Mexico marches on! Plus a U.S. vs Bosnia and Herzegovina preview

1 Jul 2026 · 50 min · 16 chapters

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In short

The episode is an ESPN FC World Cup preview and reaction show focused on host-nation momentum and upcoming knockout matches. It starts with Mexico’s 2-0 win over Ecuador (delayed by thunderstorms) and the atmosphere at Estadio Azteca, then shifts to France’s dominant form, Norway’s win over Ivory Coast, and finally the U.S. vs Bosnia and Herzegovina round-of-16 matchup.

Key claims

Mexico’s performance was “fully formed” and pragmatic, with Gilberto Mora (17) driving the attack; Mexico’s fans have created a “fortress” effect at Azteca; France is the tournament’s best team with depth, outside backs as the main potential weakness; Haaland is unstoppable for Norway; the U.S. should press Bosnia, get an early goal, and exploit movement to isolate players.

Notable examples

Mexico’s first 45 minutes vs Ecuador; France’s 3-0 over Sweden with Mbappé scoring twice; Norway’s 2-1 vs Ivory Coast with Haaland’s 86th-minute winner; U.S. needing to break Bosnia’s disciplined 4-4-2 and set-piece threat.

Guests

Kay Murray (host), Hercules Gomez, Alejandro Moreno, Shaka Hislop, plus Bernardo Osuna (postgame interview), Frank LeBoeuf (commentary), and Kevin Egan (live from Atlanta’s “Irish exit” fan area).

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

Chapters

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Mexico's Victory Over Ecuador

1:40 to 3:20

A recap of Mexico's recent win against Ecuador in the World Cup.

“The host nations are getting it done, and today it is the U.S.'s turn to try and join the party.”

Analysis of Mexico's Performance

3:20 to 5:32

Discussion on the dynamics of Mexico's gameplay and their historic win.

“For the first time, I think, in this whole World Cup, we've seen a dynamic in the way that Mexico played.”

Expectations Ahead: Mexico vs. England

5:32 to 8:06

Exploring the upcoming challenge for Mexico against England.

“The signs there that the Fiesta will continue, L.A.?”

France's Dominance in the Tournament

8:06 to 10:59

A discussion on France's impressive performance and strength in the World Cup.

“And if they get past that, then we can be all positive all the time.”

Strengths and Weaknesses of France

10:59 to 14:00

Analyzing the strengths and potential weaknesses of the French team.

“saying that even though Mbappe will always be the MVP, Ulisse right now is the MIP, the most important player.”

Analyzing Spain's World Cup Performance

14:00 to 18:05

Discussion on Spain's current form and potential weaknesses in the World Cup.

“The most likely opponent would be Spain.”

U.S. vs Bosnia-Herzegovina Match Preview

19:51 to 24:44

Preview and analysis of the upcoming match between the U.S. and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“USA Bosnia coming up today from the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.”

Tactical Insights for the U.S. Team

24:44 to 28:00

Discussion on the tactical setup and strategies needed for the U.S. men's national team to succeed against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“You should be excited that you're playing Bosnia-Herzegovina.”

US Men's National Team Tactics vs Bosnia

28:00 to 30:40

An analysis of how the US Men's National Team can exploit Bosnia's weaknesses.

“Herc, we're sending him over to the sandbox to see how the U.S.”

US Men's National Team Tactics vs Bosnia

31:38 to 32:43

An analysis of how the US Men's National Team can exploit Bosnia's weaknesses.

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Norway's Victory and Future Challenges

33:12 to 36:54

Discussion on Norway's recent win and their upcoming match against Brazil.

“Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in Dallas with Erling Haaland scoring the winner in the 86 and we saw great reaction in Oslo.”

Norway vs Brazil: A Tactical Preview

36:56 to 39:28

A breakdown of Norway's potential strategies against Brazil's strengths and weaknesses.

“They have a real chance against this version of Brazil.”

Fan Reactions and Atmosphere in Atlanta

39:29 to 42:00

A look at the excitement and atmosphere among English fans in Atlanta.

“One thing we've very much been enjoying is Erling Haaland off the pitch as well.”

Fan Atmosphere at the Irish Exit

42:00 to 45:52

Learn about the vibrant fan culture and excitement at the Irish Exit pub in Atlanta.

“the English fans were out early and out in force, raring to go.”

Discussion on England's Performance

45:52 to 47:54

Hear insights on England's expectations and performance in the tournament.

“the Irish section is going to make some money today baby, they're going to make some money today the drinks are on Kev, that is for sure what are you expecting from England today?”

Preview of USA vs Bosnia

47:54 to 51:21

Preview the upcoming match between the USA and Bosnia and the stakes involved.

“NWSL action coming up on ESPN Boston Legacy taking on Bay FC Sunday, noon Eastern.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

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1:15Dan Thomas:Coming up, it was a fiesta in Mexico last night as the host vanquished their South American rivals. And today, it's the US's turn to join L3 in the round of 16. Plus, Mbappe and company continue their dominance while Haaland and Norway rode their way past the competition. ESPN FC is next.

1:48Dan Thomas:Good morning to all of you. The host nations are getting it done, and today it is the U.S.'s turn to try and join the party. Kay Murray here alongside Hercules Gomez, Alejandro Moreno and Shaka Hislop. We will look back before we look ahead, though. We have to talk about Mexico and their big win over Ecuador yesterday. A 2-0 win, delayed due to thunderstorms, but the air was electric anyway after that victory. And could it be about to get even more fire? They will face England or DR Congo in Mexico, if either of them will. Whichever of those sides progress. But look at these scenes in Mexico City.

2:29Dan Thomas:They were saying millions. The fans that had turned out to celebrate what was a historic night for Mexico. We are going to get into it, but before we do, we must hear from Bernardo Asuna speaking after the game. There's something about that fortress in 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. This 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.

3:04And 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. Tonight, 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.

3:37They come out, they punch him 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.

3:47Dan Thomas:Great stuff. As we take a look at the reaction in the Mexican press as well, the party continuing. And they have won a knockout game, even in the expanded format. It counts. They are celebrating. They're very happy with everything that they have seen so far. Those fans out in force. We've seen goals scored, but no goals conceded. Are we looking at a really balanced attack and defense here for Mexico, Herc? Yeah, and last night, a complete performance. For the first time, this Mexican national team convinced, pundits convinced its people that it was capable of playing in that manner because the knock on this Mexican national team was you went three for three.

4:24You went nine points, zero goals against, but you did it in a way that wasn't the Mexican way. You did it in a way that was very pragmatic, not aesthetically pleasing. You did it because the opponent created mistakes, because they were the ones who let this game go. Not because you did something to provoke this, which I don't think is the truth. And this team last night, the first 45 minutes were on par with the likes of France versus Sweden, the likes of the U.S. Men's National Team versus Paraguay, the likes of Colombia versus Portugal. One of the best first 45 minutes we've seen this tournament from any team, from start to finish.

4:59The way they took this Ecuadorian national team, their strengths, Out of this game, the movement of a Gilberto Mora, a teenager, 17 years old, from central positions to wide positions, pulling out Caicedo, pulling out Pedro Vite, the way they occupy certain spaces, so Inca Pia, whose trademark run is going forward, couldn't be done. They put this Ecuadorian team under immense pressure, and they made them pay in a way that they've not made any team, any team under Javier Aguirre pay. And they did it in the World Cup. And they do it in a way where they get their first knockout win in 40 years. It was a very good performance.

5:33Dan Thomas:The signs there that the Fiesta will continue, L.A.? See, why are you putting me in this position? Nobody puts baby in the corner, but you're trying. You're trying. Because what you're suggesting is that, do I think if England get past Congo, as we assume they're going to, that I believe that Mexico is better than England? And I don't think that's the case. But I don't want to talk about that just yet because we're not there just yet. I want to be negative about other things. Not that just yet. Look, we go to Bernardo Osuna in San Jose to talk to us about what was the feeling inside Azteca. What?

6:13I know that I could tell the environment was electric inside Azteca, but let's not go to a guy that wasn't there to tell us about what was happening in Azteca when he wasn't there. That's the first thing I'll say. That got me in a bad mood to begin with. It'll be a big deposit. But I am. I'm trying. Stay with me, Alex. I'm trying. Stay with me, Alex. They're trying to bring me down, but I'm trying to stay above it. Okay. The other thing I'd say, and you participated just now. Stay with me. I'm trying to get you back to the positivity. Nobody's on par with France right now. France is in a level of their own.

6:44Everybody else is below. But you just say that the performance was on par with France. The first 45 minutes. And it was not. France is in a level of their own. Then there's everybody else. As for Mexico. As for the positivity. Yes. Here we go. Took the sitting crowd to get there. Yes, they were impressive in the first half. And yes, Gilberto Mora is everything that people have been talking about. And I've been waiting for it. Let me see. They're talking about this 17-year-old kid. Let me see it on this stage. And the personality and maturity with which he played was impressive. First few minutes where you think that he's just looking to complete first-time balls or first-time passes just to get the ball off his feet.

7:20No, no, no. He's running in behind. He's playing on given goals. He is, in fact, the team, the guy leading the attack for them down the right-hand side very early on. and then the pressure of Mexico and Ecuador. They squeezed their life out of Ecuador. That was impressive. As it pertains to what happens in the future for Mexico in this competition, let's not make so much of, oh, they got to El Quinto Partido. Well, yeah, it is an extended World Cup. So, yeah, getting to El Quinto Partido is the equivalent of getting to what had been up until this point, the round of 16, where Mexico usually go out.

7:53And that would be the match against England. So if we want to frame this up as some sort of, here we go, Mexico, you're going to win this whole thing, throttle that down, bring it back, and understand that next probably is England. That is another challenge. And if they get past that, then we can be all positive all the time.

8:10Dan Thomas:What would you like to say, Shaka? Not that. I thought it was positive-ish. You may be, Ali, right? Listen, I understand Mexico getting excited. I totally get it. And while, to Ali's point, yes, it's a splendid format, And you've seen kind of records fall during all tournament, not just in terms of talking about Mexico. You accept that for what this tournament now is. Now, for me, and the reason I think Mexico and Mexican fans have every right to be excited, is I think they've kind of grown into this tournament. While they beat South Africa in the opening game, I don't think that was that good.

8:49And I thought you've seen a progression. You've seen a fan base kind of grow in recognizing what this team is. And you almost cannot not talk about Mexico without not talking about Hibberto Mora, who, for me, at 17 years old, is showing himself to be the player that this Mexican national team has needed for some time. Somebody who wants to get on the ball. Somebody who, I don't want to say he doesn't recognize the pressure. But he's playing as though this is his arena. That he's on the playground. that he is willing to get on the ball, not afraid to take chances, not afraid to make mistakes, and makes this Mexican team tick as a result.

9:34You also cannot, again, I'll talk about Jimenez, who gets his goal. Great story around that. And Quinones providing the legs around him. All of a sudden, for all the concern coming into this tournament about Mexico, I think it's all but dissipated to this point.

9:53Dan Thomas:Okay, we talk about multi-viewing experiences a lot here on ESPN. We encourage you to watch our channels across different platforms. But what about this guy at the Dodgers game who was clearly watching Mexico in the stands? Listen, great that he's celebrating it, but why isn't he watching the game somewhere? Is that a baseball game? I'm positive that he shouldn't be at the baseball game. He had tickets. He obviously did not believe that Mexico was going to advance first in the group. He had tickets already. I love it. Here's France, who are just as good as Mexico. Yes, according to Hercules Gomez.

10:31Hercules Gomez said that.

10:32Dan Thomas:The first time. A showing we saw from France. 3-0 against Sweden. Didier de Chomsu and Buck in their spot in the last 16. They will play Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday. But wow, what a showing we saw. Kylian Mbappe with two goals here. We also saw Bradley Barcola on the score sheet. It's open in the conversation as to who is the most important of that attacking line for France right now. We heard Thierry Henry on one of the other broadcasts saying that even though Mbappe will always be the MVP, Ulisse right now is the MIP, the most important player. Paul Pogba has waded in on this, saying that for him, it is Kylian Mbappe.

11:14Dan Thomas:and I see you squinting at me, Ali. Because I want to know what the difference between most valuable player and most important player is. You can take that up with Mr. Henry. I don't really care to do that. You have brought him into the conversation. And our producer has done that as well. Regardless, this is great to have. Your conversation about France is, hey, who's the most valuable player? Is it currently the Ballon d 'Or winner, Dembele? Is it Michael Ulisse who seems to be playing at a higher level than everybody else in the world? Or is it Kylian Mbappe that can't stop scoring? What a problem.

11:49What a problem. So for anybody, including those in this table on the far right, that can somehow compare France to anybody else in this competition, are you kidding me? Are you joking? If you watch this team play, they are by far, and I mean far, the best team in this competition. They are the one team that you can say, good Lord, nobody can stop them. And we'll play the games out and something could potentially happen. But it has to be something catastrophic in order for this team to not be at the final and to not win this competition based on what we have seen so far. They are not only the best team in this competition.

12:30They're one of the best teams that I can remember watching at the World Cup level in many, many years.

12:35Dan Thomas:Ali says it has to be something catastrophic. It does feel like this. how would you ever stop this version of France, Xhaka? I don't know. I think everybody else in the tournament is asking exactly that question. For all the reasons that Ali just pointed out. France are as good as this first XI is, and let's not forget that they could put out a second XI that would probably get to the quarterfinals as well. So even when there are issues, if players are carrying little injuries, even when things aren't going fully their way and Deschamps just tries to change things up, mix things up a little bit, there does not seem to be a drop-off.

13:10Or if there is a drop-off, it's nowhere near the drop-off that any other team would experience having to do the same. There will be problems for France in this tournament. There are problems for everybody. But given the depth of their squad, they have more solutions than anybody else. Kylian Mbappe continues to play at this level. Michael Olysee continues to play at this level. Dembele continues to play at this level. I just do not see how you stop them scoring in droves all tournament long.

13:41Dan Thomas:It was frightening, and we got to see it in full force yesterday. Yeah, if you had to say there was any type of Achilles heel or weakness with this team, it would be outside backs. Luka Dean, Teo Hernandez, Conde. That's where you can probably hurt this team. But to Ale's point, there's been no team in this competition that showed you the ability to do that. The most likely opponent would be Spain. If they had Lamine on all cylinders. If Spain was the Spain that we recognized from the Euros in this competition, but we've not seen that Spain. This has been a very pedestrian Spain. But there are teams in this competition that, through wing play, can hurt these outside backs because that's where the weakness is.

14:20Mike Magnang, who was maybe a question mark, has proven to be very, very good in this tournament. But when you see this team, and if it's not Guilherme Mbappe on his day, you can have a player like Mike Olisse. If it's not Olisse, you've got Dembele who can create for himself. If it's not Dembele, you've got Adouye. Then you have a Barcola. There's just so much quality on this field. It looks like at any given moment they can overwhelm the opponent. That said, this has been not your typical World Cup. We've seen teams be very frustrated with tactically disciplined teams and a little bit of athleticism and some weather conditions.

14:56France had an opening 45 minutes that they threw out the window that we can point to, okay, why was Senegal able to hurt this team? And as the competition grows, maybe a Spain grows into it. Maybe a Portugal grows into it. But right now, they're clearly the best team.

15:12Dan Thomas:So many people are already looking past Paraguay. It's the next game for France, but not our very own World Cup winner, Frank Leboeuf. He says he is not looking past the round of 16 just yet. 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. And 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.

15:56Dan Thomas:Frank definitely didn't pick the odds as you take a look at France's big favourites to advance in this one. And just as we look at them very quickly, Ali, I just want to know how this France forward line compares to, say, a Brazil of 2002. Is that what we're looking at? That type of fire and star power up front in a World Cup? No, you're touching a sensitive place for me. That's why I asked you. It's a sensitive place because I do love me some Ronaldo. Who for it? Ronaldo. I'm not talking about CR7. I'm talking about the OG. Ronaldo. And Ronaldinho. And Rivaldo. Those are all timers. all-time greats.

16:31And look, these guys eventually will become all-time greats, but we're not putting it at the same level as the 2002 attacking core group. Those guys are World Cup champions. These guys are not there just yet. So cannot make that comparison now where we are. Frank LeBeouf is concerned because he lived through playing against Paraguay in the 1998 World Cup in which they needed a Laurent Blanc golden goal, as it were, in order to advance past Paraguay in a match that was very much the same as this match is going to be. But what I would tell Frank Leboeuf is that this version of France in the attack is better than that version of France in the attack.

17:12As compared to 2002 Brazil, not so much. As compared to 1998 France, this attack of France is better than that attack. And I think they'll break through Paraguay.

17:21Dan Thomas:Yeah, Frank Leboeuf, a little bit worried. If you'd like to see more of what he had to say. I'd like to be worried like Frank. on ESPN FC. Make sure to stay up to date with our streaming service ESPN Plus for so much World Cup content. We are heading to the Irish exit soon, but the USA will play today. Will it be? Go, go USA. We will be seeing if they can do what the other host nations have done so far and book their spot in the last 16. Wait a minute. Kevin Egan will be joining the show from Atlanta. This is the Irish exit. Wait a minute. This is the English entering. Wait a minute. We'll be hearing from them after this.

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20:08Dan Thomas:USA Bosnia coming up today from the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. And when we take a look at the World Cup results so far, you'll remember that the U.S. won two consecutive World Cup games and then won the group with a game to spare. That game came up against Turkey and that was a game they lost. But it didn't matter because next up is Bosnia. But when it comes to European opposition and the U.S. men's national team, it hasn't always gone their way. Should they be concerned tonight, though, Ali? No, they should not. as it pertains to European opposition, this is the team that you want to play against.

20:46Now, it's the same profile team as Paraguay, similar profile team as Australia. It's not going to be easy. There are going to be some stressful moments, but in the end, the United States have to go back to what made them successful in that first couple games. Just squeeze the life out of this team, out of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Don't let them think. Don't let them breathe. Make their players, when they get their head up All they see across the field is stars and stripes, stars and stripes, stars and stripes everywhere. And when you have players who I don't think are of great quality when it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina become tunnel vision, when they're not able to see the full picture, that's when mistakes happen.

21:26And that's when the United States have to be very efficient and effective in front of goal. The crowd is going to be electric. Everything is going to be pointing the direction of the United States. Do not just forget that the crowd is there for you, to love you, to support you. Use that. Embrace it and allow the crowd to elevate your performance. Go USA, America, baby. America number one. And I'm not even American.

Read the full transcript

21:51Dan Thomas:Christian Pulisic told reporters yesterday that he is feeling good. Good sign? Great sign. And he should absolutely play. If you look at the first five minutes when he comes into the game versus Turkey, he was the best player on the field. Now, you've got to stay the best player on the field. But for those five minutes, he shows you why he's got to be on the field with the U.S. men's national team. His ability to isolate, to create for others, to create for himself. He's the guy that has to be running on all cylinders in this game because it's going to be a very, I would say, disciplined Bosnian team in how they try to stay compact.

22:22And you need players to have a moment of magic. You need the U.S. men's national team to not have it be a cagey affair. They shouldn't be worried, but we've seen that this World Cup doesn't care. Canada, who I think played very well against Bosnia, tied Bosnia. It was 1-1. Bosnia got a set piece. They frustrated the Canadian men's national team. They were overwhelmed with the physicality of Canada, but it still was 1-1. This Bosnian team doesn't have the quality player for player of the U.S. men's national team. You've got players in the Kazakhstan Premier League. You've got players in the Championship, in the Super Danish League.

22:54How dare you hate on the Kazakhstan Premier League. Yes. But collectively, they are very difficult. And I think they've got a bit more quality than we're giving credit for. From distance, this team shoots. Set pieces, they're very dangerous. It's a team that has fight, that has resilience in their DNA. This could be a problem for the U.S. Men's National Team if they can't open them up early. Because if you are a team who thinks you are lesser on paper, the longer this game goes 0-0, the more this plays into your hands. So absolutely a game that you should be a little weary of, But in terms of quality, in terms of performances that we've seen, the US men's national team has enough to get this done tonight.

23:33Dan Thomas:We've seen them get an early goal in the tournament. How important would an early goal be for them in this game, Shaka? To settle news. Listen, this stage of the competition, it's a lot about how you manage the pressures as much as it is the opponent. The longer this stays at Nel Nel, the more Bosnia and Herzegovina will think this game plan is working well. And the more the US will get nervy, The more the fans within the stadium will get nervous. They get an early goal. U.S. gets an early goal here. They run away with it, in my opinion. Bosnia-Herzegovina get an early goal. Then it becomes really difficult because they will sit in those two banks of four that we've mentioned in terms of how they set up.

24:14But for the U.S., pound for pound, better team, no question. Demirovic and Zeko up front. Demirovic, the one real concern. and his echo is 40 years old, quality player, but surely he's not running by anybody in that U.S. back line. So now obviously you've got that one player to worry about, and then you play your natural game. Be switched on from set pieces, big threat for Bosnia-Herzegovina, but play your natural game, manage your pressures, manage your nerves. And I think the U.S. come on and talk. I don't know why you guys are downbeat about the United States playing in Bosnia and being so like, oh, well, concerned.

24:49You should be excited that you're playing Bosnia-Herzegovina. as it pertains to the crossover matchups that could have been and might have been for other teams. In terms of teams that are vulnerable, teams that doesn't provide a whole lot in terms of a threat in the attack, Boziena-Herzegovina is right there. You're thinking about profiles of teams that you would want to play. Yeah, they are limited in talent. So therefore, it's up to you to then bring up your best performance. And if you do, we're not having a conversation as to whether the United States should beat Boziena or not. They will.

25:17I'm the beacon of positivity apparently in this panel. I'm all U.S. all the time on this, and then you're telling me all about, well, this could go wrong, and that could go wrong. Well, of course it could, but come on now. Yeah, but at the same time, you've seen upsets in this tournament. America, baby. You've seen upsets. So you don't believe in America? You've seen Paraguay upset Germany in the way that they do. All I'm seeing is you're the battery two teams. You've just got to be careful. It's not just you being negative. It's him, too. Oh, it's not negativity. I think it's being rational. We just saw a South Africa team.

25:49You're right, because I've been called irrational now. Alec, we can sit here and analyze the X's and O's of the game, but it doesn't matter. It's on the field and how you deal with it emotionally. Canada is a much better team than South Africa on paper, and yet that game went down to the wire. With the exception of France and Mexico, every team has taken these games to the wire. Okay.

26:12Dan Thomas:Just don't go to a reporter tomorrow who wasn't at the stadium because it might send him over the air. No, no, but now being called irrational. Irrational. I didn't say you were irrational. Honestly, going from negative to irrational. Do you remember Mauricio Pochettino after the third game and the result? And he was a little bit frustrated in the press conference. Well, we've heard from him since ahead of this game. And let's just say it's a little more loving. I want to apologize to the guy that was in my last press conference. I was so frustrated. I was so disappointed. I think with you, sorry for that.

26:53It was my problem, not your problem. I was so upset after the defeat again in Turkey. Now we can continue. The atmosphere so far has been great in every game. And yeah, definitely helps us to gain some momentum. I think when it comes to the World Cup, every game does feel like a final. I mean, it's a very high-stakes kind of game, and that took you four years to get to this moment. So I think every game will be treated like a final, but ultimately it's a knockout round, and there's a lot less room for error. I mean, if you look at all the World Cup matches, it hasn't been easy for anyone. So we don't expect an easy match at all.

27:32People can say what they want to say. We know what they offer. We know they're a good team, and we have to be ready for tomorrow. We have to put on a top performance if we want to come out on top. There's no doubt.

27:44Dan Thomas:Can they get a World Cup knockout game win like they did in 2002? Sorry, Kate. That was Mauricio Pochettino. This is the same conversation I have with my wife every two weeks, baby. It was me. It's not you, babe. It's not you. It's me. Guess what? We believe you. Love you, babe. We believe you. All right. Herc, we're sending him over to the sandbox to see how the U.S. Men's National Team can deal with these Bosnian players. Thank you, Kate. All right. At Bosnia-Herzegovina, they're a very tactically disciplined team. It's a straight 4-4-2. A lot of quality in that midfield. Not too much speed in transition.

28:20Set pieces, they are very good. They got lots of size. Already three set piece goals in this tournament. But they're so tactically disciplined that the name of the game for the U.S. men's national team has to be movement. And it has to come from the likes of a Malik Tillman. His ability to go forward. These deep runs. The ability of a Weston McKinney, as we saw in the Paraguay game. And what you want to do here with this movement is you want to create space in between the center backs and the full backs. That is the space the U.S. Men's National Team needs to attack. And in order to free up that space, to isolate certain players, players like a Christian Pulisic to do what he does and go at players, players like a Serginio Dest, you need to create that space.

29:05you need to create the ability for the US Men's National Team to drive into certain areas. If you're going to do that, you have to have the movement of a Malik Tillman, you have to have the movement of Weston McKinney, and when you have this movement, all other players, like an Alex Freeman, who has the ability to go and attack certain spaces, what you need to do is make sure you have cover. Always this rest defense, if you will. And that's when a Tyler Adams comes into play, and Tyler Adams is so intelligent. always lead one, two, three players for the U.S. Men's National Team in this rest defense, so to speak.

29:41So other players, so the likes of a player like Anthony Robinson can go up and down and into the midfield. So Malik Tillman can crash the box. So you have players like your best player in a Christian Pulisic that can isolate himself 1v1. If they can do these things, the U.S. Men's National Team will physically overwhelm Bosnia, like they did versus Paraguay. If we can take the Canadian men's national team, what they did against Bosnia, especially in that second half, they overwhelmed them physically. The isolation came from the fights, the movement helped isolate these players, and when they had players isolated, they created tons of opportunities.

30:15But the longer this game goes 0-0, the more belief a team like Bosnia has with the quality and the shooting from distance they have. That plays into them. But if the U.S. men's national team can use their movement, they've got a very good shot in this game of doing exactly what they did against Paraguay.

30:31Dan Thomas:Well, we will find out tonight and Football Americas will be with you 7pm Eastern for the pre-match for USA against Bosnia-Herzegovina. ESPN2 and ESPN Plus has you covered.

30:46Dan Thomas:Next up, we will talk Norway. The rowing just keeps on showing across the world in Oslo, in the stadiums, in the fan zones. How much longer will it continue?

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32:52Dan Thomas:Help people affected by the Venezuela earthquakes. Your donation through redcross.org slash ESPN enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. Vamos Venezuela!

33:12Dan Thomas:Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in Dallas with Erling Haaland scoring the winner in the 86 and we saw great reaction in Oslo. a massive Viking row. Cheers, brilliant scenes, streamers, the lot, everything that you would expect, an entire stadium at a fan park celebrating this win. And once again, that man who just cannot stop scoring, Erling Haaland. There he is, Ale. He has been unstoppable on his first venture into the World Cup. Well, he has been unstoppable, but he got lucky in his goal. It was an excuse me finish, and he knows it. The look afterwards, like, I got away with that one. He was caught in between, like, do I finish this?

33:54Do I trap this? What do I do? And it was an excuse me finish. And you could see it was an excuse me finish because there was a follow-up movement by him towards the ball. Like, let's make sure this goes into the back of the net. It did get there in the end. And nobody's going to remember, other than me, that it was an excuse me finish.

34:09Dan Thomas:Oh, was it an excuse me finish, Chuck? Absolutely. Yeah, I think Ali's right. The moment he touches it, he's got that second guess in himself. Like, is it enough to go in? Should I go after it? But he's at the right place at the right time yet again. And there's got to be something to be said about players who have that. His movement is second to none. He keeps scoring goals. His goal scoring ratio with the Norwegian national team is just insane, especially for it being Norway. It's crazy. It's 60 international goals, as you can see, in the games that he's done. He did it in 69 games less than Messi.

34:39Dan Thomas:He got to 60 international goals and 76 fewer than Cristiano Ronaldo. What a superstar he is for Norway. It really is. Listen, we've kind of known this about Erling Haaland. We've seen it at club level, at every single club he's been. Does not get on the ball as often as many would like, but whenever he does, there always seems to be an end product on the end of it. That's just who Erling Haaland continues to show himself to be. At times in this game, I thought it ebbed and flowed. I thought Norway had their moments. Ivory Coast had their moments. Obviously, Norway took theirs in a way that Ivory Coast just about didn't.

35:18I just feel that Norway have just enough quality to get them this far. Whether defensively they're good enough to progress, I guess time will tell. But certainly with Nusa on the left-hand side, Erling Haaland through the middle, you have Odegaard. And I have to mention the ball from Oscar Bobta to play in big for that finishing goal. There are these moments of quality that have just defined Norway's successes thus far that cannot be underscored.

35:46Dan Thomas:It's a very special moment right now. It's Brazil next for Norway. And as you saw, everybody is euphoric back in the home country. We spoke to our very own Norwegian Janager Fjortoft about the feeling back home right now. 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 they were sitting outside a castle that must have been 50 60 000 people in the streets and they were rowing can you imagine you can our king he loves his football and then he sees out of the window and he sees like 50 000 people rowing so next up it's brazil and they've actually played in their history four times against Brazil and they've never lost to them of Norway.

36:41Dan Thomas:They had two wins and two draws. They won in the 1998 group stages of the World Cup. And now this is a new era and a new chapter. But how do they fare against this version of Brazil? 2026 is Brazil, Ale. They have a chance. They have a real chance against this version of Brazil. Now people are getting excited about Brazil and saying that they're growing in this tournament, and that they're getting better. Well, I guess. I suppose so. But we also saw against Japan that there are vulnerabilities that I believe Norway can take advantage of. I think what Brazil can lean on is the fact that Gabriel knows very well Erling Haaland and his movement because they deal with each other in the Premier League all the time.

37:22Dan Thomas:That's one way of putting it. They deal with each other, yes. But I do think that Norway can take advantage of the midfield of Brazil. They can expose certain vulnerabilities in that area. And if they do that, then it makes it a whole lot easier for Martin Allegaard to be involved in the attack, to join up with Erling Haaland. Norway has a chance and a better chance than I think people historically would have given. If you think Norway, Brazil at this stage of the competition, you go, yeah, Brazil all the way. You know, I wouldn't go as far as saying Brazil all the way. I do think that Brazil will advance.

37:56But Norway has a real opportunity in this game to expose some of the vulnerabilities that we have seen from Brazil.

38:01Dan Thomas:Feel the same way, Shaka? I think Brazil win it. And I think Norway's Achilles heel will be their defence. Because of how good they are, because of Erling Haaland, they've not been made to pay so far. But you look at Brazil's attack, as it's set up right now, and I just maintain those concerns about Norway defensively. Can they keep a Vinicius Junior quiet, who I think, I would say, has been going into the tournament. I agree. I think Brazil have been getting better with each game. I think one of the big factors here is there's an expectation around Brazil, especially from Brazilians, that Norway do not have.

38:44They are playing with house money right now. They will be received back in Norway as returning kings themselves. And that allows a freedom. That allows them to play in a manner that I think if this game continues to go on at nil-nil, that pressure really tilts onto Brazil.

39:05Dan Thomas:Quick from you, Herc. Brazil or Norway? Brazil, but I agree with Ali about the midfield. Lucas Paquete coming out of this game and the inclusion of Cunha into the midfield really helped them. But you still had the likes of Casemiro in that first half that physically looked overwhelmed. That said, this game's 4 o 'clock in New York, New Jersey. Under that sun. I don't know what this Norway is going to be like. And I think that may play a factor. Well, we're about to find out. We're going to be hot. One thing we've very much been enjoying is Erling Haaland off the pitch as well. He has been lighting up social media.

39:36Dan Thomas:He's had a little talk to Rodrigo and Erling Haaland's been doing the same. And Rodrigo, you've worked so hard. Take a break Sunday.

39:46Great stuff.

39:47Dan Thomas:More from Jan on Extra Time last night. Listen, when Jan's on Extra Time, it's always worth a watch. You never know what's going to happen. YouTube will have you covered for that. Click subscribe while you are there. After the break. Oh, boy. I'm sorry, what? Oh, boy. Out in fourth at the Irish exit in Atlanta. We'll be there next.

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41:20We kept on climbing, didn't stop, made it look easy.

41:26Dan Thomas:It's fair to say it's been a mixed start for England to the World Cup so far, but they did top their group and now face DR Congo, who are in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time ever. Paper saying grit then glory. We are the lions that roar and charmed and dangerous. Is that going to be the case? Let's get word from our glowing Kevin Egan from Atlanta today. Kevin, I thought we were coming to you in a pub. What's going on, mate?

41:54We are. We're steps away. But as you can see, this is Atlanta's stadium. And let me show you, just down the road on this sweltering hot day here today, Kay, the English fans were out early and out in force, raring to go. Not a nerve in sight from this English crowd. I'm going to bring you through here. The line's pretty far for the Irish exit pub. We open our doors at 9 o 'clock. I'm a co-owner of the bar here. And the English fans are out having fun. they're slowly making their way through getting those cold lagers in as much as they possibly can i'm going to see if we can get us in a little bit of vip access if we can come on through here guys we're going to see who we can find lots of england jerseys i know there's a fair few hislop fans here as well one fella earlier on told me you wish shack had played for his team How we doing guys?

42:39Hey, good to see you As you can see here What are you singing? Football's coming, I'm making With Thomas Tuchel What's your name, where are you from? Lee from Norwich, but I live in Chicago Ah, nice one, that's the beautiful thing There's such a wonderful crowd from all over here All supporting Here we go again

43:15Dan Thomas:Oh, look at that, Kev. We need to get you an England top.

43:21Dan Thomas:We need to get you an England shirt, right? No time soon, Kev. I love you. I'll welcome you here anytime for a cocktail. But wearing an England jersey and singing coming home, Not quite yet, although I won't be wearing a Dior Congo jersey. This atmosphere is phenomenal, guys. Remember, Atlanta has around a 16 game in the semi-final as well. Yeah, it looks it. It's wonderful. So tell us about this whole area for the fans that are coming to see games at the stadium there.

43:52You can't hear a thing.

43:54Dan Thomas:You can't hear a thing. You can't hear a thing. You're having a great time. Wonderful stuff. This is the Irish exit in Atlanta, right next to the stadium. If you are going to see a game there, this is the spot to be in. Anything you'd like to say there, Ale? A lot of people need some SPF 50, I'm going to guess. Go higher. Maybe even higher than that. Including Kevin Egan. And it's going to be a good day for the Irish exit. Yes, it really is, as it should be. It's a great bar. Maybe we should get an invite. I'm just suggesting. Yes, we'd be happy to host a show from there. So, Kev, this is a good one, right, for England.

44:31Dan Thomas:We've not really seen them at full force just yet. This would be the day to do it, wouldn't it?

44:39Yeah, I mean, it really would. Look, England performed well here today. England could very well be back here again, Kay, for a World Cup semi-final against arguably, you know, maybe it's Argentina, maybe it's Brazil. The semi-final is here, and that's the path that England could be on. But I expect after this game today, this place to get even rowdier. It's been a great atmosphere. Can we send you inside? Everyone having a ball. Great World Cup atmosphere.

45:02Dan Thomas:Can we send you inside, Ken? Come on inside. Let's go. We're going to come inside. Let's go. Make waves. What's Ali having? What's Herc having? Come on. I'll put it in order for you. What's Herc having? What do you want to drink, Herc? Guinness. A Guinness, please. Guinness for Herc. Love to see that. I tell you what. We've got Oasis on. We've got Blur on, K. All the 90s classics are being played, and the fans are loving it. It is the place to be, it would seem. and you wonder if England do get the win that they need here, just how it would be afterwards as well. You're going to be open all day, I hope, Kev.

45:37100%. And we've got the U.S. game tonight. The U.S., I'm hearing so many people will be here. Cosm is directly across the street, which is absolutely incredible, a great viewing experience. So this whole new entertainment district, Atlanta's on the up, and this is right next to the stadium. So bring it on. Great World Cup vibes here.

45:54Dan Thomas:Yeah, brilliant stuff. What are you expecting? the Irish section is going to make some money today baby, they're going to make some money today the drinks are on Kev, that is for sure what are you expecting from England today? I expect a more complete performance and again Republic of Congo in their first tournament everything is icing on the cake for them here, they will play with that freedom that I spoke about England, a lot of expectation, I don't think they've lived up to a lot of questions around Tuca who's playing on that right-hand side in particular, surely they've got more than enough to cope with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

46:34But if they are to go deep in this tournament, which is to be expectation, they've got to be a whole lot better than we've seen in the group stage.

46:41Dan Thomas:Kev, what are you wearing today? We know you're not wearing an England shirt. What's the full look today for you? Because we do know there have been some fashion faux pas over the years.

46:53We don't need to bring up the jorts right now I mean, I think we do I'll be over at the fan fest We got a picture of the jorts here, Kev It's good caps though, good caps What were you thinking? Okay, okay, okay The jorts, I tell you what, Leo Messi keeps wearing them So I'll keep wearing them as well

47:18Dan Thomas:When you're in El Messi, you can wear what you like, Kev. That's not right. Yes, Kev, yes. You're making up to buy some new jeans today, Kev. Some full-length jeans. Yeah, go get some designer jeans, Kev. Brilliant stuff from the Irish exit. Brilliant stuff from the Irish exit in Atlanta. Cheers, guys. Sláinte. Great stuff. Sláinte. Good stuff, Kev. You think I would get booed if I order a Shirley Temple while I'm there? No, I think they're welcoming all of them. We should try. Go ahead and try. I'll be going to try. By the English, maybe, but Kev's a very welcoming. Okay. We'll be with you on YouTube after the England and the Alconco game to bring you all the reaction and find out who goes through.

47:58Dan Thomas:Predictions coming up after the break. USA are in action.

48:07Dan Thomas:NWSL action coming up on ESPN Boston Legacy taking on Bay FC Sunday, noon Eastern. Here's the odds for today as England take on DR Congo in the round of 32. England favourites coming into this game. But what do our panels say? It is prediction time and the boys will be making their picks. I'll join them too. Go on, Shaka. I go England for one very simple reason. I'm afraid of K. And I did buy you some custard creams today. Yes, you did. Yes. So therefore, England win. I'm not a scary person, by the way. Well, well, well, well, same reasoning. And I did not get any cookies. So there you go. Who are you going for?

48:58I'll go for England as well. I think it's pretty straightforward. I don't think this is going to be a problem for them. It's going to be similar to the game against Panama where they'll find a way and then the floodgates open. Just say you're afraid of them. But are you scared? Okay. Just say you're afraid of them. Yeah, that's... See, she doesn't even have to say anything.

49:14Dan Thomas:Okay, Belgium against Senegal. Belgium are favourites, but not big favourites. You know, Senegal are winning. I don't want to know whose favourites Senegal are winning. I've already locked it in. Well, Belgium are going to overcome the fact that Romelu Lukaku ate all the cookies that K bought Xhaka. And they're still going to win. The winner of this game will face the US in the next round if the US win. Okay. If the US win. No, I'm with Shaq. Yeah. I have not been impressed with Belgium, and I think Senegal is a scary team for them, physically. I'm with Shaq and Herc on this one. What about Lukaku?

49:56Dan Thomas:I think there might be another European upset here. He's got you. He's got you. He's got a lot. He's got enough. USA taking on Bosnia and Herc to Kovina. United States big favorites to get it done in this game. What are you saying, Xhaka? I say the U.S. win this and win this relatively easily. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. What happened to all the analysis? And you have to be cautious and you have to be respectful. You just said quite easily. It's an irrational way of thinking. Yes, I know. I was just trying to balance your euphoria. Your euphoria way. Yes. What's that? America, baby. Stars and stars.

50:40Land of the free. Land of the free. Home of the brave. Eagles flying. Yeah, I think it's important. Another early goal would really help open those floodgates, but I think it could be like Paraguay.

50:49Dan Thomas:Okay. There we go. So all you guys did was provide that analysis to them, come and pick the United States and say, it's going to be pretty straightforward. So you got to the same conclusion in the end. Yeah. Takes two hands to clap, Ali. I don't know what you're going to do with that information. I don't know what it means, how it's pertinent, but just know that it takes two hearts to clap. Thank you. Make sure to be with the team tonight. ESPNFC, 10pm Eastern. ESPN2 will have you covered. Across the network today, we'll be reacting to England as well on our YouTube channels. Herk will be with you on Football Americas.

51:27Dan Thomas:There is plenty going on across the network today. But this is the game that obviously is the big one for you guys. The U.S. taking on Bosnia. What's your biggest fear, huh? That they're not up for the moment emotionally. They let Bosnia come to this game. That would be the fear. News plays a part. I think as long as it is nil-nil, the more news play a part. But I think ultimately the U.S. get it done. This is Ali. Positivity, Ali. Positivity. But I am being positive. I am the one who's saying, America, baby. I've been saying it all along. America. I believe this team is so much better than Bosnia and Herzegovina, and they will prove it on the field today.

52:06I believe, I don't know about you guys, I do believe that this team will be better. We just said we believe. Kind of, kind of. That is... And two hands are clapping. Hey! We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. See you then. Ah.

From the publisher

The FC morning crew kick off Wednesday's show by discussing Mexico's dominant display in its 2-0 win over Ecuador, advancing to the Round of 16. They then preview the U.S. men's national team's Round of 32 matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night before touching on the rest of Wednesday's action.
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