56

Analysis of Norway's tactics and missed chances against England.

“They just thought about themselves and say, oh, if we rush into that game, we're not going to last long.”

Highlighting Jude Bellingham's Impact

20:56 to 23:08

Discussion on Jude Bellingham's crucial role and performance in the match.

“And I think that today they're paid to learn.”

Tuchel's Comments on Team Performance

23:08 to 24:24

Review of Tuchel's critical commentary on the match and Bellingham's response.

“Jude was asked about those comments after the game.”

Debate on Coach-Player Dynamics

24:24 to 28:00

Discussion on the implications of Tuchel's comments and Bellingham's reactions.

“A lot of momentum swings for both teams.”

Tuchel's Honest Approach and Team Dynamics

28:00 to 29:31

Discussion on Thomas Tuchel's honesty and its impact on team dynamics.

“Everybody agreed to say that Tuchel is safe for after the World Cup.”
Show all 26 chapters

Media Pressure on the England Team

29:31 to 31:29

Exploration of the media's role and its impact on the England national team.

“Because I do want to get Aide's view on this, please.”

Bellingham's Role and Perception

31:29 to 34:39

Analyzing Jude Bellingham's performance and the perception surrounding him.

“This is two of your big stars answering questions.”

Predictions for the Upcoming Match

34:39 to 35:28

Predictions and expectations for England's next match against Argentina.

“and he keeps chipping away about the manager and vice versa.”

Predictions for the Upcoming Match

37:41 to 38:27

Predictions and expectations for England's next match against Argentina.

“Smalls here, if you're heading into summer without a medical emergency kit, you're taking a risk most people don't think about until it's too late.”

Norway's Performance and Haaland's Substitution

38:45 to 42:00

Discussion on Norway's defeat, Haaland's substitution, and team dynamics.

“England fans loving every single moment of that full-time whistle as they are.”

Discussion on Haaland's Performance and Potential Injury

42:00 to 43:34

The panel discusses Erling Haaland's performance, speculating on his injury and the possible reasons for his absence.

“Yeah, but first of all, my job as an international lip reader I shouldn't be a public because I was just reading what I read.”

Controversy Over England's Equaliser

43:34 to 46:06

The conversation shifts to the controversy surrounding England's equaliser and the implications of FIFA's statements.

“Don't say I got tired so I got out because he's going to be, well, not murdered, but he will be criticized a lot of saying that.”

FIFA's Integrity and VAR Challenges

46:06 to 48:42

The discussion centers on the lack of trust in FIFA and the challenges posed by VAR in ensuring fair play.

“Because FIFA have shown themselves to be absolutely not the bastion of integrity and honesty and trust.”

Norwegian Reaction to VAR Decisions

48:42 to 50:58

The panel reflects on how VAR's implementation has affected the Norwegian team's emotions and perceptions of fairness.

“Alternative number two, this chip is not working.”

Previewing the Upcoming Semi-Finals

50:58 to 51:31

The panel discusses the upcoming semi-finals, focusing on the matchups and expectations for France and Spain.

“and change the direction of the football.”

Previewing the Upcoming Semi-Finals

52:08 to 52:33

The panel discusses the upcoming semi-finals, focusing on the matchups and expectations for France and Spain.

“And let me tell you, game day is serious business at my house.”

Final Thoughts and Predictions for the World Cup

52:48 to 56:03

The panel shares their predictions for the World Cup and offers personal insights on teams and players.

“What's this, the ruthless world of reunions?”

World Cup Hopes and Personal Memories

56:03 to 57:38

Discussion about personal connections to the World Cup and beliefs about England's chances.

“I've got so many letters in my diagnosis now that I can still be here.”

Reflections on Past World Cup Moments

57:39 to 1:00:41

Frank shares emotional memories from his World Cup experiences and family involvement.

“It looks like, you know, back to the future, Dr.”

Analyzing Player Decisions and VAR Impact

1:00:42 to 1:03:04

Discussion on player decisions in the World Cup and the influence of VAR on the game.

“Imagine being four years old in the trophy.”

Upcoming Matches and Key Players

1:03:05 to 1:05:48

Predictions and insights about the upcoming matches, focusing on key players like Messi.

“I think we will see again if Gehi can step up and be at that level.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

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1:27These are the scenes in Sheffield as England. They give it through to the semi-finals, defeating Norway in extra time. In the other quarterfinal, it also went to extra time. Julian Alvarez, the hero for Argentina, has once again there in the final four, this time to face England. What a night it has been across the state as the world has been watching this tournament. And we're down to the final four. The best four teams, according to the seeds, at the start of the World Cup. It will be France against Spain and England against Argentina. Welcome in there to the latest edition of ESPN FC. I'm Dan Thomas, joined by Craig Burley, Frank Leboeuf and Julianne Laurent.

2:12So much to discuss today. Later on the show, we're reflecting on England's win against Norway. We'll be asking how good is Jude Bellingham and what happened to Erling Haaland. But we'll kick things off with Argentina against Switzerland. And once again, the defending champions made hard work of it. In the end, 3-1, you think, oh, OK, pretty easy then for Lionel Messi's side. No, that is not how it played out at all. And things kind of went Argentina's way early on. Great header from McAllister would make it 1-0. Switzerland then reduced to 10 men. However, before that, we'd seen Endoy make it 1-1.

2:48And then Argentina couldn't capitalize on that extra man. It looked like we were going ahead for penalties after Switzerland defended so well in extra time. But in the end, a little bit of magic from Julian Alvarez would prove to be the difference. Latarra Martinez scoring late on. Argentina threw by three goals to one. But once again, the conversation, Craig, is about Argentina just doing enough, as they did against Cape Verde, as they did against Egypt. But they didn't. There wasn't the swagger. They didn't impress us. but once again, they are through. No, they're chaotic. They're chaotic. But they have a little sprinkling of magic.

3:27We didn't really see the Messi magic tonight, but we've seen Julian Alvarez with that goal, those moments that change games for them. And it's been moments for them, particularly in the knockout stages, rather than a 90 minutes or 120 of control. We haven't seen that. And if we're being honest, they've had quite a lot of decisions, right or wrong, fall on their lap. has fallen their way thus far. The sending off, I think, was correct, but it certainly helped. The decision in the Egypt game was debatable. The Messi match day one, when he raked the studs down. So there's been so much that could have gone against them that's gone for them, and they've taken advantage of that.

4:08And Switzerland, fantastic effort. I think the game probably went the way most people thought because they're so well organised. They looked like they were going to get to penalties. But it has set up a magnificent last four, if we're being honest. Yeah, the semi-finals kind of dream, certainly from a neutral's point of view. But overall, Frank, Argentina through to the semi-finals, but we've yet really to see the best of this side. Yes, certainly. But on another hand, I would say that I didn't expect Argentina to be so powerful working together. Before the World Cup, I didn't put them in the fourth favourite.

4:44I put Portugal and I didn't expect Argentina to see all the players doing what they were capable of doing four years ago, working out for the genius Messi and compensating, you know, the fact that that guy doesn't participate in all defensive actions and working hard for the country. And they are in the semifinal of the World Cup. So, yeah, maybe they were on the good side of the bracket, but they're in the semifinal of the World Cup. And if we didn't expect to see them there, they are there. And it's hard work. And every time you say, they're not going to go through, they're not going to go through and he's still here and I think congratulations to them, maybe we didn't see the best of them, it's going to be a big test against England with all the history that there is behind that game but finally, even if I think the Swiss gave what they had to give them in that game but I think that will be a big test the next game.

5:42What a finish from Julian Alvarez Incredible and Craig said it Those moments of magic that somebody pops in, Romero with a header, Messi being Messi, Alvarez, who's been quiet in the whole game, like Messi, like all Argentine going forward because they scored early and after that, that was it. I think they had two shots after their goal in the 10th minute. And again, collectively, we said it the other day, they're underwhelming. They are really underwhelming and they might step up for the semifinal. They will have to, otherwise England will win. But they always find a way. One way or another, they just find a way of winning those games.

6:14Let's talk about the Mbolo sending off. As you mentioned, some calls have gone Argentina's way. By the letter of all, this was completely the right decision. This is only because the change in the laws of how far VAR can reach. Six months ago, this wouldn't have happened. Yeah, but six months ago, they would have made a mistake. That's correct, but they were not re-refereeing yellow cards. He had a yellow card for a rush challenge. He went for a 50-50 with Paredes. he got there first whether he feels there's going to be a challenge or not is doesn't matter absolutely doesn't matter and the replays clearly showed that he he threw himself to the ground so it's simulation it doesn't matter if it's in the box and he's trying it doesn't matter because it's not in the box he's not trying to win a penalty and it's on the halfway line simulation in the same sentence is cheating it's trying to con the referee and it doesn't matter where it is in the pitch whether it's a defensive one or an attacking one or in the halfway line, he has attempted to con the referee.

7:19Well, he did con him, but VAR was able to go back and look at this and when the referee saw it, it was clear. It's very, very frustrating from a Swiss point of view and from a player point of view, but when you know you're on a yellow card, and maybe the player's not aware, and I'm sure they've been told, but maybe some players are not quite aware of the reach now of VAR. It's not an excuse, though. No, it's not an excuse, but you shouldn't be throwing yourself to the ground because you're putting yourself in danger of this happening and he deserved, unfortunately, he deserved the second yellow.

7:48Do you have sympathy for him, Frank? Yeah, because he's not the only one. I don't want to point Mbolo as the only one doing that. This is unprecedented. We saw it in the US Paraguay game, obviously. Tim Ream against Mbolo. Yeah, exactly. But yeah, it's only fair. I think it's what I like, VAR, is because you go to the right justice. And that's what it was. He simulated the action and nobody touched him and he went on the floor. And it's only fair that he has been punished. And it was a second year of cards, so bye-bye. And that's sad, but it is what it is. But what's wrong with Argentina? Craig made the point, he said, who was the team that got someone sent off?

8:26Because it didn't seem to change anything. Yeah, I mean, on Mbolo, it's on him. And for me, he let his team down. They were the better team at the time. And Doyle scored. They were better than Argentina. Argentina were under pressure. And then that changes everything. After that, you're right. But we said it the other day that Switzerland would give them a good game. Because, as we said, they're well organised. They're quite physical, even without Manzambi. But Argentina could just not find a way through. It was all very sterile possession from right to left. A bit like in handball or whatever.

8:57And then nothing. Just not cutting edge. Just nothing. And that's what's the most disappointing. Against England, it'd be a different game, obviously, in that semi-final. But apart from Messi and this incredible shot by Alvarez, There's been nothing going forward offensively from this team. Nothing from Lautaro Martinez. We said the other day they like pace at wide. They're just not sure. I don't think this system works either for them. How would you rate Messi today, Frank? Sometimes, you know, he could have scored. The ref lifted the flag, but he wasn't offside, so he could have scored a goal and would have said, well, again, the little guy, he did what he had to do.

9:34But if he doesn't score, he's not somebody that you see a lot. and he's been like that throughout his career, where he doesn't run a lot, you don't really see him, but suddenly he makes something special and you call him a genius, who he is. But no, we didn't see him a lot. And like the others, it's always complicated, but already while you were talking, you said, OK, yeah, against England, they would have to show something else. But England's going to be tired. They have two big games and they have something, the Argentines or something we can help them to win again and that's maybe not fair comparing to the other team who are fighting a lot to get something they are fighting but it's not convincing nothing is convincing right now and let's see how it works but they will have they will need to have a fantastic Messi if they want to go through but here's the deal you're now six games in right?

10:32yeah he's played every game I think he's played 120 minutes today and we'll get to that later with a certain individual who didn't and he's almost 40 or he's getting towards 40 so you're not going to see him I would imagine unless well he's not going to get any more rest the rest is the rest between now in the semi-final and the semi-final in the final and as every year goes by and as every tournament goes by every four years it's more and more difficult doesn't get easier to run about, to influence the game. So as just these little moments and as the games get more chaotic and open, as Argentina have, it really doesn't help him.

11:16Because then it leaves him really isolated in the fact that he's not defending. He's unable to defend because he's so tired. So that goes against him. But there's still that magic in there that can pop out at any moment. he's just not going to be here, there and everywhere for 90 or 120 minutes. Not in match day one, and definitely not in match day seven, which is the semi-final. So again, Argentina, it's about moments. How did they win the World Cup? Or one of the reasons they were in the final and won it last time out. It was the support network around Messi, but he was four years younger. So that support network has to be stronger.

11:53And I'm not sure it is. And I think that's why they are as open as they have been. And they're going to, I know we're going to get to it, but they're going to have to be a hell of a lot better to beat England. And if they do that, even better to beat France or Spain. We will indeed be talking about that game a little later on. Just so, when's the next Gavin Jules podcast, Jules? On Wednesday. Wednesday. Be sure to check that out. Of course, you can go through the archive of the latest Gavin Jules podcast, which is available. Oh, look at that. Classic. Classic. Classic. 1990, England. Italian 90.

12:24Come on, Jules. Are you crazy or what? I'm wearing a shirt of all the teams still in the tournament. Coming up after the break, More talk then on the Three Lions as they get past Norway. So many talking points from both sides. Oh, yeah. Let's discuss. Yes.

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14:09Right then, to England. These are the celebrations in Manchester as Jude Belegum once again is the star of the show as the three Lions make it through to the semi-finals. But once again, England were made to suffer against a Norway side who just kind of ran out of gas towards the end. England would dominate the opening half an hour of this game. It looked like there was only one team in it, but then Schlederup would score from what looked like a cross, but it ended up in the back of the net. England would respond, though, just before the break. Now, Jude Bellingham would score. The Norwegian camp not happy.

14:44They felt the ball hit a TV wire, dropped down, and from there, England would mount the attack, which would see Bellingham find the back of the net. Norway would then score in the second half, be chalked off for an Erling Haaland push. It would go to extra time where Jude Bellingham would score if the goalkeeper spilled it. And once again, it is the England number 10 who is the man of the match as England are through to the semi-final to face Argentina. We welcome Adrian Healy, who is in Miami, who is at the game. Aid, as a proud Englishman, how was that for you? Oh, my goodness. Do I look like I've been put through the ringer?

15:21I was put through the ringer. You look like you've been put through the oven.

15:26I spent so much time here in South Beach on Ocean Drive. I'm about to pitch a tent in this patch of grass right here. But what a night. Another great night. Just got back from the stadium, which is about 20 miles away. All these bars and clubs were stuffed full of people watching the end of the Argentina game. And now, as you can hear, the fans of both teams starting to make their way down Ocean Drive. But my goodness, England didn't make it easy, did they? As we thought they might. We talked about what the effects of the game in Mexico would have. And I don't know if you thought this, looking at the game, but it definitely seemed like they were running on half empty at times.

16:08And that period of the game that Norway took control early in the second half, at that point, I thought we were in big trouble. I thought there was only going to be one winner. But again, credit Mr. Tuchel and the way he turned it around and the subs made a huge impact. And of course, Mr. Jude Bellingham, what could you say? A genuine superstar who is dragging England towards the final as we speak at the moment. We'll talk about Jude a little bit later on. Let's just talk about the game overall, Craig. Talk about ebbs and flows. Yeah, but to go back to that point about England being tired after the game altitude with 10 men for the bulk of the second half, and how much work rate they had to put in, how that affected them.

16:51And I know Norway took the lead, but Norway gave England 30 minutes of rest. That opening period, they just sat back, didn't they? They sat back, unlike they did against Brazil, where they controlled Brazil, they controlled the tempo of the game. They did not against England. and so that first 30 minutes really England didn't really have to exert themselves they didn't really do anything England but they just kept possession and they controlled the tempo which was perfect for them and I was like if I was Norway I think I'd have been wanting to ask the question of how far can this England team go in terms of their energy not giving them a breathing space pretty much up to the bulk of half time that was a surprise and when Norway got in front foot and started pressing in the last 10 minutes or so England struggled and then they struggled in the second half so that was a that was a weird tactic but again to Adrian's point the substitutions were excellent yeah Jed Spence was superb when he came on he's so versatile his pace is unbelievable Rhys James when he's fit and that's a problem we know he's a terrific footballer Morgan Rogers came on had an inflate obviously the strike which was not good goalkeeping for Jude Bellingham second So there was so much coming off the bench for England.

18:08And once again, this English side, when needed, showed that they've got a lot of guts and a lot of fight and a bit of quality as well. I try to make it clear on what I'm going to say in a way that I think what you're saying and the explanation of why Norway allowed England to play for 30 minutes at the beginning of the game, getting the position of the wall and not pushing them, is because I think the Norwegian didn't put the English in the equation of the hit that they were having in Miami. They just thought about themselves and say, oh, if we rush into that game, we're not going to last long.

18:47Right. And we're going to talk about somebody who left the field, you know, earlier in the game. But if they're not going to last long, they're going to last longer than the English. Yeah, but it's why I think they didn't think about the English. They thought about themselves. And only if we go too far, if we go too fast and we go push the opponent, we're going to struggle at the end. But they didn't think that the others, they would have struggled even more. And that's why they lost. Tactically, they were wrong. Absolutely wrong. Allowing, as you said, England to just keep the position of the ball.

19:19When they press, and it was said by, I think, Odegaard, who pushed everybody to go a little bit forward for 10 minutes. England didn't exist. and it's when. Now they scored. It's a pity that they considered that goal just before us time for them. But it was a wrong tactic. I don't know if it was put by the coach or decided by the players themselves, but that was wrong from the beginning until the end. I mean, I have to say I was disappointed by England from start to finish. and they won with the depth in their squad and the bench and two whole changes and character again. But with the ball, we didn't see Kane.

20:02Bellingham had an impact on the two goals, but that was it. Rice was ill. Rice was clearly not fit to start. I don't understand why you start him. Madweke, it's only because Saka is not fit. Madweke was poor. Gordon on that controversial first goal. He gives the ball to Bellingham and Bellingham has still a lot of work to do. That's not really an assist. and I just I don't know there's something that is not clicking for them offensively in this team with the ball and again if they want to win this World Cup and it's another semi-final after 2018 it's only the third semi-final in their history after 66 as well okay great it's a good achievement in itself they would have to step up massively not so much for Argentina in the semis but if they go through that whoever they face if they play in the final against Spain and France this is not good enough but that's going back to your point about England that begs the question and if you're a Norwegian, you've made history, first time in a quarter-final ever.

20:53Yeah, absolutely. You may never have a better chance. Yeah, you're right. Against an England side that's got good players, but they haven't played well. True, but they're a young team, Craig. And I think that today they're paid to learn. And I know it's harsh and it's cruel for them because they will have a lot of regrets tonight, re-watching the game, sold back in the players. But they were too naive at times. And when they were on top, they didn't capitalise. And when they were under pressure, one mistake by the goalkeeper is the second goal and after that is not a bad guy. Again, if the coach, even if they're young, the coach says, guys, you're going to jump on their throat from the beginning and we'll see what's going to happen.

21:27Because I tell you, they're still fighting against the tightness that they got against Mexico. So go for it. And there would have been a different ending for me. That would be different. You will have the chance to change some players as well. But I think the coach should have said something or should have done something different. But when Adrian was on after the game in the Azteca, and we talked to him, we singled out a player, and sometimes you shouldn't really when it's a team performance like that, but we're kind of singling out a player again. It's the same guy in Jude Bellingham, who has just been...

22:05Who seems to relish these games. Relish is being the man in these big matches. His record in these big tournaments is, you can't compare it to any of it. It's amazing. Yeah, it's the work rate, it's the goals It's the Taking the ball in in tight situations And relieving the pressure He's doing what a lot of the England players Are not doing, he has the odd time But he's not coughing the ball up every time he gets it He really has been A bit of a monster in this tournament He's been the Jude Bellingham that we know is in there But we haven't really seen it at Real Madrid this season And he's been That player that's got back to Timing his runs brilliantly into the box.

22:44Not just making run after run after run, but hitting the right spot at the right time to get on there. And people think that's easy, but it's not. It's not. It's about running off your marker. It's about running off where Kane's movement is or whoever it is and getting in at the right time, making sure you're onside and coming in there at pace, which he has done. He's been absolutely brilliant. But yeah, and I think Tuchel has got the best out of him, but it seems tonight, Daniel, that there's a little a little more than a little we've talked and we've kind of lauded Thomas Tuchel he's pressed the right buttons with Jude Bellingham to get the best out of him kind of treat him mean keep him keen but interesting exchange came after the game this is what Thomas Tuchel said about their performance the result is fantastic we're in the last four it's amazing but I'm not happy with the performance the commitment is there but we made life very very difficult for ourselves in the way we played how we played sloppy a lot of technical mistakes not fast enough, not repetitive enough.

23:44We were lucky today. Jude was asked about those comments after the game. He said, yeah, well, whatever, whatever. Maybe that means he doesn't know what it's like to play in these kind of conditions against Haaland, Odegaard, Noosa, Soloth. That's not an easy team to play against. I think we've tried to create a positive environment. We should continue that going into the final four. I can't speak highly enough of the lads. Sometimes you have to win dirty. And we did that again tonight. This is what Tuchel said about Bellingham's comment. No one disputed that, but I'm also a football coach and we can play better.

24:20It wasn't a high level game. We have better games in general. A lot of momentum swings for both teams. Do you know what I don't get? Already Tuchel is doing that because he's done that last time as well. And you're going through. So you can say that your team, you weren't sometimes not happy. Stones made a mistake and Allen almost called. You had so many, sometimes, you know, mistakes done by Maduiki or some others that we have seen. But I don't understand why Jude has to respond to what the coach said. Well, he was asked, to be fair. Yeah, but don't answer. He was asked. I don't answer. They've just played a hell of a game in Mexico.

24:58Just played a hell of a game in Miami. Not a hell of a game in playing well. There is a hierarchy. I'm sorry. if the coach says whatever he wants you shut up you shut up and you don't comment what your coach has to say I'm sorry, it never works like that maybe he feels he's in a very strong position, and I think he is but it could have been somebody else is on the bench in the next game because you don't have to comment what your coach is saying maybe he's saying stupid things but you keep it for yourself and you go with the guys and you say what the hell is he saying the guy, but you don't comment publicly what your coach has said.

25:37I'm betwixt in between. He's having an amazing tournament. He's just come off the field. I believe it was like a flash interview.

25:48He'll be as knackered as anybody and he's barked at the comments. The coach has to speak first. Then they have to find Jude Billy Graham to talk, so he has to sometimes take a shower and rest. But I said, and we did a little show after the England game, and I said at the time, I didn't quite understand Tuchel. Tuchel made all the negative comments before the World Cup, and it's got the desired effect from Jude Bellingham and one or two others. Why go back there? Why go back there when your players are fighting tooth and nail for you? Yeah, he is right in a sense. They haven't played as well as we know they can, and they have been a bit sloppy, but they're in the semi-final of a World Cup.

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26:25They're winning. And to your point, he could also have these comments behind closed doors with the players. And he could be saying to the English press, these lads are fighting tooth in nail. It's like getting blood out. I can't ask for any more from them. They've been absolutely brilliant. Can we play better? Yeah, we can play better. And I think we will. And then when he goes behind the scenes, he says, listen, lads, this is great, but we need to improve it. Yeah, but you see, Jules was saying that it was very disappointing with England. So you cannot lie. But what he can show is maybe what he wants to show to the press is that he's ambitious, that he wants the team to do better.

27:03That's why he's saying we didn't have a good performance. I'm not happy with the performance. Yes, you're right. On the close, I say, guys, I'm saying stuff to the press. Don't listen to it. Because that's what I'm going to say. I'm very happy with your performance. We should have done better. We're a little bit sloppy, but we have to do better. But I'm going to say something for the press, and they're going to be happy with that. Do you know what, though? we're talking about it but it really doesn't matter it's not a big deal in that dressing room I disagree I'll tell you why Gilles at the end of the day we're all going to everyone's judged by what happens on the field and if England win the semi-final nobody will give a stuff about these comments unless they rear its head again so at the end of all this it's a kind of school ground tit for tat But everyone's job and performance is going to boil down to how far England go in this tournament and how they go about it.

28:03Everybody agreed to say that Tuchel is safe for after the World Cup. He would have lost that game. He would have been out, I think. Maybe. Maybe the FA would have been... Do you think this will have an effect between... Do you think this will affect performance? With the little spat between them two? Yeah. I don't think it's a good look. And we said before, Tuchel is a bit too honest at times. Since day one, he's been too open, too honest. Some of the comments that he made, whether it's press conference interviews, the famous one on Bellingham and how Tuchel's mum, you know, look at him, etc. But even after that, I think he's been a bit too honest.

28:37It's a bad look. For your best player to answer your head coach in that way, saying whatever. That's a whatever, whatever, whatever. The most serious one for me is when he says, oh, he doesn't know Tuchel. He's never played at this level. He doesn't know what it is to be on the pitch like this in a World Cup game. Maybe that's a reflection of the comments Tuchel made several months ago. Yeah, about his merman. Yeah, he now feels he's in a position that he can have a jive back. For me, this shows there's something still there. And you know what, to be fair, we never really thought it was all clean and we're best friends and let's go on holidays together if you're Tuchel and Bellingham.

29:12But for me, this shows, and the face that, because we only showed you the quotes, the face of Bellingham, when asked the question, he goes, whatever. We lead this game for Tuchel and Tuchel's common. And you're right, tomorrow they will move on, they will prepare for the Argentina game. It's on Wednesday, so it's very, very quick now. But it's not a good look. Can I go to Aide? Because I do want to get Aide's view on this, please. Yeah, I saw that post-game interview. It was Gabriel Clark from ITV, wasn't it? And, you know, Tuchel, as you guys have so eloquently highlighted, is always straight to the point, isn't he?

29:45Almost to the point of being jarring sometimes, certainly to English sensibilities, maybe not to Germans. But honestly, I didn't have a problem. This is an elite-level coach trying to raise the bar for his team. He's just got his team to only their third World Cup semifinal in 60 years. But he knows they have to be better if they're going to go further to get past Argentina and then possibly France or Spain. They have to be better, and he knows it, and he knows they were perhaps a little bit lucky to win tonight. And that's all it was. He didn't ever question their mentality or commitment, and he went out of his way to say that.

30:20And in terms of Jude, I think he was just sticking up for his teammates, saying, hey, that was hard work out there. He was also giving credit to Norway, and he went through four or five, six different Norway players saying, these are really good players. We had to dig very deep to win. So I think it's a bit of a storm in the key. But a lot of it came about because of Gabriel Clark's sort of questioning to Jude, saying, well, did you hear what Thomas Tuchel said? I think you'll be forgotten about quickly It's this kind of basic psychology We've all had coaches so you could score a hat trick Why didn't you score four?

30:53There's a school of thought in England and I don't know if it's true or not that the media sometimes are out to destroy the English national team The back pages may write about how great this is and the front pages will make a headline that's going the opposite way to create a storm and England have used that I think sometimes as an excuse of why they haven't got over the line that there's this media agenda against some of these players for stories, and it affects the team. Other countries seem to manage pretty all right with similar things. This isn't a media agenda. This is two of your big stars answering questions.

31:31Yes, but what happens then sometimes is it goes from the back pages and the front pages to the tabloids, and it's all blown up. And before you know it, we're talking only about that. But these are experienced players and managers who know that. So why give us the fodder? Why give us something to talk about? Sometimes I come out and say that. You may have noticed during this show that sometimes people can't help. Yeah, I know. What's interesting, the relationship between these two... He's talking about me, but I'm the only one to say that you shouldn't go public. It's not me, that's about you. What's interesting is that these two characters, you can't imagine either giving any way in this.

32:07Yeah, and in a way. But as Craig said, going forward, does this matter? He's carrying Tuchel at the moment. Yeah, absolutely. I don't know where this team will be without Jude, even more than Kane in this World Cup. And that means where Tuchel will be. It's hard to believe that there was a time where there was a debate about Jude's position within this team and even within this squad. That was justified for us to have because Tuchel himself had a question mark of a do I take him or not? Do I start him or not? Now, obviously, he's been outstanding. There's no doubt. This is a wonderful graphic of his impact.

32:39It's not bad names on that graphic, is it? It's incredible, really, when you think about it. But the talent was never the problem. The problem was the attitude at the time. And I think Tourelle had some issues with Jude's attitude. What you say is honest. Was he wrong to any comment that he made? Was either person wrong? No. Was it either person? Well, I'm sorry, but from the beginning, Tourelle, on his comment on Jude Billigam, was right all the time. All the time. What he says is the way he's thinking, the way he's working. he's not the right way, he's a great player but he's not the right way, it made him react it, being the Jude Billigan that we have known some years ago and being so effective and so good but what he says about the game today is not wrong would you say that it was so why do you Jude was right as well though he was right, both people have made correct statements haven't they the comment of Jude Billigan is to go against Tuchel's comment where Tuchel's command is absolutely right.

33:43So why do you want to go against your coach's command? That's what I don't get. What I would say, look, Jude Bellingham may or may not care about what happens in terms of perception. Yeah, maybe. But it wasn't only Thomas Tuchel, it was the England fans, some of them who were looking at Bellingham and saying, do you care enough about playing for England, right? He has built up so much goodwill during this World Cup. He's basically got it all back. and some more he's got it all back he's the top man at the moment as Jill said not Harry Kane, he is the go to guy he's the saviour, he's why they're in the semi-final if Jude Billingham wants to keep that goodwill and again it goes back to I don't know if he's bothered, if he wants to keep that goodwill and run with it, it's maybe best that he lets this go now says a little bit more and continues doing what he's doing on the field because he can destroy that perception of what he's done that will become a distant memory if they go out and he keeps chipping away about the manager and vice versa.

34:46All right, one game, maybe brush it off. But if it continues and they go out, all that goodwill from what he's done, Kenny gets swept all the way out again. It'll make for a great documentary. Abe, before we let you go, what's your prediction for Wednesday? Oh, my goodness. We've already slayed the ghost of the Azteca, haven't we, by winning there. Now can we actually complete it by beating Argentina? I mean, England are going to have to improve from tonight. And I think they will. It's really, really tough to pick. But, you know, I've been riding this wave and wearing the same shirt throughout this England run.

35:28So I'm going to stick with it. It's 3-2. England in Atlanta to somehow get past Lionel Messi and company but I think it's going to be a great game terrific game indoors as well so no heat to worry about no hand of God cool down I'll tell you what though that side of the semi both teams look knackered yeah we'll talk about that later ESPN FC what do you mean later I'm gone now good ESPN FC there's a break for the next couple of days not for the show though we're back with you tomorrow 5.30 Eastern on ESPN2. Former Norwegian international Jan Ogerfjortov joins us to give us the truth as to why Erling Haaland didn't finish that game.

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38:45England fans loving every single moment of that full-time whistle as they are. Two games away, I suppose, from it coming home, if you like. Jan Argerfjortov, I know you've had a really long day. And most of us have been talking about Norway's defeat. How are you feeling, mate? Not feeling very well in terms of the result. First of all, I have to congratulate England because I'm brought up to say always that the team that win will deserve the win. But I have to say I feel a bit down because of a couple of incidents. First of all, before the 1-1 goal, hitting the spy camera. I've never seen that before.

39:23And secondly, that Haaland thing that VAR meant was a mistake done by Haaland. I mean, there are going to be a lot of not goals given if that's going to be given. But then again, we lost 2-1. Compliment to Bellingham scoring two goals. England threw. So what can you say? I saw my team. I saw Stoller-Solbach being very, very good after the game. and then I have no right to sit here and complain about everything. Jan, there were some raised eyebrows when Erling Haaland was substituted at the halftime of Extra Time. What's the official line on that? Well, first of all, it's interesting because I follow the Norwegian media.

40:04They didn't even ask the national coach about it. I didn't ask Erling about it. But I am a famous international lip reader. I could see that when Erling went off, he went over to the coach and said, I'm finished, I'm done, I'm empty, I can't do it anymore. And then Storla Sordberg can turn around and put Jürgen Stran Larsson on. It was nothing to do with the coach taking him off. I mean, he was desperate to have him in there, but he was just empty. He couldn't do it anymore. And then we can discuss, I think it would be better just having him standing there. But still, it was nothing more. He was empty.

40:42Well, there's two things astonishing here. one that Norwegian media have not asked Haaland or Staley Solbaken about this situation. Bearing in mind, he's been one of the stars of this tournament. In fact, over here in the States, they've found him. Yes. With his social media and his performances. So those things are astonishing. What I also find, and I think most of us do, find astonishing, is that we have seen one of the best players ever, Lionel Messi, go another 120 minutes tonight, could barely walk at the end. We've criticised Cristiano Ronaldo, but he's a player that you would have to drag off half dead.

41:23And I don't care if Ellen Halland's got nothing, nothing. Just stand up there and wait for a ball to come in the box. I don't, I cannot get my head around. Any player, never mind a superstar, saying to a manager, and the quarterfinal, they've made history. They're in the quarterfinal. There's a chance to go to a semifinal. I need to come off. I cannot, for one minute, get my head around that. I have to be lying on the floor, unable to get up, if it was me. Can I just get Jan's point of view? Do you mind? Sorry, Frank. Yeah, but first of all, my job as an international lip reader I shouldn't be a public because I was just reading what I read.

42:13But I'm with you. I feel that Elling should always be on. But in respect for Stoller Sobacher and Elling Haaland, I will wait till there is an official thing. I reacted because I had to translate the interview from Norwegian over to German here on Austrian TV. And I reacted straight away. Why didn't they ask him about that thing that everybody will react as Craig is saying? mind you that nine of ten that watch these games are newly big fan of Erling Haaland they would wonder why was he not on and yeah so but I will in respect for them I will wait to have the official one there could be things that we don't know about yeah absolutely so we have to wait so because his nickname is a cyborg so he's a cyborg he's going out because he's just a little bit tired that doesn't go with me having that would be the first scar, we say, on the perfect adventure that Alingelang is going through on his career.

43:12Because I cannot imagine that a guy decided to get out because he was tired. So are we going to wait and see if it's the case or not? And I really hope it's not that. It's just because he was injured. and if he wasn't injured, I just pray for him that he's going to lie to the world saying, yes, I was injured. Don't say I got tired so I got out because he's going to be, well, not murdered, but he will be criticized a lot of saying that. The reason I say that is that there could be an injury that he played on with that injury, tried another 15, 20 minutes and that's why we have to wait for that.

43:54I just saw that he said, now I can't do it anymore. and there could be injuries. They've played a lot of games, and he's an explosive guy, so we'll just have to wait for that one. Yeah, if he's been carrying something, that's fine. We'll see what comes out in the wash, but we're kind of, in some way, speculating a little bit. Jan, let's talk about the equaliser from England. Obviously, it looked like it hit the wire. FIFA then released footage of the snick-o-meter that they've been using. That proved that it didn't hit the wire. There are now reports suggesting that the radars don't go as high as the wire.

44:31So you kind of pick your side on this. Where do you sit? Where does the Norwegian media sit? Well, I have to correct you, Dan. You said that proved that statement from FIFA. That just proved that FIFA made a statement, say that they didn't touch, first of all. So let's say this is a court. So we have the following witnesses. Number one, Adrian Nuland shooting that ball out. He was running to the referee. The whole Norwegian bench, who was just sitting just around there, were running to the referee afterwards. Erling Haaland, who was standing there, was running to the referees. So it's up to the juror.

45:07Who do you believe? Do you believe this FIFA statement? Of course it hits. I mean, it's quite easy to see. We don't have the rights to show that. Neither had we here in Austria to show that. But in one of the social media, it was quite clear that the ball, the way the ball went, it went like Stoller Solbach and said, It just suddenly came down from heaven. But I don't think that the referee is a top referee. He didn't see that either. Because I think that every referee with the dignity that this referee having, he would have stopped the play straight away. But he didn't see it. I just want to remind you of the laws.

45:47Once the goal is given and VAR has reviewed it and said it's a goal, then that's it. They can't go back five minutes later and go and hit the wire. So in theory, if it was all done properly, VAR would have checked from that moment. And there would have been evidence. And clearly there wasn't. So that is why the goal... Here's the issue here. Here's the issue here. The issue is FIFA. Right? Because FIFA have shown themselves to be absolutely not the bastion of integrity and honesty and trust. Right? They weren't that before they came into this competition. and that the Balogun red card allowed to play showed that they run this like the Wild West.

46:27They do what they want. Gianni Infantino does what he wants. And for FIFA to come out and make any statement, the football world, the global soccer world does not trust them. And they lose by every time they try and brush some... What about the replays in this competition? If there's been anything that's been dubious, the replay takes so long to come in because they want so much control over what the viewer sees. It's been ridiculous because we've all worked on TV for long enough to know that replays can come. That's a very good point because we saw the video when we see the ball moving suddenly and you say, what's wrong?

47:10So you cannot say, well, I don't know, maybe the wind did something or something with God, I don't know, whatever you want to see. So we clearly saw, and we would have had a replay immediately after something would have happened. It's another situation that FIFA just want to go away. Right, yeah, just FIFA. Sorry, Anna, just want to... The rules have said that if the ball hits something, whether it could be a bird, it could be the spider cam, wire, whatever it is, play has to stop. And it's a drop ball, is that what you're saying? Yes, drop ball. And then that's it, and you play again. And clearly we can all see that even if it was minimal, clearly the wire just changed the trajectory of the ball.

47:52Absolutely, it should have stopped there. I haven't been a defender of VAR. I thought it would make football more fair. I've always done that. Then I've seen Schlager doing a tackle in a game against Austria. Austria against Argentina, 1-0 Messi. Then I see the same thing with Egypt. They go back VAR and take the free kick for Egypt. so that they don't get a 2-0. They got the 2-0 later. The problem with this thing is, though, if we discuss this, because I don't want to be a bad loser, I'm a bad witness because I'm emotionally involved in this situation because I'm Norwegian. But if we say that everybody who was close to that situation saw that the ball hit the wire.

48:35So FIFA comes with a statement saying that the censor didn't register anything. Okay. Alternative number one, they are lying. Alternative number two, this chip is not working. Why is that quite interesting? Yes, because Croatia are now sitting in the beaches in Croatia because of that chip in that offside situation. And that makes it difficult because if we now do VAR, we do chip in the ball, We do everything to make it fairer, but it makes an area that conspiracy and way to influence the game is getting bigger and bigger. And that's a development I don't like. We've been talking about this forever, and I know everyone wants to say something.

49:24But Jan, I just want to overall, when we did our post-match show after the Norway game, there was a feeling that maybe they didn't leave it all on the table. yeah but we we got the same i think i must say that i think the reaction from the norwegian players and from the norwegian coach could have been different they could have gone the other way because they were furious about this situation furious imagine you get that one one two minutes before halftime i'm not saying that england that maybe england would have won anyway it's nothing to do with that but it just you you just feel done by and and when we then have that situation with Hegem scores, and they manage, like Erling Haaland said after the game, if I make a free kick there, I have to get a free kick on every set pieces I'm involved in a football game.

50:14And that makes it a bit, yeah, a bit bitter, emotional feeling. It's very sad because, you know, VAR has been created to make decisions clear and not allowing a club or country going back to their place, thinking we've been robbed or we've been unfairly judged. And you would say that that thing with VAR will never exist, but it still exists because people don't know how to use the VAR and don't know how to make the right judgments. And that's really sad to talk about it because, of course, the spy camp had an influence. Right. And that's what it is. and change the direction of the football. We could talk about this all day, of course, but what we do know, in spite of the wire, the line-up is set for the semi-finals.

51:08We discuss it in some detail on Extra Time. Be sure to check that out over on our YouTube channel. So the first semi-final will be on Tuesday. How do the French contingent of this panel feel about Spain?

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52:43Pitch Preview is brought to you by DraftKings Sports. Right then, France against Spain in the semifinal. What's this, the ruthless world of reunions? Yeah, gentlemen, there we go. Let's hear from Lominiumal. I think since the World Cup started, everyone expected this game. They were very excited to come. We are the two best selecciones of the World Cup. But, well, without any fear. I think if someone can go with safety against France, we are us.

53:18Just a reminder, 2025, Spain won 5-4 in the Nations League. 2-1 in the Euros. No, of course, of course, Spain can beat France. But it's funny because I think that La Minna Mal is quite upset with the forward line in France that we talk about all the time, that they're very good and they're very good. And it's like he tries to justify his level. Nobody said that La Minna Mal is not one of the top players in the world. But it's like he needs to... Is it fair to say that Spain, out of all the teams that are left, have the best chance of beating France? Yeah, I think so. I think so. I think Lamine is right.

53:55This is the two best teams in the World Cup. Those two scores that we showed, the semifinal of the last Euro, the semifinal of the Nations League before that, I think psychologically they have a bit of an advantage on us. But where he's wrong is that this French team doesn't fear anybody. It doesn't fear Lamine or Spain. I think they will go there. There are things you can exploit from Spain, like the high defensive line, for example, easily, especially with the forwards that we have. So the French won't be scared of playing Spain. It would be a hell of a game, great game that everybody would want to watch that probably should be a final, but the boys won't be scared of them.

54:29It was evident against Belgium that when Spain were attacking, they left themselves a little exposed at the back, which is a dangerous game anyway, but certainly against the French front four. Luminium, I was quoted as saying, we come alive in the semifinals. I come alive in the semifinals, basically. But he hasn't played well in this tournament. and that's due to the two months he had out at the end of the season. If Spain are going to beat France and win this World Cup, they're going to have to do it with an in-form Luminiumal and that has to start in this semi-final. Last time you were on, before the semi-final, what's your prediction?

55:03What game? What game? France against Spain, what have we just been talking about? France. France? Yes. I thought you wanted both. No, no, just that one's fine. France. France? Yeah, me too. All right, OK, thank you very much. What are you going for? That's really helped me fail 30 seconds. Here are some scenics outside. Oh, is it thunder and lightning in New York? It has been quite a stormy day for both Argentina and England, but in the end they make it through the rain to the sunshine and the semi-finals to face off against each other. What a semi-final line-up we have. It's the one we all wanted really as a neutral, I suppose, and it's the one we've got.

55:43Semi-finals incoming in a couple of days.

55:51Welcome in to the latest edition of Extra Time. Somehow, we've ended up with an all-French line-up. And Jan Agafjortov, who has been awake for 26 hours now, Jan? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've got so many letters in my diagnosis now that I can still be here. Yeah, very much so. Jan, who do you want to win the World Cup now? England. Oh, wow. Didn't even miss a beat. Why? No, because I've always, because listen, I'm born in 67. So in 74 and 78, there were no English team, but I followed English football. So then I had to support someone because Norway had to wait till I was the striker to get to the World Cup.

56:31So then in the 80s, England came in and I always supported England. I still do. Dan, what's the percentage amount of genuine belief that it's coming home? Zero. It won't happen. We've had a lovely time. You don't believe that. You don't believe that. He's always doing that. Every competition is doing that game. Reverse psychology. You know when you say that. We know you don't believe that. It's all good. We're lucky the TV wire helped us against Norway. It was all right. You know. The hand, the cable of God. Yes, that's it. That's it. Okay. Frank, during the World Cup, you won. Yes. Did you? I did.

57:12Who won? It's a bit moody tonight. He said he wanted tonight off because his wife's here. And we're like, no, it's quite a big night. There are two quarter-five. When he saw me, he said hello. He said, are you doing the show? I said, yes. I said, I could have stayed home then. I know. I don't know why you're so grumpy about it. Extra time. It's called extra time. You know, like the show is too long today. It's too long. Too many extra time, you know? You've got two days off now to spend. It doesn't matter. We are talking about the present time. We're talking about the future. OK, all right. What are you doing with your two days off?

57:40I don't know. It looks like, you know, back to the future, Dr. Emmett Brandt, you know, a little bit, Jan. Jan? Is it like the doctor? Yeah, the long hair. Dr. Emmett Brandt. No, as old as the doctor, though. Yeah, yeah, yeah, something like that. You merch and some... What's his name? Christopher? Is it Christopher someone? Christopher Lloyd. Christopher Lloyd? There we are. Right, where are we? Frank, during the World Cup, you what? Oh, yeah, that's why we got there. That's why we got there. You was. The whispering from Dan Thomas. Did you feel the refereeing decisions generally went in your team's favour?

58:17Oh, good question. Well, it did because Laurent Blanc got sent off and you got to play. Yes. That was a mistake. Zizou was sent off against Sadiou Rebérat's second game. And so, no, I think it wasn't against or for. I have no complaint about that. But it was a question for myself that I say, can you imagine you play a final of the World Cup, we didn't have the bar and the referee makes a mistake and you lose one nil and you go back home with nothing. I would have been a lot better and maybe chased the referee for the rest of his life. Wow. But the Laurent Blanc sending off in the semi-final against Croatia, his village going on the floor, he should have never been sent off.

59:05That's what I was going to say. But then in the end, what happened happened. Now, I'm just saying that we've discussed that a lot now in this World Cup because that the biggest teams, the best players get more decisions than others. I mean, that is as old as football. I mean, we've seen that before. As Manchester United had, was it 20 years without a penalty at Old Trafford? I'm probably exaggerating now, but that's how it's been all the time. And we've seen that at this World Cup as well, that the best teams get the best decisions. You know, that's nothing new. You know about the red card and the fact that I played in the final?

59:44The morning of the semifinal, my mother called me and said, are you playing today? I said, no, mom, you know, I'm not interested about playing the semifinal. I've only played finals. But I just say that like that, you know, that's insane. Because she called me the night after the game and said, why did you say that to me? Now I believe that you did it on purpose. Did she go to the final? Yes. We had all the family and my son was like four years old, no six years old and I remember that's the vision that I had with him and my father and my son saying, Dad, we are champion of the world. Oh, that's beautiful.

1:00:25That is really cool. Did you know where they were sat? Oh yeah, they were on the corner side, on the right side, on the first corner where Emmanuel petitioning, they were just above there. So cool. Yeah, and I went there after the game. When they were empty, they were still there. And I took my kids and I brought them to the dressing room. Did they get to hold the trophy? Imagine being four years old in the trophy. They spent the evening with us. Wow, that was amazing. That's very cool. Jules, where were you sat? No, I was not in the Stade de France, but the whole country was watching on television.

1:00:58We were in Paris, and then we had a big party down the street where everybody was in the street. It was incredible. That's very, very cool. Yeah, yeah, we have, with the kids, we have so much. I remember my son with the walker, the walker was too heavy for him. And he had this in his hand. And, well, that's... Yeah, that is... He'll have goosebumps. Yeah, I bet. Yeah, no, I'm getting goosebumps to listen to you talk about it, Frank. That's very nice. Jan, did you want to add something, mate? Sorry. No, no, no. I just wanted to be wondering if, after his mother spoke to him, if the mother talked to Billich afterwards to get blank sent off.

1:01:35It's funny that like 10 years ago, maybe I was working for the radio company that you broadcast, you work to with. You can mention the company. Our emcees. There we go. It's all right. And we received a billage. And I talked to him. I said, you know what? People think that I paid you in order for you to send off Laurent Blanc. And he said, I'm still waiting for the money, Frank. Come on, give me the money. But it's true, because it's so unreal. And you know what? Talk about sliding doors, mate. At the end of the game, he came and we were close to each other because they were at the last corner.

1:02:13And he came up and I didn't know because I didn't see the action with Laurent Blanc. And he came and he hugged me because he was playing for West Ham and I was playing for just between each other. And the day after in L 'Equipe, you have that picture where we hugged. Really? Yeah, that big deal. Wow, Frank. Look at that. Jules, did Geyi's performance today firmly cement him as a top three defender in the Premier League after Saliba and Gabriel? I thought, to be fair, he was doubtful with the absolute problem. Gabriel's stock's gone down, hasn't he? Yeah. Couldn't defend against Ireland. Gabriel's still there.

1:02:46Yeah, exactly. You could look at Geyi maybe in a slight lack of pace, really, for a centre-back, which I think would be fair. But I think on the ball, he's outstanding. In his jewels, he's very good. I think this World Cup has been great for him to be able to show the world that he can play at that level. Nice, the semi-final against Alvarez and Messi. And I think that even if those Argentines have been a bit underwhelming, I think we will see again if Gehi can step up and be at that level. This is a good question for you, Jan. Can someone explain what goes through a player's mind like Mbolo's to make such a foolish decision to dive, knowing full well that VAR is there?

1:03:22The more I think about it, the more puzzled I become. Why would you do that to yourself and more importantly to your team? Well, first of all, I think it's very easy to sit with an iPhone to make that question because when you're out there, when you're out there, when you're sweaty, your energy and everything, it's easy to say that was very, very stupid because one of the things that I think has been great for this World Cup is all these new rules that, first of all, VAR following up closely those kind of things. Secondly, the time that players are lying down after injuries has somehow, miraculously, has changed.

1:03:58They must be the best doctors in the world, by the way. So, Mbolo, there was a terrible situation. Thank God we had VAR. Imagine you could play on and the Argentinian player will get his second yellow card. Maybe the Argentinian teams get out. So, but I will, I take my players hat on because it's so easy to sit here and say, well, we would have done. We have all done stupid things in our career and he did a stupid thing. And Switzerland had to pay for it because they were in a good way at that moment in the game. Every decision that you make, whether it could be, it has to be taken in tens of a second.

1:04:35So it goes like that. So it's instinctive. So, strikers, Mbolo is a striker, they know how to play with the ref, they know how to fall, and they know it can be used, and most of the time, referees, they go for it. And we saw that. Mbappe, how many times he was on the floor last time, and we saw nothing. And we see that every game with every striker, and they keep on doing that, even if they know that something bad can happen to them, but it's kind of a reflex. But Frank, we saw two games today. There were a lot of diving. A lot of diving in the two games. And first of all, it was not only strikers.

1:05:16And another thing, I played six years in England. I know that only foreigners dive. It's only foreigners who dive. English people. That's for sure. Yeah, and we saw that today. Only foreigners. Only foreigners dive today. Final question. We'll keep it short for Jan. With the English winning by a wire thin margin. Very good. Very good. Well done. Well done. Jimmy Duggan. Well done, Jimmy. What will be their greatest point of interest to focus on when playing against Argentina? I mean, you know the narrative going into this game will be all about history and what happened and this kind of like...

1:05:51Beckham, obviously. Maradona. Maradona on the pitch in history. Yes, culturally the war. We have the war for Clans all about. Don't cry for me, Argentina. There we go. I don't think we've got the right to anymore. Don't say anymore. the stadium will surely be beautiful in Atlanta in terms of half will be a great venue as well no questions about weather no excuses about anything yeah yeah exactly I think Messi is again the key here and it's very much Messi against Bellingham in the sense of who will carry his team the best but it's going to be an amazing game Jan what's it 7 o 'clock your time in the morning thank you so much mate we really appreciate it but it always a pleasure to be on thank you no really good man Thank you very much.

1:06:34Thank you, Doc. Thank you, Doc. Yes. Go back to the future. Tell them about the wire. Tell them about the wire. Get rid of the Spyder Cam. I can't believe it. That is it. And give me the car back. I love that car. Spy camera. Spy camera. Yes, the NFC will return to your screens tomorrow. There are no games for the next couple of days, but we'll, of course, be there reflecting what we've seen in the tournament so far and looking ahead to those two crackers of semifinals.

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From the publisher

The FC Crew react to Argentina's extra time win vs Switzerland after a dramatic red card for Breel Embolo. Also, a breakdown on England's win over Norway, but Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham had some interesting comments after they achieved their spot in the semifinals. Also, a quick look at Spain vs France as we look towards the semifinal matchups.
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