Mexico Clinch Their Spot

23:45Am I fully fit? Can I do the job for the team? It's no good me running at three-quarter pace and not going past people with the ball. If that's the way I'm going to play, I need to be out and come in next week when I'm fully fit. Australia are the US's opponents, of course, and their press has been enjoying the rivalry that seems to have been built over the last few days. Make America groan again, the front page of the Australian Daily Telegraph. Let's hear, shall we, from one of their players. I knew that the US would be strong in their opening game. Obviously, like I said before, there's lots of pressure on them, but they've got a really strong squad.

24:22Obviously, speaking to Frizo as well, he was quite confident going into the tournament. You know, they're really fast, got a lot of really good players that play at a really high level. So we know that they're going to be a really tough test, and you could see that against Paraguay. They had a great performance. So there's a few things that we've been working on during the week to try and shut a few things down. But we know they're going to be a strong team and it's going to be a really tough game. Jürgen, that first half against Paraguay was pretty much picture perfect. How do you manage that momentum going into this game?

24:57Because everyone, of course, around is just making so much positive noise. Hey, whoa, hey, that's positive noise. How much of a coach do you have to kind of take the air out of everyone's momentum a little bit? or do you build them up as everybody else is? No, I think you let them just ride the wave at the moment. And if the energy in training sessions is good, is high, just leave it that way. I don't think as a manager, as a coach, you need to interfere right now. But if it drops and maybe there comes some contentness into the whole picture, then obviously it's a different situation. Then you've got to open your mouth and then you've got to talk to them.

25:37But I don't think that will happen to this U.S. team. I see it as a very, very hungry group of players. They are so eager to show the whole nation who they are. They enjoy now this moment, absolutely fantastic game, and they want to continue that way. It will not be an easy one because Australia, they know how to fight. I mean, they are physical. And it could be we see some real fights, a little bit of hockey-style fights on the field because Australia is not just coming in there and giving them the three points. They go in there for a real battle. And it will be interesting to see if then the U.S.

26:13team is capable to keep the same rhythm, the same tempo that they showed against Paraguay. The first half against Paraguay was absolutely fantastic. To repeat that one right away is very difficult. That's a good point. As a player, Jermaine, how do you have to manage the physical nature of this match we're kind of expecting? Home crown are behind you. First challenge goes in. Everyone kind of gets involved. But as Jürgen says, that can put you off a tempo which was so successful against Paraguay. Yeah, and I think you will go with the same mindset back into this game. Of course, you play at home, you want to win, like they did it against Paraguay.

26:50I think they were not challenged by Paraguay too, especially in the defence. But I think we did it still good in the front. Because I think we know the weak point is with Tim Ream, with speed in the back. But you can balance that out if you say, like we did, when we lose the ball in the front, straight away press it again try to win it again if you don't win it makes more fouls that the game is stopped it would be interesting to see how they do it against australia because australia's biggest strengths is is the speed and the guys in the front so um but at the end i think you play in home game i think the guys come out of a good game for an amazing first half against power cry and um and you have to take that whole atmosphere the whole energy what the fans will bring from the beginning you have to take into the game i just think too that yes it can happen and i think with all the teams who canada mexico in the u.s that if you come down like get a goal against you or the game is not going your way that the crowd can turn and can be a little bit against you and i think the same is for the u.s and um i think we talked a lot now that we going in this game and we will win against australia but i think we have to be really careful they're going to be physical, aren't they?

27:59Yeah, I love what Jurgen said. He knows Australia very well from their World Cup qualifying campaign. This is a team that fights. They claw. They will be as stingy as they can in the back. It's a 3-4-2-1, but they will line up 6-3-1 and those 10 guys are in their box. They don't mind being in there. They don't mind being close to their goalkeeper. Turkey had 30 shots. 30 shots. And when they had the opportunity to break, it's Patrick Beach out to the center back, to the left back, and it's, you know, Basta, Iracunda, and Iracunda puts it in the back of the net. They've got Torre, who's got some speed.

28:32They've got Sutter, who's the team captain, who's 6 '6". There's a dead ball specialist. They're not going to allow the U.S. men's national team to have the space like Paraguay did. Paraguay was mid-block. And Christian Pulisic was so good. Sergino Destin were operating in zones in between the outside backs and the center backs. They were creating all types of havoc in the midfield with the runs of Malik Tillman, Wesley McKinney, all types of space. That's not going to be there against Australia. This is a team that's going to make it very difficult. And they have motivation. For whatever reason, Australia thinks that they're being disrespected by the U.S., not by the players, but from other people in or around the U.S.

29:07and they have something to prove. This is exactly the type of game that Australia loves. And it's the type of opponent that historically the U.S. has suffered against. They had a friendly not too long ago that wasn't a friendly. Christian Pulisic comes out in the first half because they were kicking the crap out of him. He comes out injured in that game. and the U.S. ends up winning 2-0, two Haji Wright goals, but it was a fight and they have to be prepared for another fight in Seattle come tomorrow. Prediction, Robbo, for this? What are you thinking? I still think that the United States will win.

29:36They're going to have to find a different way of playing because, as you just said, Paraguay were open. Australia aren't going to be open. They defend their box really well. Are the United States going to go down the outside and get crosses into the box? Are they going to be clever enough to pass it through Australia because Australia are going to be deep? but I still think they'll have enough about them. I think they'll score a fairly early goal and then dominate. Then they can play. Then they can control the game. They're going to win by two goals to nil. It's going to be a fascinating contest, and we'll see whether or not Robbo is right, of course, and be sure to join us on ESPN FC tomorrow morning for more as we continue our countdown to kickoff in Seattle.

30:13We'll be live at 9am ESPN2. Still to come, Cristiano Ronaldo. Big debate as to whether or not Roberto Martinez should drop him. We'll get the reaction from the boys after this.

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32:01Not particularly pleasant reading if you're a Portugal fan and indeed a Cristiano Ronaldo fan. That 1-1 draw against DL Congo brought so much criticism towards Cristiano Ronaldo. This is what his manager Roberto Martinez had to say about dropping him. it makes no sense to get the best goal scorer in world football out in a game that you need goals. This was keeping on, of course, for the whole of the match. Jürgen Klinsmann, come on. You drop him, don't you? Get rid of him, he's too old. There's no way of dropping Cristiano Ronaldo. Not even a split second. Because sooner or later he scores the most important goals for you.

32:41And the most important goals are not in game one. and they're not against Congo. You know, does he want to score against Congo? For sure he wants to score. But, I mean, look four years back, you know, Argentina started the World Cup with a 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia and Mr. Messi didn't score at all. And there's no discussion. And now I think Roberto Martinez is spot on. I mean, this is your guy. This is your team is built around Cristiano Ronaldo with world-class players that didn't perform in their first game so well against Congo. Yeah, for sure there is criticism. For sure there is that the media goes up and down.

33:21But that's part of it. You move on to the game too. And Cristiano Ronaldo will score a couple of goals in this World Cup. I have zero doubts. Robbo, drop him? I would drop him because I think, you know, you're going to say, and if he stands there long enough, he'll score a couple of goals throughout the tournament. So would Ramos if he was playing centre-forward. And Ramos would do a lot more movement in the box. He could make runs in behind. But if you do keep Ronaldo in your team, then Roberto Martinez has to check. And Jürgen just said you have to build the team around Ronaldo. They have to have players running beyond him.

33:51And that was the problem for Portugal. They didn't have anybody running beyond him throughout the game. Bruno Fernandes did it twice in the first half. The left-back Mendes did it twice in the first half. But they kept on playing in front. And if you've got nobody threatening the back, the opposition get higher up the field, and then you can't be a threat. And that's what happened with Portugal. So they've got other players have to do runs in behind Ronaldo if he's going to be in the team. Start him or drop him? Yeah, I will start him. Just because I know the situation and what it is now that he got the pressure so much because Messi scored the three goals.

34:24And that is the rivalry between them. And then I think the media, everybody pushed it. But I think Jürgen is just pointing on with that. And I believe it too, that he will get you goals. And it's just, of course, we know the same way that it doesn't matter if it's Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. They will not work for you against the ball. So they will stand in front and walk and wait for the moments to score goals. If you don't score goals, you look really bad. That's how simple it is. You got 20 seconds, Eric. What happened against Spain in the Nations League final? He looked pretty good, scored a goal.

34:55You know what happened there? Vitinha was better. Bruno Fernandes was better. You had guys like Mendes. You got guys like Concei Sao who were a lot better. In this game, I'm with Rubble. When the players like Rafaelao, Conceição come to the game and they start going at players, they looked better. It was very little. And yes, while I agree he looked abysmal, I think all of Portugal looked abysmal. Let's talk about players that have been shining so far in the States. And you take a look at the goals that have scored by some notable players, Messi, Kane, Mbappe and Erling Haaland. So I'll keep this question simple.

35:27Keep your answers simple, if you wouldn't mind. out of those four, who would you start in your great team? Jermaine, you can only have one of them. Harry Kane. Harry Kane, because? Because I think he gives you against the ball too. He's working, he drops deep in midfield, he passes, he scores goals. I think he, as a coach, I would go with Harry Kane. And he's English. Maybe. Herc? Kylian Mbappe. Listen, I've not been round enough, but I've never seen somebody at this competition in a World Cup take over like Kylian Mbappe. In Qatar, that second half was a performance unlike I've never seen on a footballing pitch.

36:08He's already won a World Cup final. He's already played in two World Cup finals. He's looking for his third. He's about to break history. Messi's going to leave. He'll eventually, surely will do it. I don't think it's a debate here about Kylian Mbappe. Erling Haaland, because he only touches the ball 20 times. he still scores two goals. If Norway get the ball into him more and more, they get more crossings of the box, Erling Haaland can score a hat full of goals in this tournament. Jürgen, I know this is your favourite question. Go on. I think I go with Messi, guys, because you haven't mentioned Messi.

36:41Because Messi can even do fouls for clear red cards and he's still on the field. Ah, Jürgen, you're so lucky. That's why he has three goals now. You're so lucky you're not on social media, mate. I'll tell you that. Thank you very much, Jürgen Jürgen. Back with us tomorrow, of course, to reflect on the US against Australia. But still, more matches tomorrow. Sorry, Gab and Jules looking ahead to them, plus reflecting on what we've seen so far in the World Cup.

37:16We head to Boston after the break. Scotland, of course, have taken over the city. Adrian Healey has been with the Scottish fans.

37:37Scotland fans have taken over Boston and boy have they made an impression. If you've seen the viral videos have gone around their trip to Fenway Park singing in the stands, they've been thoroughly embraced by the Bostonians. And just to take a look at how things stand, does Scotland go into their second match against Morocco tomorrow? They sit top of the table. Adrian Healy joins us live from Boston. Oh, my goodness. Whose idea was this, Adrian? Talk about short straw. Oh, so... Strong is going to win the law! Dan, I am in Union Square in Boston. I can barely hear you. I've only been in Boston a few hours, landed here from Dallas where I spent a lovely few days with the Dutch and the English and they were great but let me tell you this Tottenhamie they are a whole different level entirely and you're gonna get lots of musical accompaniment.

38:38Speaking of musical accompaniment, what have you been up to today Adrian? It's a total love affair between this city and these Scots. And I tell you what, if these Scots beat Morocco tomorrow, I suspect some of these guys are never going home again. They are staying here. They love Boston this much. Yeah, they most definitely do. And speaking of music, there's been some interesting raps we've seen, Adrian. Is that right you were with one today? Yeah, you know, Chris Turner has been doing his thing everywhere we go, hasn't he? What a talented guy. One of many things going on in Boston today, other than kegs being going dry.

39:26Chris Turner mingling with the Tartan Army. Let's see how it turned out. I am here in Boston with some members of the Tartan Army. We are. Every time. We know that the Scots turned up in Boston and drank the breweries dry. So I want to ask from you guys, what else are Scots better at than anyone else in the world? You first. Sausages. Sausages. Partying. Partying. I love a pie. And you love a pie. What flavour pie? Scotch pie. A Scotch pie. It's mince and gravy and fat, really, isn't it? It's just... Yeah. It's all the bits that no one else would eat. Okay, sausages partying, scotch pies. Let's drop that beat.

40:08This is a freestyle. That's a rap made up on the spot based entirely on what you said. DJ, come on, hurry up. There you go. And bring it closer, Beto. Bring it closer. Fully improvised based on your suggestions, and I promise it's not going to be terrible. Let's do it. Eyes on me, lads. Watch the eyes. I go trimming and I'm winning when I get my scotch pies. Of course, yeah, you know that I speak. Hit the counter. I'm like, bring me the beef. All of the mints. Do it real hasty, I don't need that, I want it stuffed in some pastry. You can get it, I put it in my tummy. When I've done beef, then pig sounds yummy.

40:41Of course, I be walking, getting all the pork and stuff it in the pigskin food that I'm adoring. It's incredible, you know that it's bossy. I really love it when I'm rhyming about sausage. You get the bits of the pig, you know you're gonna go and hit the town, you're drinking it big. You're like, hey, I'm feeling hailing hearty. Scotland's here, so you know it's a party. We're gonna have fun, we're gonna get filled. We're Gav McTominay and not Archie Gemil, he be back in the day. Yeah, we really adore, we'll drink to the honour of Billy Gilmore. Till we hit the floor. Yeah, you know we got it.

41:13Real hip-hop it, seriously Scottish. There we go, join in the gamest tomorrow, so watch it. You'll win, there'll be no need for sorrow. There we go. That's alright, isn't it? It wasn't bad. It was, it was me bad. Brilliant, man. The accent is going to be out. I heard the accent. I thought I was in trouble then. I was like, it's slipping out. I couldn't control it. Cheers, lads. Thank you very much. Thank you. Shout out ESPN. Shout out ESPN. Yeah. What a Scott! Let's go! Great stuff from Chris. Your turn, Robbo. Not quite in that category. Adrian, as you say, you've travelled around quite a lot already.

41:55What's the vibe that you've picked up from the first week of the World Cup? Oh, the vibe is just magnificent, Dan. You know, it's almost like for months we've been waiting for the football to start. And then when the football has started, it has been just tremendous. I mean, everywhere we go, every airport, every bus stop, it's like World Cup mania. I mean, I was here in 94. This is like exponentially bigger than it was back then. But big day, big day here tomorrow. I mean, the Scots, the level of their confidence goes up as the level of the beer kegs go down. It's kind of an inverse relationship there.

42:35So they think they're going to win tomorrow. And then when you get them in a quieter moment, they think, actually, we'll take a point. We'll take a point against Morocco because that will leave them in great shape in this group, won't it? But it's going to be quite the pilgrimage down to Gillette Stadium, 25 miles away from here for that game against Morocco. He's a Spanish fan. There's a whole plethora of fans around you, Adrian. So I imagine now straight to... Yeah, redressing some balance. Yeah, no, I like that. Straight to bed tonight, yeah? Adrian, you're not going to socialise with the Scots?

43:08Oh, yeah. Yeah, of course. No, I mean, the Union Square, as you can see, it's quiet and there's nothing happening. It's, you know, get faulty winks. Yeah, wait till Jermaine sees West Hartford tonight. One last thing, Adrian. What's the plan for tomorrow? Are you marching with the Scots? Because we saw, obviously, the Tartan army and the bagpipes. Are we expecting more of that tomorrow? Yeah, there's going to be plenty of that. The trouble is it's 25 miles away, so they all have to get down close to the stadium. And then there's a march closer from the stadium into the ground. Same from Providence, another city just down the road.

43:45A whole bunch of thousands more Scots coming from Providence. They'll meet in the middle. They'll march. They're going to be in there good and early. they may even watch the US game before the Scotland game happens in the stadium. So that's the plan. Adrian, as always, mate, what a great gig going around with these fans. I'm thoroughly enjoying yourself, Aide. I don't know what I did to deserve it, Dan, but happy. Yeah, I'm here with Robbo. There we go. Obviously, someone did something right. Just a reminder, the boys will be staying late to answer your questions on Extra Time. As always, that is available over on our YouTube channel.

44:27Shaq Unveiled is power rankings and social media very upset because in the top 10, there was no place for Germany.

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45:34Kickoff is at noon. Boston Legacy taking on at Bay FC. Be sure to check that out. Meanwhile, on YouTube, a lot of controversy as Shaka announced his power rankings, but there was no place for Germany, and this may surprise you to learn that Xhaka forgot about them. It has since been addressed, and he's put Germany in at number six after that big win against Curacao. France, the most impressive team so far, according to Xhaka. Argentina, the US, England, Cape Verde in at five, Sweden seven, Australia eight, Colombia nine, Norway ten. This was done before the Canada game and the Mexico tie. Hercules Gomez has had to leave the set Robbo's upset him that's about that to the list Overall France the best team so far in the World Cup.

46:24Would you agree Jermaine? Yeah, I will agree When you look at the whole performance I think in the first half you have to look back and say that Senegal had the chances to go up with things and then I think the whole game changes But I think you have so many difference maker in the team that they always can come back because it's a lot of times we say it's related to Mbappe but I think it's the other people around him too when they're speeded up and they're going to the next step I think they're really I would say the top team in this tournament How good is Lise? Amazing and I see him, I saw a couple games already when he played for Bayern Munich and it's just it's fun to watch and you know he brings something else to the game and it feels like a young boy goes and has just some fun Yeah, his first World Cup, no signs of pressure, whatever for Elisse.

47:09For you, Robbo, France impressed the most? Yes, I thought they were poor in the first half, but you have to say that Didier Deschamps did a great job at half-time to change the system. But he's got the players to be able to change the system, which makes them, and he can bring on substitutes. You know, Barcola comes on and shows that he's got speed. He can bring Elisse in from the outside in there. Dembele goes wide. So they are the best set of players. And I think when they get their system right, they're the best team as well. Who else have you been impressed? I was certainly impressed to a certain degree with Norway.

47:43They can cause one or two problems. Argentina obviously with Messi again Messi walking around for half the time but where he's different to Ronaldo in my view is that he's coming short and he still can run with the ball. He can pick up the ball, run past people and get those shots away. He's still a top, top player and you have to give credit to USA. Will they do the same against Australia? We'll have to wait and see but and England And after what I would say is a difficult first half or much, much better in the second half. So they're the four teams that have impressed me so far. Jermaine, who else has caught your eye?

48:12Yeah, of course, the US, I think the first half, we all were surprised because the history of the game. When people were saying this is the best first half we've ever seen from the US, was part of you going, hey, remember what we did in the World Cup, the group of death against proper opponents? You think the performances you put in then? No, I don't really look back and be like, OK, what we did over there. I would. I would, Jermaine. Shut up. You can see what's all about it No, it's it's really it was not one dog that I thought like hey we played good and we listen it was just more about like We as a country always black and white, you know, it was before this game We said can they do it and not performing?

48:53They're not doing this then we saw an amazing first half in a vice act Now we go for the win. We can we can beat everybody we can do that. But I think yes, the first half was really good Can we do it again? That's, for me, it's always the most important. If you do it once, the most important you have to show it the next time. And they're probably going to have to change their tactics slightly against Australia, who are going to be a totally different team. So can they do different things? That's going to be the key to it. Robbo said 2-0. We didn't get your prediction for tomorrow's game. US-Australia.

49:21I'm going with the US 2-1. 2-1 as well. Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel. What a manager. What a signing. This has been for England who are in Kansas City at the moment. This is the Kansas City Royals. and it would be Thomas Tuchel's duty to throw out the first pitch. Teammates on the side as well. It's Harry Kane, Jens Spence. Oh, dear. That's not bad, is it? That was woeful. What was wrong with it? It was powder puff. Put it in there. You should see over the years some of these first pitches. That isn't bad at all. Isn't it? No? Yeah, there were some really bad ones. Yeah, exactly. Jermaine, have you ever thrown out a first pitch?

50:03Yeah, where did you do it? I did it with the Red Sox. Was it better than that? And then with the Dodgers. Oh, did you? Yeah. And how were they? They wanted to sign me, but I had the contract with Sox. Oh, hey, big time, big time. Robert could have been a cricketer as well. But you don't throw it like that, you bowl it. Yes, you bowl it. Bit of English, pizazz. And that is it. Thank you very much, gentlemen. We'll be back tomorrow, of course, 9am, to look ahead to the UNF. US. Until then, goodbye.

50:40Welcome in to the latest edition of Extra Time. Thank you very much for all your questions. Stuart Robson and Jermaine Jones with us. How are you doing, Jermaine? I'm doing good. Yeah, it's late now, isn't it? Yeah, it's bedtime. But at least you're smiling. A bit cranky. A bit cranky, Bass's bedtime. Showered at me on the show. Very rude to me today. I wasn't rude to you. No, he was rooting. Jermaine was rooting. What did he do? There I was, greeting him at the hotel where he was staying. He had this massive limo. There I was at the front door. Went to shake his hand. He walked straight past me.

51:10Oh, Jermaine. What? No. No, no. Don't worry. You didn't get it, did you? No, I don't. I really don't see it. I was about to carry your bag. A Louis Vuitton bag as well it was. Yeah, of course. There we go, yeah. First question. do you ever play for a manager who celebrated and put on a show on the touchline like Marsh did today in the Canada-Qatar match? Him and Lopetegui, of course, were having quite a tête -à-tête throughout the 90 minutes. No, I never had a manager who did that, but I remember, which I was so pleased that Crystal Palace lost in the end. That was Alan Pardew. Alan Pardew's little jig on the side of the pitch at Wembley when they went 1-0 up against, I think it was Manchester United, if I'm not mistaken.

51:51Yes. And he did that silly little jig, and then they lost the game. That was most pleasing. Yeah. Jermaine, have you had a manager who made it about them? No, I don't have a manager. I'm old school. Are you like that when you're coaching though? If I do that? Yeah, making it about yourself. No, I'm not sliding down or doing some movements. I was not as a player like that. I was not as a person like that. No. For all, what are your thoughts on the whole squad lining up for the national anthems and not just the starters? I think it's a nice idea to give every player that special moment. What do you think, Jermaine?

52:26This is of course news to the World Cup. I think I heard it was Del Piero's idea, right? Whose idea was it? Del Piero. Oh, was it? Yeah, I think it was him who came up with that and told that to FIFA. Yeah. And I understand it. I think his explanation was that when he was playing with the national team and he was standing outside and looking at the guy standing for the national anthem, that he felt like he's not part of the group. and so he said it would be nice when everybody can stand there, the whole team. Yes. And I think it's good because it takes time till all the guys go back down from the field.

52:58But I think it's a good experience for everybody. You were saying earlier on when Herc was one of the substitutes and you were standing there and Herc tried to come on the pitch, get back over to the side, you're not in the team. I don't want you up here. Yeah, that's Herc. That's a different one. What about you, Robbo? You got a problem with this, probably? No, not at all. It's nice to see all the players get their time and their moment, singing the national anthem out on the pitch. Yes. And see them. Should the coaches be there as well then? Well, usually the coaches used to lead when we used to do the FA Cup and things like.

53:26The coaches led the teams out. Right. That should happen. Do the US need Pulisic to beat Australia, Jermaine? Yeah. I think so. Right. Because I said it. I think he's the main player in this team and you'll be able to see it because every time when he's off the wing or the outsides, the one against one, the two against ones, He's just somebody who can make a difference and has that trust in himself. So I think they need him on the field to beat them. They need a fully fit Pulisic on the field. They can't have a three quarters fit because it never ever works. As we've seen in many games, Champions League finals, like Harry Kane, Diego Costa.

54:06Are they fit? Yeah, let's put them on the field. And they don't play. Diego Costa lasted 10 minutes. Harry Kane waddled through the game for 90 minutes and never really got a kick. So he's got to be fully fit to have an effect. Jermaine, which team surprised you most in their first match, either in a positive or negative way? I would go with all the smaller countries. Yeah. Because we all think we've been surprised that they stayed in the game and even got ties and got some points. And I think... And Cic Verde is kind of the big standard. ...and against Portugal, you know. I think there was a bunch of them.

54:43And I think that's the beauty on this game, that you look at them and you say, oh, the bigger countries will win, but then you see that the smaller countries are growing and getting better and they stay in the tournament, and that's pretty cool. You have to say Cape Verde's performance. They were expected to be beaten six, seven. Spain, the favourites to win the tournament at that particular time. And not only did they stop Spain playing well, but they had their own one or two counterattacks. So it was a good performance. Final question. With the longer breaks between group stage matches at this World Cup, How much an advantage does that give older squads and veteran players, especially if they make a deep run in the tournament?

55:18How does it benefit the old boys? I don't think it is just the old boys. I think it's in general just you have just more time to recover and you can go completely 100 % again. Because I remember when we had in 2014, it is not easy if you play the game, you got small bumps and your body hurts and then you have to go straight again. So the recovery time, I think it's it's it's it's now a little bit longer and I think it helps that that we see fit players and they can go 100 % and I think it's it's good for the for the people who watch it It's boredom ever an issue in that situation like to have have to wait so long for a for a game You're obviously in that camp Hang around with people you don't see you like Um, no, I don't think so because you're still watching games.

56:00It's still games going It's just maybe you not playing then and you can watch other games you can get recovery you training It's not just you sitting in your hotel room the whole time. I don't think it's that you will sit there and say, oh boy, what are we doing? So I think it's more, I think the players will appreciate it to say, look, we get some rest and then can go again. Robert, you've been struggling in your hotel room. No, I haven't. I've been watching all the games down. I've enjoyed a really nice time. Nedim's tried to avoid me. Robert keeps going, where were you? We had Kieran last night.

56:29Yes, yes, you did. But I think it's a good thing that there is the break between because we want to see a tournament where players are fully fit. We want to see quality. We want to see technical ability. We don't want to see tired players. It's just becoming a tournament of endurance. Yes. What I would also say, there shouldn't be extra time in the knockout stages because that is when players get really tired. And then you see... You've got five subs now, haven't you? You've got five subs, but you can have a six sub. But once you start getting extra time in two or three games, that's when you see tired performances.

56:58Gentlemen, thank you very much. Just a reminder, plenty of content around the World Cup. ESPN FC returns to your screens tomorrow on ESPN2 if you're in the States. And of course, we're available on ESPN Plus as well throughout the day. Big story tomorrow, Australia against the US.

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