In short
This FC Live episode focuses on France’s World Cup dominance, Norway’s upset win over Côte d’Ivoire, Mexico’s Round of 16 qualification, and Germany’s early exit.
Guests and backgrounds
Frank Leboeuf (98 World Cup winner, France); Jan Agafjortov (Norway football figure; former player who played against Scotland); Bernardo Osuna (covers U.S. men’s national team; Mexico football coverage).
Key claims and notable examples
- France: After a 3-0 win over Sweden, France booked the Round of 16. Kylian Mbappé scored twice; he’s described as the top knockout-round scorer and chasing Lionel Messi’s World Cup scoring record. Michael Olissé is praised for five World Cup assists, including a between-the-legs pass to set up Barcola. France’s depth is highlighted (substitutes like Cherki and Mateta).
- Sweden: Credit for fighting early, but France “took over” after ~40 minutes; woodwork and saves kept it from being worse.
- Norway: Norway beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1; goals credited to Nusa (39th), Diallo (sub, equalizer), and Haaland (late winner). Norway plays with a right-wing Zorloth setup to accommodate Haaland.
- Brazil next: Norway vs Brazil is framed as winnable, with Haaland “having fun” and creating chances even with limited touches.
- Mexico: Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 at Estadio Azteca via Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez; they’re praised for pressing and not conceding yet.
- Germany: Nagelsmann and Kimmich blame the players; Jan argues Germany’s management and squad balance have been poor since 2014.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOFrance's Dominant Win
1:40 to 2:24
Discussion on France's strong performance against Sweden and Mbappe's achievements.
“led by a brace from Kylian Mbappe, who is now the player with the most goals in the knockout rounds of any World Cup.”
Analyzing the Game
2:24 to 3:25
Breakdown of the match's progression and France's tactical advantages.
“And those three at France, you know, with on top of it, Rabiot working hard.”
Sweden's Efforts
3:25 to 4:04
Discussion on Sweden's performance and their challenges against France.
“Sweden a little bit of credit for the fight they put up in the first 40, 45 minutes of the game, and then France just took over.”
Stars of the Match
4:04 to 6:13
Highlighting the standout players Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olisse.
“And I'm not even sure Magic might have a save to make.”
Future Projections for Mbappe
6:13 to 7:20
Examining Kylian Mbappe's potential record-breaking future.
“He's in a very good time and he's going to produce.”
Team Dynamics and Depth
7:20 to 9:21
Discussion on France's team depth and capability without Mbappe.
“But just looking at this World Cup now, when you see Mbappe like this, and as Frank was saying, you're looking at him, especially with the assistance of Anolisse playing at their best.”
Sweden's World Cup Journey
9:21 to 10:17
Reflecting on Sweden's performance and their coach's impact.
“And we don't have any other national team who can cope with that.”
Looking Ahead to Paraguay
10:17 to 13:14
Previewing the upcoming match between France and Paraguay.
“You go on the plane, you go back home and you go, we've been beaten by one of the best teams in the tournament.”
Final Thoughts on the Matchup
13:14 to 14:01
Debating expectations and potential challenges for France against Paraguay.
“I don't think I share the sentiment of nightmare for France.”
France's Comfortable Position Against Paraguay
14:01 to 16:30
Discussion on France's potential match against Paraguay and their strengths.
“I just got lost against Saudi Arabia and became champion of the world.”
Show all 21 chapters
Norway's Historic Win and Upcoming Challenge
17:43 to 28:00
Analysis of Norway's victory against Côte d'Ivoire and their next match against Brazil.
“It was Noosa who gave Norway their first goal in the 39th minute and then Ahmad Diallo for Cote d 'Ivoire managed to pull one back coming off of the bench and then the big man.”
Norway vs Brazil: Expectations and Confidence
28:00 to 33:00
Discussing Norway's chances against Brazil in the World Cup.
“I promise you that is our Jan Agafjortov.”
Mexico's Victory Over Ecuador
35:00 to 41:33
Analyzing Mexico's convincing win against Ecuador and its implications.
“Mexico City is the place to be tonight after Mexico beat Ecuador by two goals to nil to book their spot in the round of 16 of this World Cup.”
Mexico's Victory Over Ecuador
41:39 to 42:44
Analyzing Mexico's convincing win against Ecuador and its implications.
“The one that makes buying so incredibly easy?”
Germany's World Cup Disappointment
42:48 to 45:34
Discussion on Germany's elimination from the World Cup and managerial failures.
“Help people affected by the Venezuela earthquakes.”
Managerial Reactions and Future Speculations
45:34 to 47:54
Exploring the potential future of German football and Jurgen Klopp's role.
“And you know that I have the proof that this is going to be the biggest disappointment of the World Cup.”
Predictions for Upcoming Matches
47:54 to 52:20
Analysts make predictions on upcoming matches in the World Cup.
“But, you know, I remember Jan talking about this German side and he wasn't sure about them whatsoever.”
Morocco's Resilience and Scotland's Approach
56:03 to 58:13
Discussion on Morocco's performance and Scotland's strategy in matches.
“Don, after seeing how Morocco pinned the Netherlands back and dominated for 90 minutes, are you ready to admit that Stevie was right about the way Scotland approached the match?”
Assessing France's Dominance
58:13 to 59:34
Debate on the strength of the French national team and their players' impact.
“Someone said today that half the starting 11 players for France would be the best player on most other teams.”
Coaching Changes in International Football
59:34 to 1:02:51
Speculation on coaching changes, including Klopp and Nagelsmann's future.
“I can see Rudi Föller fire Nagelsmann and he will stay on as an interim coach for the Germans till they sort out Klopp or another.”
Outro and Final Thoughts
1:02:51 to 1:04:44
Hosts wrap up the discussion and encourage listeners to tune in.
Transcript
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1:20Hello, hello everyone and welcome to this edition of FC Live. I'm Alexis Younes alongside Don Hutchison and Stevie Nichol as our Scots. But nobody is happier at this desk than our 98 World Cup winner with France, Frank Leboeuf. Because France are looking like they could become World Cup winners yet again. They have booked their spot in the round of 16 at the World Cup after a 3-0 win over Sweden. led by a brace from Kylian Mbappe, who is now the player with the most goals in the knockout rounds of any World Cup. Plus, he's definitely hot on Lionel Messi's tail, not just for the golden boot for this one, but also to become the most prolific goal scorer in a World Cup of all time.
2:07Right, let's get straight into it. Frank, after we saw that, what we saw from Mbappe, what we saw from Olisse, what we saw from everyone, It was just hard to ask for more from France. Yes, it slowly started. I would say in a way that it took them maybe 20 minutes to get into the game. But after when they started to work together and started to find each other in the best way, they were only one team on the field. And those three at France, you know, with on top of it, Rabiot working hard. It's simply a nightmare for the opponents. I mean, Dembele, Olysees and Mbappé, when they work together, it's impossible to catch with them.
2:47So I'm very pleased. I think I don't see any team being capable of winning so easily a World Cup game right now. But it's still a long way to go. And you will have to be 100 % if you want to achieve something. But so far, so very good. Oh, la, la. Oh, la, la. indeed. Don, you loved that one. It's not quite Scotland, but it'll do. No, we'll latch on to Frank for this tournament, I think. But the XG3 was very kind to Sweden, because it could have been 6 or 7, and it should have been. I'll give Sweden a little bit of credit for the fight they put up in the first 40, 45 minutes of the game, and then France just took over.
3:31And the more the game went on, you think this is going to be 4, it's going to be 5, 6, whatever they want it to be, but they absolutely dominated the Swedes. Absolute domination from France. A statement win too, Stevie, as if France really needed to make a statement. If anybody was unsure about France's qualifications, you saw it today. And yes, Sweden. Sweden gave it their all from the first to the last. And it's a good job because it would have been more than three. Had they packed it in, because at one stage it was like schoolboys. I mean, it was men against boys. France was so good. And I'm not even sure Magic might have a save to make.
4:09You know, and that's not saying that Sweden didn't. On a couple of occasions. Alanga was dangerous, wasn't he? Yeah, on a couple of occasions, they got close, but they never quite managed to get in and on the end of it. Which, the craziness for me is, before the first goal, they started to produce, you know, actions, and they say, hit the post, you know, offside, whatever it could be. I know what you're thinking. Yeah. The Lyssae bicycle kick. Yeah, the Lyssae bicycle. But it's like the... The mega assist. It was like the Harlem Globetrotters, you know, where when there is a show, we're kind of a suspect, but they know exactly what they're going to do, and then they destroy the opponent.
4:46It's a matter of time, wasn't it? Yeah. What you're talking about, we were all sitting thinking the same thing. It's a matter of time before they get the opening goal. Yeah, yeah. Because there was just so much in command. They were creating... And the fact that the woodwork got in the way a couple of times, and the goalkeeper made an incredible save with his feet. Yeah. But it really was a waiting game. You knew it was coming. And of course, eventually it did come. And surprise, surprise. It's Mbappe, dancing feet. I know it's Jokerezi goes past, but a couple of superb touches that open everything up for him.
5:18And then he shoves it in the top corner. So no shock. And I want to talk about two specific players, and this probably won't surprise you. Of course, Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olisse. They were brought off, but job was done by then. And then it was absolutely a flex from France to bring on the likes of Cherokee and Mateta. Just unbelievable. We'll get to that in a bit. But, Frank, six goals now for Kylian Mbappe in this World Cup. Five assists already from Michael Olisse in this World Cup. Can anyone stop them at the rate they're going? Right now? No, it's impossible. They are on their best of their fitness and their cleverness.
5:50The technique that Olisse is capable of showing. I mean, the pass on the assist for Bacola. Yeah. It thoughts, like, deeply between the legs. He's not a nutmeg, but he's a real assist when he thinks about putting the ball in between the legs of the Swedish players to assist Barcola. It's absolutely fantastic. And of course, Mbappe, from the first ball that he touched, he said, ooh, he's in a very good mood. He's in a very good time and he's going to produce. And it's what happened. And those players are just geniuses. And they're unstoppable when they are their best. And when they are supported by a great coach, but great partners as well, they are at the top of their football.
6:33And they know exactly what they do. On the first goal, it's Olize who gives to Dembele. Dembele who gives to Mbappe. And that's what it is. They know each other. They find each other. They look for each other. That's amazing. And that guy, Kylian Mbappe, there's no way that Messi can keep that record. Yeah. That's what it is. Because he's only 27. He's going to score many goals until maybe the final of this World Cup. He's going to play another World Cup. He's going to score like 22, 23, 24 goals. in the World Cup. So he's going to explore any records for a human being in football, which is only deserved, I would say.
7:13Which is amazing to think that Mbappe now is on par with Lionel Messi when he's over a decade younger than him and has played in a lot less World Cups than him. But just looking at this World Cup now, when you see Mbappe like this, and as Frank was saying, you're looking at him, especially with the assistance of Anolisse playing at their best. How many goals are we looking at? Are we saying 20, 25 maybe? Yeah. Do you know the one thing I took away from the way he's started this World Cup, Kylian Mbappe, and I might be in the minority, he's playing with far more enjoyment for France than he does Real Madrid.
7:43Yeah. I just got I get that feeling, whether that's the coach, whether that's putting on that French jersey. Is that who's also around him? Yeah. Yeah. I just think he probably he takes more responsibility when he plays for France. It's almost like, you know, he knows he's a star man and he probably knows he's a star man at Real Madrid. but there's something different about watching him. And that might be playing with Barcala or Douay or Lise and playing for. Dechamp who lets him play and they put them in a structure. But you look at his goals and you think, this guy's going to be around for another decade.
8:13So the goals that he's going to score overall, he's a phenomenal player. Sometimes, and again, I might be in the minority, but sometimes when you're watching for Real Madrid, his attitude's not the same. It can be a little bit arms in the air, a little bit frustrated. when he plays for France, I see a guy that's enjoying his football and it comes across that way. And he plays better when he's in that mood. There is one thing that I thought during the game. I say Mourinho is watching the game and he say, Mr. Perez, can I get all his ideas? Because that would be very interesting. I think Ole Gunnar might have a thing or two to say about that.
8:46He'd have to rob a bank. He would have to rob a bank at this point. Do you know the one thing I think we're forgetting? As great as Mbappe is and as magic as his total is going to be and as great as he is now, if you take Mbappe out of the French team, it doesn't matter. I think France will still win the World Cup. I don't think... We're talking about Mbappe and Messi here. Yeah, sure. I think if you take Messi out of Argentina, they ain't winning the World Cup. If you take Mbappe out of this team, they'll still win the World Cup. You just put Dembele as a false nine, you bring Dwayne in. The depth is remarkable.
9:21And you have Cherokee, you have Mateta. I mean, that's incredible. The forward line is amazing. And we don't have any other national team who can cope with that. That's impossible. Well, we'll talk about who they have next in just a bit. But let's spare a thought for Sweden as well, because it was already going to be a miracle if they were to topple this France as well. But I feel like, Don, no shame in Graham Potter's Sweden out here. Do you know what? If you're going to go out of a World Cup, and we're not shoehorning Scotland back into this conversation, but you've got to do it your way. And that's what Graham Potter did.
9:53They had a go. they were trying to be in a shape. They were playing counter-attacking football. The slight weakness, I thought, was when Alanga was getting at Luka Dean and he had him in the first 45 minutes. He had him on toast. So maybe that's it. That could be a ploy for someone else. But if you're going to go out and you're Sweden, you go, do you know what? Let's give it a real good go. There's every chance we're not going to win, but we'll try our best. And I'm not being condescending. They've done it their way. They had a go. And then there's no shame. You go on the plane, you go back home and you go, we've been beaten by one of the best teams in the tournament.
10:24if not the best. So let's do it our way. Straight after Mbappe scored the first goal, Isaac has a great chance to score. So had he had scored, it would have been a different story maybe because they would have put darts on the French brains and you don't know why in football, a little detail, she can change everything. So I think they had 20 very good minutes at the beginning of the game and they had that chance. So yeah, they can be, I would say, sad but proud of what they achieved. during the World Cup. Stevie, is that how you see it? What can Graham Potter take away from this? Well, I think he can take away that since Graham Potter's gone there, he's completely revamped them.
11:03Yeah. I mean, the team was in absolute shambles. Bottom of their group and the qualifying, since he's taken over, he's turned them into a football team. He's turned them into a team that plays for each other and gives everything every time they step on the field, which is not what was happening before Graham Potter took over. All right. Shall we talk about who France have next? And that is Paraguay. And I know what you're thinking on paper. This looks like France, France, France. But Paraguay have proven that they are very capable of toppling what we would consider European superpowers. But Frank, is this the kind of...
11:39Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. By the way, Lundsson. Germany are former champions. When was the last time? You said France, France, France. 2014. It's still France, France, France. It still is France, France, France. But yes, from the Paraguay that we saw, even against Germany, Frank, we know that France will go at them. And one thing Paraguay know how to do is to sit back and to suffer, sufriendo. They won't make it pretty. They'll make it annoying. Do you see France? I don't think they would lose. Of course not. But do you see France getting even a little bit rattled? They can struggle. If they have to score a goal very quickly.
12:14And that's going to be the end of the story. Because Paraguay will have to go out and that would be a disaster, I think. In 1998, we had to fight in the last 16th against Paraguay. And this is because of the golden goal of Laurent Blanc after maybe almost two hours that we went through. But it was a hard time. And Sheila Avert was really optimistic about the situation, maybe thinking about scoring the winning penalty in the penalty shootout. So that's something that I feel could happen because they're going to park the bus. They're going to wait for France to maybe open up or maybe not even just waiting for the penalty shootout.
12:52And we're going to see maybe a 90 % position for France. But as long as you don't score, Paraguay will still have hope. So we have to respect that team. They know how to defend. They know how to bend but not break, let's say. And that's going to be tricky. As long as France doesn't score the first goal, it's going to be a nightmare for France. Stevie? I don't think I share the sentiment of nightmare for France. No, me neither. A bit uncomfortable. A bit uncomfortable for Frank. Yeah, I think that's a bit uncomfortable. Uncomfortable. Maybe it was. A bit too much. Yeah, look. Whatever. Uncomfortable way the night before.
13:29Yeah. Not uncomfortable during the game. Because the bed are not very good at all. But they can make it uncomfortable. Well, they can. But I mean... They won't. To kind of go back to when you were talking about Sweden. I mean, Frank was talking about a sort of half chance that Isaac had. And there was a couple of other wee chances. But the reason they didn't worry Mignon and goal is because defensively, somebody was close enough to put them off. Somebody was there to either block it or make them go to the right when they wanted to go to the left. So we're talking about a side that not only are they dynamite going forward, my goodness.
14:01The USA beat them by four, didn't they? Paraguay? Yeah, but that was a very good... I just got lost against Saudi Arabia and became champion of the world. France will sleep very well knowing they're playing against Paraguay. Well, everyone, you know, I know the French because I am French, you know. And when we feel too comfortable, we know we're going to danger. There's going to be too many goals in your team, Frank. And on top of what Stevie said. Okay. Defensively. If you have two, you'll get three, basically. I mean, Paraguay could exhaust France. But then you see who France bring off of the bench as fresh legs that would start in any other team.
14:33No, but still, I mean, I know the football. And I know my country so well. And I know that when we are too comfortable is when we are surprised. So I want to respect Paraguay. And if we put out a nice work and a hard work on it, yes, it's going to be comfortable. You've been born in Paraguay? You're selling the Paraguay dream, eh? I'm just being on my fellow Latinos, you know. I have to, but Frank knows. I love me some France. I could sit down and watch Olisse with a bag of popcorn all day, every day. By the way, he might not even start. He might start jerky. And he might start duet. Would you like that?
15:10No, he's going to start. You've got too much depth. You've got too much depth. I mean, the only one who might not start would be Bacola. But Olysees and Mbappe, I think they're the two first names that Deshaun is putting on the list. So, no, I think, yeah. Dewey might play, but I don't know what happened to him. Maybe he's a little bit injured. I didn't know that. But otherwise he would have played. But Bacola, come on. It would be the biggest upset in World Cup history if Paraguay knocked out France. Well, that would be a disaster. by exactly France. I don't think for Frank's well-being and health we can even put our mind in that situation.
15:46No, no, no, no. I mean, right now, France has to become champion of the world. That's what it is. There's no excuse. There's no excuse. Even losing in the final, I mean, nobody sees something else but winning the World Cup because we are such above the other. But again, you have to prove it every game. That's their motivation not to fall asleep against Paraguay. Their motivation is winning the thing. That's what stops them from falling asleep. Being a little bit uncomfortable, as he said. Get used to being uncomfortable because a lot more football is left to play. But for now, France have done their job and they have done it spectacularly to get into the round of 16.
16:21I'm sure we'll be looking back at this game and all of the action. Remember Mexico-Ecuador to come later on tonight on ESPN FC, 11 p.m. Eastern time on ESPN2.
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18:03absolute scenes in oslo in norway as the vikings rode their way into the round of 16 after what was a stunning win over cut devout today absolutely amazing scenes for the norwegians if we have a look at the match stats you can see that erling holland was actually a bit quiet for majority of the game. It was Noosa who gave Norway their first goal in the 39th minute and then Ahmad Diallo for Cote d 'Ivoire managed to pull one back coming off of the bench and then the big man. He must have heard us saying he was having a quiet day because Erling Haaland in the right place at the right time with a late winner for Norway as now they have booked a matchup with Brazil in the round of 16.
18:46Well I did say earlier on that our Frank Leboeuf was probably the happiest man after what we saw from France. But I lied because Jan Agafjortov has not even been able to sleep after what we saw from Norway. Jan, you're just absolutely buzzing. I am buzzing. I mean, we are a small nation, but we are a great football nation, a great sport nation. And this means so much to us. I did the game for Austrian TV. And for the first time ever, I couldn't speak. I was crying. I had my tears went down. I saw the pictures from Oslo. I saw my friends. I saw my family. Part of my family, they're never interested in football, but they're interested in Norway.
19:26So a great, great day for us. Jan, was that the Ullaval Stadium, by any chance? That was where you played against me back in the days, Norway, Scotland. You won. I scored, and you hurt someone, and I scored. Scotland won. Aw, times have changed. Times have changed. But either way, as what Jan was saying, This is a huge moment for Norway. Yeah, it depends on how you want to look at it. If you want to look at it from a Norwegian point of view, you go, who cares? We won. Yeah. I was watching that game thinking Ivory Coast are a better side. I was watching the game unfold and I thought the Norwegian coach in the end was a lucky man because watching Alexander Sarlott play right wing, I thought, who's come up with that idea?
20:07I've not seen that before, especially when you have to chase Diamande back. So that felt a little bit, I was going to say left field, but right field, if you like. And then Oscar Bob came on, had an impact. And then, listen, Norway win the game. Great scenes. The big man with a tap in. It was a well-worked goal, actually. A goal from a Bodo point of view with a cutback. But Norway now plays Brazil. And I've seen Erlen Haaland's comments after the game. And he was like, this is just insane. And Norway going to place Brazil. Amazing. Jan, is Don being a little bit harsh on Norway here? Well, he's doing an analysis.
20:43I'm doing the euphoria. But what he's right at, we started quite passive. And Nusa, who's playing so well in German Bundesliga, and this player has been very good for Norwood through the qualification, as has Alexander Söhlert, who had a very, very quiet game. But then Nusa start taking on people. And then he made that magnificent goal. We maybe then should have had 2-0 before for the halftime on a corner from that solo. We came out in the second half and we had a problem with Diomanda. But somehow, and Don was alluding to it, Patrick Berg, the captain of Borde Glimt, that we've seen doing so well in the Champions League, he had a great game.
21:27And together with Bob, he created that goal. and it ended up being a tap-in for the big man Erling Haaland after that tap-in nearly was a bad touch for him. It was a scoffer. Yeah, you can see his eyes. He got a bit scared that he had tapped, done a bad touch on it. But overall, I said that before the game, it was a 50-50 game. The Ivory Coast is a very good team. We have some weaknesses in our team, but somehow we managed to kind of cover them. And you have to be said, we have a goalkeeper who played for Sevilla. He has played seven games for his club this season. Not best of practice. And then Diallo at the end there with that free kick.
22:13That's one of the save of this World Cup. And at least it saved us big time. Diallo, who had a big, big save, Don and Stevie, on the line, remember, at 1-0. And I thought, wow, this is going to bite us. And yes, he went up and did that 1-1. But then when you have Erling Haaland, you have that get out of prison card that nations like us love to have, or any nation would have loved to have. Yeah, and is that a common theme watching Norway play today with Sirloat playing right wing? Is that something that's been done before? Yes. What they've done is that they put Alexander Zorloth in that position because Erling Haaland doesn't like to play with a partner.
22:56So this is what Storloth Solboken has done. He has told Zorloth, play in midfield, but you are a striker, but never tell Erling. Erling has to think that he's playing all on his own. But as you were saying today, Zorloth was not in his best form. He hasn't been as good as he's been in the qualification games. And today, because you had, when we played the Amanda and when you play with Pedersen, Reherson, the Dortmund player, injured. So they had to play with Pedersen. Then he had to chase back. And that took a lot out of his energy. And sometimes it's not right that the big man is the one who has to make the crosses.
23:33We like him to be more central. But yes, that has been a part of our philosophy, of our setup. Stevie, what do you make of everything? Well, I think the solo thing, they have to change it. You know, it's one thing when you're playing out of position and things are going well, but you could see today that the first couple of touches he had weren't good. He lost the ball a couple of times. And then you sort of, for a guy who's 10 foot tall, he started shrinking a little bit, you know, when he was getting the ball and the middle are in the wide area. So I do think they have to change that. At the same time, I would say that Norway had as many chances in this game, probably more than Ivory Coast.
24:14You know, we can say that Erling Haaland never touched the ball much, but he had two opportunities with his head in the first half. He also had one block that was going in in the first half. So, you know, the Norwegians, yes, they may have looked as though they were giving up possession and maybe looked as though Ivory Coast were the team, not dominating, but in charge. But through all of that, no, we're creating chances. And so when you're creating chances, you've got a guy called Erling Haaland up front. you've got a chance of winning games. And I've already said that I think Norway will beat Brazil.
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24:49And I'm not going to change from that. I think they can beat Brazil. All right, well, hang on. We're going to talk about that Brazil game. But first, I do want to speak a bit more, Jan, of course, about your get-out-of-jail-free card that is Erling Haaland, that even when he's not had that many touches, he still is in the right place at the right time. He now has just one goal in this World Cup behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. We talk about that race for the golden boot, but I was speaking to our native Manua and he said he's just playing like he's having fun, like he's happy to be there.
25:20No pressure really on him. Is that kind of working in his favor, too? Yes, it is. I mean, he has played three games. He has scored five goals. He plays for a smaller nation, which make him even more impressive. But as we do follow him and we have followed him over the years, Elling Haaland is just doing what Elling Haaland is doing. He's just having fun. When he sat after the game against Senegal, he said, yeah, we'll play France. We'll probably lose against them and then probably win the World Cup. Everybody thought, oh, he's just been tactical. No, that's just how he is. And Don is alluding to, he said, oh, we're going to play Brazil.
25:56This is insane. He's enjoying his time. After the game, the whole team went up in the stands, sitting with their family and friends. They're just absolutely enjoying it. And I think that it speaks for Norway. for Norway speaks for Erling that this is seen as a bonus. This is a kid whose father played with me back in 1994. They have been a bit in the shadow Norwegian football now since 1998 World Cup when we were in France. They've never been there before. So this is seen as a big thing even to be there. And when Erling is in this mood physically, there are no injuries. You can see his explosivity.
26:33I remember, did you see in the game where there was this set pieces when he headed the ball away, then he kicked the ball away, and then he went for his own pass. It looked like, it was unbelievable. It was like Forrest Gump out there when he went for that ball. And I think that was just a symbol of how he's doing. And the great thing about it is that when he is like this, the other players, they see, wow, this is the way to do it. And although Martin Odegaard won't get praised for it, has the best game with the ball. I think he was enormous today, the way he kept the team together. Because when the goings were tough, he and Patrick Berg especially always wanted the ball, made us rest with the ball.
27:20Some of our weakness before Norwegian teams, we've always been kick and run. But now we are able also, sometimes at least, kind of rest with the ball. And I think that is very important at this World Cup. Right. Norway obviously passed their round of 32 tests. Can they pass the round of 16 tests, which will be one indeed against Brazil, Jan? But is it really a test? Because if you look at their head-to-head, Norway has actually never lost to Brazil. Two wins and two draws, not a single loss. And Stevie seems very confident that they can overcome this test. Jan, are you confident? I'm not very confident, but if you see that game in 1988, that was my first goal for Norway.
28:00So it brings me great memories. about this. And this, when you see Norway play. Look at this man. Thank you very much. Look at that. A young Jan. Look at that. What a great turn that is. Look at the fans. I promise you that is our Jan Agafjortov. He didn't invent the knee slide, did he? Did you, Jan? Were you the first ever do it? I think I was the first one who did it after we got color on our shows because there was black-white before this reading, but no, great memory and it's a great stat for us and last time we were at the World Cup in 1998 there was a decisive game against Brazil and we had to win to go to the next round and we managed, tore under the floor made 1-1, Cetel Rechel a penalty just at the end, so I think confidence is quite high in Norway based on that, but we get everything to win in this game I mean, we will just enjoy this game as Brazil want to win the World Cup.
29:04We just, it's an old cliche, we just think this is a fantastic thing. The next game at the World Cup. And how can we lose? Because we've got everything to win. Don, how confident are you for Norway in this one? Pretty. I'm pretty confident. I'm looking forward to watching Haaland versus Gabriel. Yeah. That matchup. Oh, we know that matchup. I do worry about Sarlot playing on that right-hand side and trying to chase Vinny Jr. back. That does worry me a little bit. But I love the idea of what Jan's saying and what Erlen Haaland's saying. And sometimes we can delve really deeply into football and people can look at the data and people can look at the psychology.
29:43And maybe some people think it's worth quite a defeatist attitude what Jan's saying. I embrace it. I'm like Jan and I'm like Erlen Haaland. Look, you're Norway playing against Brazil. The pressure's on Brazil. There's no pressure on Norway. Why can't they go into this game and just say, listen, we'll do it our way. We'll give it our best shot. If we've got enough, we've got enough. And if we can progress, amazing. If Brazil beat us, then we've tried our best. We hold our hands up and just say we weren't good enough. It's a great place for Norway to be. Going into that game with hardly any pressure.
30:15Stevie, early prediction and why you think it's going to go Norway's way? Well, it's partly because Norway have Erland Haaland and they have other ability around the field. but I'm not convinced about Brazil. I still think they're in some ways getting by. And this is a great game. And, you know, you're talking about a player who's enjoying playing, everything becomes easier. It's easier to run. It's easier to chase. Everything becomes easier when you're enjoying what you're doing. And the hard yards are the hardest things in football. and if you don't feel well, if you don't feel confident, if you don't think you're 100 % running around and chasing, it gets you in the end.
31:04But when you're feeling good and you're enjoying yourself, you'll run all day. And this Norwegian side will run all day for each other. And again, that's something I'm not quite sure the Brazilians have. I'm not sure that all the Brazilians are running for the guy standing next to him, but I can tell you, I know the Norwegians are. All right, Jan. So early prediction now, since they're having so much fun, how much fun do you see them having against Brazil? I think they're going to have a lot of fun. I'm not saying they're going to win the game. I don't think we're going to win the game. But I do think that Norway, I mean, we've got 500 people living in Norway.
31:40They know, I spoke to some of the players today after the game, and they kind of noticed what's going on in Norway. You must imagine they're all on public viewing. After the game today, there were like hundreds, thousands. You saw the photos and pictures from Oslo. After the game, all the people went to our castle. They want to wake up our king. Our king is 89. And they were sitting outside a castle. There must have been 50 ,000, 60 ,000 people in the streets. And they were rowing. Can you imagine? Our king, he loves his football. And then he sees out of the window and he sees like 50 ,000 people rowing.
32:19What I do say is that this thing that Erling Haaland has, this attitude that comes from this support, this energy that comes from Norway. And I think that is a fantastic strength because what's coming for Brazil is the pressure to win the World Cup. And I think that is an advantage for us. I'm not saying we have nothing to lose. I'm just saying we've got everything to win. And I think that is a great, great start for a game against Brazil for us. Absolutely love that. Come on, Jan. We know that Vikings never sleep. They are already always waiting for battle. All right. Well, Gab and Jules also haven't been sleeping much either.
32:58You can check out a new edition of the Gab and Jules show wherever you get your podcasts. Coming up next, there was a battle at the Azteca between Mexico and Ecuador. We'll look at that next.
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35:14Mexico City is the place to be tonight after Mexico beat Ecuador by two goals to nil to book their spot in the round of 16 of this World Cup. And that is a party we all wish we could join. And there is confirmation. Mexico defeating Ecuador. They are now in the round of 16 where they await either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo. But what a night it has been for Mexico. Two stunning goals from Julian Quiñones and Raul Jimenez sealed the deal for El Tri. And now I'm pretty sure the party across Mexico will continue. Let's welcome in someone who knows how to party himself, Bernardo Osuna, who has been covering the U.S.
36:00men's national team too. But Bernardo, la maldición del quinto partido, the curse has been broken for Mexico, but this was quite a convincing win and a brilliant moment in Mexican football history. Absolutely, Alexis. I think el quinto partido has been something that Mexico's been talking about forever. And finally, in front of an Azteca stadium that came out to support despite the delay, Despite the rain, lightning, thunder, El Dios Tlalo could not be kept at bay, but neither could this Mexican national team squad. And it was that trident of attack that has just been so effective for Javier Aguirre.
36:40And it's the youth in the midfield as well. There's not enough you can say about Mora. This is a guy who is a teenager still. The ball boy who walked out with him was taller than he was, but yet the stature of a young man who understands what is at stake and he has no fear. He asks for the ball. He demands the ball. He doesn't shy away from the big moments, just like this young lady doesn't shy away from the camera. And that's what Mexico needed. Sometimes it's that lack. It's not knowing what you're really up against that really helps you. And Mora just has all of that. He's going to be a star for this Mexican national team, but it's also Quiñones on the left side being so dynamic.
37:20Raul Jimenez, who scores another goal in Azteca Stadium. It was just a magical night. singing El Rey with the fans after the game, if that doesn't get you goosebumps, I don't know what does. I don't know what does indeed. And obviously, Bernardo is out on the West Coast in California where you know it's basically home base for Mexicanos everywhere as we can hear horns behind you and celebrations there. But Bernardo, seeing a performance like this, getting past esa maldición del quinto partido, I feel like Mexican fans are dreaming, dreaming big. How big do they dare to dream now? they dream to dare they dare to dream as big as they can because it's either going to be england or uh congo up next and at the end of the day mexico is fearless there's something about that fortress and estadio azteca that national anthem tonight was the loudest i've ever heard estadio azteca and i've been there for the confederations cup win that mexico had against brazil it just does not compare.
38:19This World Cup has taken the fandom to another level. When you pay that kind of crazy money, you know you're going to enjoy the game. You're going to get your money's worth. And the Mexican fans have really done exactly that. They've really taken this team in. And all the pessimism over the years about Mexico and not being able to get to that fifth game, it's all disappeared. There's a solidarity right now that the country hasn't felt in a long time. And you know what? For the first time, I think in this whole World Cup, we've seen a dynamic in the way that Mexico played. Today, it wasn't the ratoncitos of the tree of old.
38:52Tonight, we saw a fully formed team. This was a team that knew what they had to do. They had to utilize the big names of Ecuador. They did that early. They come out, they punch them in the mouth, and then the two quick goals, and all of a sudden, it was an uphill battle for Ecuador that they just couldn't handle. Well, with the bandera de Mexico behind you, Bernardo, we're going to thank you so much and let you go and celebrate because I'm pretty sure California, as well as Mexico, is definitely the place to be tonight. Thank you, Bernardo. My pleasure. The party just finished. The fans are just getting out.
39:24So, no quiero volar. No quiero volar. Indeed. Stevie, what's also even more impressive from Mexico right now, too, is that they have yet to concede a goal. But they're finally playing that sexy football that everyone says they kind of wanted to see. I don't think I've ever heard a crowd as loud after 10 or 15 minutes shouting Ole. I mean, that is how much this crowd has come to enjoy themselves. And the team has absolutely given it to them. And there's kind of a perfect storm here. You've got the young kid in Moira who everybody's getting behind. But you've also got the legend in Jimenez up front.
40:02So it's just every single thing about this Mexico side, what's not to like and not to get behind? And as we saw, not only are they playing great, the scoring goals, the crowd's loving it. Do you know, I felt a little bit sorry for Ecuador, and it was nothing tactical. It was the way Mexico approached the game. They trampled all over them the first half. From the first minute, they pressed them well. They really shut them down. They ran hard. Some of the play, the passages of play, the triangles that they were playing, the quick football, the one and two touch, I thought they were superb. And the two goals that they scored, outstanding finishes.
40:36Do you have a favorite? Of the goals? Yeah. I think Cunones, I think the season he's had in Saudi, He's been prolific. And to strike that in the top corner to get them going, that was the best one. Yes, indeed. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, two people that I don't think will ever have to pay for a drink in Mexico ever again. Well, celebrations for Mexico, but more from the fallout after Germany exited a World Cup early yet again. We're talking about that coming up next.
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43:12Following Germany's elimination from the World's Cup, manager Julian Nagelsmann has spoken out. He said if you exit after the first stage, it's not enough for German football. This is now the third elimination in a row. So we are not part of the first class teams anymore. I am disappointed. Joshua Kimmich also had this to say. We deserved to be eliminated. We struggled badly in all three matches against teams that aren't world class. It wasn't the coach. It wasn't the media. It wasn't the referee. It wasn't the opponent. It was just us. Jan Agofjortov still here with us. Jan, what do you make of what Nagelsmann and Kimmich had to say?
43:51Well, first of all, I've seen some headlines around the world saying this is not the Germany we know. Of course, this is Germany. This is exactly the Germany we know. This is 2018 Germany. This is 2022 Germany. And this was, we were able to say that, and I did. I said how bad managed this German team is. And that is down to Julian Nagelsmann. His leadership hasn't been good enough. It's been six months now before the World Cup. There was Neuer here and Neuer there. Baumann here and Bauer there. And this doesn't make a good dressing room. To lose a dressing room, we're talking a lot about losing a dressing room, but you have to win the dressing room as well.
44:31That is on Nagelsmann. The rest is on the players. The German team, there's so many of these players are overestimated. And this is the same country. This is the same football nation that's criticized the French league, where they only have one team who is winning. Well, that's the case also in Bayern and in Germany and in the Bundesliga. They won it like 12, 13 times. You had Leverkusen inside. Why is that important? It's because you don't create top, top players. And if you see in that team, you see the lack of balance of different players. I mean, the defence, when you saw the goal Paraguay scored against Ta and Rüdiger, I mean, in all respect to CSO, but he's a small guy who gets across, standing all on his own, heading in 1-0.
45:18And I think that is just a symbol of how bad the German national team are at the moment. And I saw some pundits, some German pundits, some former greats in football saying that this team, they had a chance to win the World Cup. I mean, I was 100 % clear. And you know that I have the proof that this is going to be the biggest disappointment of the World Cup. And now Germany go home in shame. Sorry to be that critical. Well, Jan, even before Germany were eliminated, there were heavy links for Jurgen Klopp to become the next manager of Germany. Now that they have been eliminated and all what you said about Julian Nagelsmann, has he stepped down?
45:59What are you hearing? Is he close to stepping down? Well, you know, right after the game, I was following all the interviews and all the different channels. I mean, the guy won't resign. And there are reasons for that. I would say there are 14 million reasons for that. because he got another contract lasting for two years so that he gives away a card. What he did say is that I won't go away. I won't run away. The German FA have to kind of make that decision. They came with a statement, their president came with a statement. They say, we're going to sit down with Rudi Fuller and Julian Snagelmann and see what was going wrong.
46:39The problem is that it's gone wrong since 2014, 12 years ago. and you never see any progress. I don't think Jürgen Nagelsmann will resign. I'm not sure that the German FA think that they can afford that. But what we do know is that this process has started and if Jurgen Klopp is available, he is at Red Bull at the moment, but if he's available, he is, I mean, can you find a better national coach or a Bundestrainer, as they say in Germany? He can unite. He can heal German football. I mean, he will get more popular than a counsellor. Not very hard, by the way. Did you see that thing? They got eliminated and their counsellor, their prime minister, made a tweet and said, fantastic.
47:28I'm so proud of your performance in this game. You have made all Germans proud. So I don't think it's going to be hard for Jürgen Klopp to be counsellor and national coach. Drama, drama, drama. Stevie, do you agree with what Joshua Kimmich had to say about how it's not the refs, it's not the manager, it's not the opponents, the players only have themselves to blame? I think at the end of the day, a lot of what he says is right. Yes, there's no question the manager has to take some of the flack. But, you know, I remember Jan talking about this German side and he wasn't sure about them whatsoever.
48:04And I agreed, I thought defensively, particularly the centre-back spots I just think they're not particularly great regardless of whether Slaughterbeck players or anybody else whoever it is but if you think about it now you look at the front four with Wertz Moussiala Sani and Havertz none of them coming into this were in any great form Sani's in Galatasaray for a reason there's a reason he's not a Bayern Wertz has had a horrible season at Liverpool pool. Moussiala's been out for how long? With a terrible injury. And you've got Kai Havertz, who's not really a centre forward, or certainly not a first choice centre forward.
48:47So you've put all your eggs in a basket of these four guys going forward and then you wonder why they can't break anybody down. So, yeah, all round, not good enough. Not good enough. But Jan, you are always good enough and we're going to let you go and enjoy what has been a brilliant day for Norwegians everywhere. Thank you so much, Jan. All right, well, make sure to join ESPN FC tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. on ESPN News. Time to take a quick break, but when we come back, we'll look ahead to the USA's round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
49:27Pitch preview is brought to you by DraftKings Sports. Right, here's what's coming your way on Wednesday in the World Cup. England against the Democratic Republic of Congo is what kicks us off. And then Belgium, Senegal, followed by the USA up against Bosnia and Herzegovina. So it is time for predictions. We hope that we've not been leading you astray. I think all our brackets took a massive blow after yesterday. But let's start off with this one. England against DRC. Don? There is method to my madness. It's not madness. It's two Scotsmen here. I know you're not choosing England. What I'm going to do is, right, I've never wanted Whistler to score a hat-trick so much in my life.
50:13What method to my madness, what I'm going to do is I'm going to predict England because I want to be wrong. You want to be wrong. Well, you're not alone. I know. It's like a double bluff. Three of us here. It's a double bluff. It's a double bluff. Yeah, I would love a double bluff as well, but the truth is you cannot bet against England in this game. Listen, Congo would be great. Alexis can. I can. Alexis can. DRC backed Jamaica out, but you know what? I'm standing by you, DRC. I'm going to go with you on this one. Next one, Belgium against Sadio Mane and Senegal. Senegal all day long, if Belgium keep on playing the way they've been playing, They have been one of the dullest side in the competition to watch.
51:02So Senegal for me. 100%. Can't disagree with that. I'm actually a little surprised. Yeah. They got this far. What are you doing? Oh. What are you doing? See the method to the madness? Oh, man. He's gone mad. He's gone mad. All right, well, I'm going to actually go with, to be honest, Senegal as well. Come on, Senegal. Belgium, I don't know what it is, guys, but it's been underwhelming. Very underwhelming. Exactly. All right. The USA up against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia, they know how to suffer. They know how to sit back. They know how to battle. But this USA has been really exciting. And they're going to have to suffer and suffer and suffer because there is only one winner in this game.
51:45USA to win 3-0. 3-0. 3-0. 3-0. Listen, I think the USA are going to win because if they produce what they've been producing in every game, and I'm including the Tokyo game because the reserves say went about it. Yeah. The same desire as the so-called. Got to score first, didn't they? Score first. Within the first 20 minutes. I think regardless, they win. Yeah. All right. Well, you know what? I'm, of course, also going to go with the USA. And boom, everyone gets a happy 4th of July weekend. The USA off into the round of 16 where they're going to probably have bigger fish to fry. But anyways, that's our predictions.
52:20That's going to do it for this edition of ESPN FC. Thanks for rocking with us. Up until late.
52:28Hello, everyone. Welcome in to Extra Time. Alexis Noonis alongside Don Hutchison and Stevie Nickelburn in the Midnight Oil Boys. But it has been an exciting day. We also have our Jan Agafjortov, who is the happiest man alive. I said Frank Leboeuf was going to be the happiest after what we saw. You realize what time it is for Jan. But why sleep when Norway is flying, right, Jan? You don't need sleep. I don't need sleep. And I'm a Viking. We never sleep. That's right. We just battle. They battle. They lay in wait and battle and Brazil will be a battle for them next. Well, let's get to the first question, which is for Jan.
53:04Jan, percentage chance of confidence that Norway defeat Brazil. Is there a better duel than Erling Haaland-Gabriel? Haaland-Gabriel is the duel going into the next stages. And we know there is a history there. I mean, if you ask me, I'm a fan. And then you know how it's like you're nervous. and my confidence rate is very low. But I will say that we went into the Ivory Coast game with 50-50. I will say with Brazil, with the history, with individual players, when they play at their best, it will be 55-45 advantage Brazil. We agree with Jan? I think Jan's right there, but that battle's going to be amazing.
53:51I mean, Gabriel should have been sent off when he played Haaland last time. There's going to be some iconic stare-downs. Gabriel staring up to Haaland. Well, if you remember as well when Haaland scored against Arsenal. Was it last season or the season before when he bounced the ball off the back of his head? That was brilliant. That was brilliant. Fantastic. And Erling loves those duels. Remember the last qualification game when we played Italy at San Siro? There was this guy who touched his ponytail. And Erling turned around to him and said, you know what I'm going to do now? I'm going to score against you a couple of goals.
54:22And then he scored two goals. against him. So he loves these double duels. Well, he's a Viking. He loves a battle. Never shies away from a battle indeed. Next question. Which country has the easier road to the semifinal? Argentina who could have Cabo Verde, Egypt, Colombia or France who could have Sweden, Paraguay, Morocco? Well, we already know that France overcame Sweden. So now Paraguay, Morocco, you'd fancy your chances there. Stevie? Ooh! That's tight. If you'd switch Morocco out, I would say easily France. I'd have to go with Argentina, though. I think Cape Verde, Egypt. Yeah. Egypt are struggling along.
55:08Colombia. Colombia-Argentina is a nice battle, though. It's a physical battle, but in terms of football now, talent, I think Argentina outdo them. Yeah, I think Morocco is the reason why I'm not going to say France. I'm going to say Argentina. And I absolutely concur. You think the way France played today, and you think how heavily favourites they are to win the competition. When you look at that little bracket there, I agree with Stevie. Tian? I think we have to get used to Morocco going maybe all the way. I think we just have to make that thought available for people. Morocco was fourth in the last World Cup.
55:48They're seventh in the FIFA ranking, and they're playing solid football, have some potential match winners. So whoever mates Morocco, that is not an easy way to go all the way. So I will go Argentina. Yeah, Morocco definitely know how to suffer and battle. That is one thing they do very well. Next question for Don. Don, after seeing how Morocco pinned the Netherlands back and dominated for 90 minutes, are you ready to admit that Stevie was right about the way Scotland approached the match? No. No, I don't care if Scotland do it the right way and have a good go at any team they play against. And if you're not good enough, you're not good enough.
56:27The whole point when you play professional football, whatever sport it is, is to have no regrets. I think Steve Clarke will have regrets. I think the players will have regrets. Why not? I know what Jan's saying and we are not far away from an African side winning the World Cup. But as a sportsman, you're playing tennis, snooker, football, whatever sport you're playing. You've got to try and have a go. That was my issue. I'm not questioning how good Morocco are. I'm questioning if you're Scottish. Just have a go. See if you were right. Have you played snooker? It's called snooker, so you're trying to be defensive.
57:03It'd have to be. You hit a 1-4-7. You brought snooker up. You'd be going to hit a 1-4-7. That's the rules of the game, is trying to snooker people. No, it's not. It's just the name of it, you numpty. numpty. Why is it called snooker then? It's just the name, the origin of it. Why is it called snooker? It's the origin of somebody. My days, come on. That's gigantic. Jan, you want to come in on this little Scottish battle? I'm just going in there for a Scottish battle. What I have to say to the Scots, don't have a civil war because the Vikings are lying in the ships and we will take advantage of it.
57:33So it's good to listen to that civil war. But I think that I'm with Don in terms of you have to go for it. And I'm from a small nation as well. and the ones I regret when playing for Norway back in the days, were the times we would just try to be careful. And you have to go for it, and I think that the players want to do that. And I think that was a lack with the Scots that I think they should have gone for it and played at their strength. Correct. All right. So the Norwegian has won this battle. 2-1. 2-1, sweetie. 2-1. Put that in your pipe. Should have played to the strength. All right, we'll probably never get to the end of this battle.
58:12So let's go to the next question. Someone said today that half the starting 11 players for France would be the best player on most other teams. Do you agree? I'm assuming most other international teams? Half the starting 11 for France. So Mbappé. Dembele. Dembele. Ulisse. Saliba. Saliba. up at Meccano. You know who's been great? Rabiot. Rabiot. Marcola started today. Due. Due as well. Who never even played. Yeah, Due didn't start. Turkey didn't start. I'm not far wrong. No, but I will say it this way. I think that if you see the 26-man squad of France, if they had two teams at this World Cup, you can say they have because there are so many french-born players anyway around in the other teams but if you put if you put that squad into two teams that other team will also be a big chaser for going to the semi-finals and that's the biggest compliment you can give to a squad that whole squad is a cheat code honestly absolute cheat code but you know what for the beautiful game we absolutely love seeing it olise two words michael olise oh my days chef's kiss right final question Nagelsmann likely gone Klopp next slot to take over the Netherlands Jan what do you think oh that is a shout because we know Coleman has already stepped down I will I will produce a maybe thing that will happen will make himself kind of yeah let's see and of course he has the best job ever at Red Bull being a head of global activities around the world which is not a bad job to have.
1:00:05I can see Rudi Föller fire Nagelsmann and he will stay on as an interim coach for the Germans till they sort out Klopp or another. As for Slott, he is available but I think it's too early for him. I think he would love to take the club first because I think that is what the Dutch do and that's what I do best and I think that after winning the Premier League with Liverpool, sorry Steve, it's just one year ago, one season ago, they did that. I think that he will still love another challenge and also remember, Slott hasn't been coached for that long. So to take the national team now, I think it's a bit too early for him.
1:00:50Klopp at Germany, do you think that would right the ship? It would certainly change a lot of things, change the attitude, change the approach. doesn't mean it's always going to change the results. But as I said earlier on the show, it's a lot easier to play with a smile on your face and enjoy it. And when you're doing that, things can happen. The trouble for Jurgen Klopp is it's not domestic football. You can't go out there and buy that player and buy that player and buy this player. But there's still talent in this Germany squad. Yeah, but when you look at them, how many of these Germans get in the French team?
1:01:24Oh, but France is just next to them. Well, that's what Germany should be. I mean, Germany and Brazil have won the most World Cups, but they're miles away. Yeah, but I think that it's very important. That is a good point, actually, because I saw Joshua Kimmich also said, we've been playing teams who are not world-class and we've still been struggling. Well, I got some news for you, Joshua Kimmich. Germany are not world-class either. You're not world-class either. You are Ecuador and Paraguay, and no disrespect to these two national teams, which have done brilliantly with their attitude at this World Cup.
1:02:00Slott, no. Not having it. No. I think he's stopped quite high, no? Why, you feel like he's not proven himself yet. No, I think if he takes the Dalliners job now, I think Jan rightly says it's only 12 months since he won the Premier League. And so if he takes the Dalliners job now and it doesn't go well, people will forget about the Premier League win. it'll be all about what happened the second year and then well if you can get the Dutch team to win with the talent they've got there'll be questions asked whereas he could probably down the road get the Netherlands job if he really wanted it probably whereas a good a really good club side he could probably get it now but if he waits too long he won't get it so yeah not just yet his stock's high though yeah his stock is high it depends on what he wants if he feels as though he needs a break or he feels as though he needs to get back into club football or you know when you get the chance or the potential chance of managing your country sometimes that could be too big to turn down I mean look at Amarim yeah Amarim turned up in Milan yeah so I think Amar Slot's got a chance if he tries to take it now Jan now I'm just saying that the most likely thing to happen is Jürgen Klopp because Jürgen Klopp I think there are two jobs that got to be too tempting for him for to turn down and one has already gone to Mourinho at Real Madrid but to be Bundestrenden in Germany Germany doesn't change national coaches very often it's a very high profile job when you see the history of German football and and Jürgen Klopp is a perfect national coach he is a he is a coach that could unite the country and I think that is a very, very important part of being a national coach because football got an unbelievable strength to unite people and who's better than that than Jurgen Klopp that wherever he was in Mainz, in Dortmund or in Liverpool, have the ability, the skills to unite people so he would be the perfect coach for the German national team.
1:04:08And Jurgen Klopp actually said because Xhaka spoke to him last week he was asked, Xhaka asked him if he misses the day-to-day stuff with the coaching and he said no and he didn't think twice about it he was he was botched he's living his best life now he said no I'm loving what I'm doing now so if he takes the the national team job it's pretty much day on day off whatever you fancy yes indeed all right well that's gonna do it for extra time Jan we're gonna let you continue to enjoy your Viking win should we do a roll for Jan. Yeah. Was it? Come on, Stevie. You're taking on water. Come on, Stevie.
1:04:51Come on, Stevie. You're taking on water. Sorry. I'm helping you out by keeping you afloat. Come on. Do one row, Stevie. Do one. He's on. Do a little one. Where's my life jacket? Do a little one. I need my life jacket. He's not the fittest. He's not the fittest to row this pose. All right. Well, make sure to tune it to ESPN FC. Remember, we are on seven days a week and twice a day during this World Cup.
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From the publisher
ESPN FC is up to react to another exciting day in the World Cup. France took care of Sweden. Kylian Mbappe just keeps scoring, and he is one goal behind Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot of the World Cup. Erling Haaland scored late to help Norway advance. They are set up for a date with Brazil. Do they have a chance? We also recap the Mexico vs Ecuador match before closing out with some predictions.
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