In short
Spain beat Belgium 2-1 to reach the 2026 World Cup semifinals, setting up France vs Spain. The panel says Spain dominated early and deserved the lead, but Belgium equalized “out of nowhere,” making it a more even contest. Key claim: the deciding moment was a goalkeeping error late in the match, with Miguel Marino scoring the winner after a rebound.
Notable examples
Belgium’s defensive compactness frustrated Spain; Spain’s substitutions and depth included bringing on players like Mikel Moreno (scored), plus options such as Pedri and Ferran Torres. Discussion also highlights Thibaut Courtois leaving emotionally for Belgium after the error. For the semifinal, guests argue Spain must improve in the final third and defend better against France’s pace and direct threats (Mbappé/Dembélé).
Guests
Craig Burley (former England/club player turned analyst), Shaka Hislop (former West Ham/goalkeeper, broadcaster), Frank Leboeuf (former France defender, pundit), and Alex (studio analyst/pundit).
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOSpain's Late Victory Over Belgium
0:36 to 1:40
Spain secures a spot in the semifinals after a close match with Belgium.
“We now know the lineup then for one of the semifinals.”
Match Analysis: Spain vs Belgium
1:40 to 5:00
A discussion on Spain's performance and key moments in the match against Belgium.
“She said it in extra time, so it's null and void.”
Goalkeeping Errors and Defensive Strategies
5:00 to 7:10
Examining the impact of goalkeeping mistakes and defensive tactics in the match.
“come down, hit him in his stomach or his leg, and popped out.”
Spanish Squad Depth and Player Performance
7:10 to 10:00
Analyzing the depth of the Spanish squad and individual player performances, especially Lamin-Yamal.
“Yeah, the squad is unbelievable if you look at it, isn't it?”
Belgium's Golden Generation and Future Prospects
10:00 to 13:00
Reflecting on the end of Belgium's golden generation and its implications for the future.
“And while we can be critical of Laminya Mal, certainly given his very high bar, who stood up for Spain?”
Looking Ahead: Spain vs France Semifinal
13:00 to 14:00
Setting the stage for Spain's upcoming semifinal match against France, discussing expectations and strategies.
“in terms of how far they could go and the quality of this group.”
Analyzing Spain vs. France Matchup
14:00 to 16:58
The hosts discuss Spain's tactical approach and their upcoming match against France.
“Cantona, Ginola and some others, but didn't achieve anything on top of it, not going to the World Cup 90 and 94.”
Debate on Spain's Potential
16:58 to 19:41
A discussion on Spain's chances in the tournament and their past performances.
“I would love England to win it, of course.”
Norway's World Cup Journey
20:29 to 22:31
A recap of Norway's successful run in the World Cup and fan engagement.
“Storm, zero sugar, 200 milligrams of caffeine and immunity support.”
Norway vs. England: Match Expectations
22:31 to 28:00
The hosts discuss Norway's strengths and expectations for their game against England.
“Archie would already have been in pieces.”
Show all 19 chapters
Analyzing England's Performance
28:00 to 29:22
A discussion on England's qualification and performance leading into the match against Norway.
“I think it would be, for me, a disappointment if they don't go through.”
Elias' Norwegian Perspective
29:22 to 30:20
Introducing Elias, a Norwegian fan, and discussing Norway's potential in the tournament.
“there is Norwegian legs, who are already a very athletic side, as it is.”
Haaland's Stardom and Impact
30:20 to 31:21
Discussion around Erling Haaland's rise and importance for Norway in the tournament.
“One of the big Norwegians is Erling Haaland, who's been very much the superstar of this tournament so far.”
The Pressure on England
31:21 to 33:18
Exploring the pressures and expectations placed on the English team as they face Norway.
“The two teams took different approaches.”
Predictions for the Norway vs. England Match
33:18 to 35:02
Hosts share their predictions for the upcoming match between Norway and England.
“If you'd offered me playing the heat of Miami or the altitude of Mexico, I would have taken the heat of Miami.”
Argentina vs. Switzerland Match Preview
36:30 to 42:01
In-depth analysis of the upcoming match between Argentina and Switzerland.
“The final quarterfinal on Saturday sees Argentina take on Switzerland.”
Portugal's World Cup Exit and Ronaldo's Future
42:01 to 44:40
Discusses Portugal's performance in the World Cup and Ronaldo's role and future.
“Roberto Martinez should have knocked it on the head at the first press conference when he got the job.”
Portugal's World Cup Exit and Ronaldo's Future
44:58 to 45:21
Discusses Portugal's performance in the World Cup and Ronaldo's role and future.
“You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome?”
Predictions for Upcoming Matches
45:27 to 55:06
Panel discusses predictions for future matches, including Norway vs. England and Argentina vs. Switzerland.
“Take Messi, the most decorated player ever.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Craig Burley:Listen to the heartbeat.
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0:35Craig Burley:Spain leave it late once again and once again Miguel Marino is the hero for the Spanish as they book a place in the semi-finals against France defeating Belgium by two goals to one Welcome to New York as we continue our coverage of the 2026 World Cup here in the States. Look at this. Craig Burley is with us. Shaka Hislop and Frank Leboeuf. We now know the lineup then for one of the semifinals. It will be France against Spain. I'll tell you what, you watch the first exchanges of this game, you thought Spain are going to run away with this match. They absolutely dominated things. They deservedly took the lead, but then out of nowhere, Belgium get the equalizer, and then it was pretty much a fair contest.
1:23Craig Burley:Difficult to call. Spain had their chances. Belgium were organised defensively, frustrated Spain. But in the end, it's a goalkeeping error that gives Marino the winner. Spain beat Belgium by two goals to one. Alex is with us as well, who was bragging before that she told us that Marino would score the winner. She said it in extra time, so it's null and void. You lose your bet. Well done. Surely it counts. No, Dan, it counts. No, you can't walk into a bookie and go, please. I said, we can't. Marino would come on and score the winner. We can end it there, and he did. We believe in Mikel Moreno. You don't even have to be in the same building, but you only have to be in the same show as Frank Le Boeuf.
2:03And you get this bragging just comes naturally. I don't know what you're talking about. I'm so humble, you know. It just comes off. I'm saying that, are you going to start bragging? Because you've been going on about Spain, haven't let the tournament up, and I suppose today, again, they were not great. But they were the better team. They were the better team.
2:20Craig Burley:They're saying that the Spanish side, that, you know, they seem to have belief in themselves. They were the better team, but that wasn't a surprise. What was a surprise was how compact Belgium were defensively. It took a mistake from the goalkeeping change. Unfortunately for Lamens, who had a great season at Man United. Courtois looked very emotional when he went off. That was a telling sign that even if Belgium had got through, he looked as if he knew his tournament was over. And yeah, in truth, Belgium didn't create a lot of chances, and that was shown up in the graphic there. but the fact that they held Spain for as long I think is a testament to their organisation they are a little limited going forward but once again we're left wanting a bit more from the Spanish side wanting a bit more from Luminumal yeah he's got some great substitutes he's got some great choices he played Fabian Ruiz today he could play Pedri he could play Daniomo which he did he could play Mikel Moreno from the start who's been effective again so he's got De La Fuente's got a lot of choices but once again I would call it a little bit of a labouring Spanish display Now if it is the French When they meet the French Sorry In the semi-final They're going to have to up their game Big time They can have all the ball they want Sure They can have all the ball they want But if they don't do enough with it in the final third To punish this French team They will get punished at the other end That was the first goal they lost in the tournament by the way So defensively they've been good But they're going to have to be better when they play France We'll look out to France a little bit later on, Shaq.
3:52Craig Burley:What surprised me is how good they looked. Yeah. And that goal just seemed to completely take them by surprise. They were blindsided and didn't recover from it, really, until we see the winner.
4:01Frank Leboeuf:Well, I thought a couple of things with Belgium in particular. I still feel that France is a little bit right side heavy with Laminia Malin and Pedro Porro. Spain. Spain, excuse me, with Laminia Malin and Pedro Porro. And early on in the game, what happened, Jeremy Dock, who was having to drop in with de Kuiper, to cope with that side of Spain. But as the game went on, Doku started to play higher and higher up and that kind of pinned Porro back. I said to De Kuyper, you go one-on-one with Yamaha, we'll take our chances. And Belgium grew into the game. I think we all predicted Spain to go through.
4:37Frank Leboeuf:They're the better side, certainly have the better individuals. But I, for one, I know some people will brag about the results and they picked it. I thought it would have been a lot more thorough from a Spanish point of view. Talk to me about the goalkeeper, Sean. It's the goalkeeper in the sea. It's as simple as that. It was there to be caught. It was not a ball to be parried. But just hit him in a bad part of his hand, come down, hit him in his stomach or his leg, and popped out. Can I diminish a little bit his guilt on that manner? Because nobody came out to block Kubarsi when he shot. And they allowed him to take his time and to shoot, which I think is a first error.
5:17Of course, after you are more than an expert than I am, to say if a goalkeeper made a mistake or not. But I really think that Kubasi had all the time to be precise and the rebound before he went into Le Mans made the shot hard to stop as well. Sorry, there's making a mistake. And he's had a great season. And he's replacing arguably the world's best goalkeeper in Thibaut Courtois. but there's making a mistake at your club which you can put that right three or four days later and there's making a howler like that in a quarter final of a World Cup against a huge local rival with a few minutes to go where there's really little time that your teammates can make amends that's going to take a lot of soul searching because when it happens goalkeepers always make mistakes like outfield players and usually when they do there's something catastrophic and a football balance comes from it.
6:17But as I said, you can always put that right. He cannot put that right for four years if he gets that opportunity. So he is going to be absolutely gutted this evening.
6:26Frank Leboeuf:And at the same time, credit Koubasi in kind of recognising that moment. Koutoua goes off, Lemons comes in and as good as he's been, as we all recognise, that's a difficult situation coming in for the world number one goalkeeper, but certainly, in my opinion, in a game, in a World Cup quarterfinal. Kubasi gave him way too much room, as everybody alludes to, but he recognises that Le Mans can't be settled. And it's a difficult circumstance for him. And just tries to show that he would not have tried on Thibaut Courtois. And it paid dividends.
7:00Craig Burley:Alex, we talk about the depth in the squad for the French side. Spain, when you can bring on the likes of Pedri and Ferran Torres, it is an example of how deep they are. Yeah, the squad is unbelievable if you look at it, isn't it? And I know we're saying that Lamin-Yemal maybe hasn't reached the heights that is expected of him, but I just wanted to give you some insight into what happens when Lamin-Yemal is on the ball. There was a guy in our road that went to get a drink or wherever he went. He comes back and he said, what happened? What happened? What did I miss? And it turns out Lamin-Yemal just got the ball and there's that much excitement, everyone off their feet.
7:37Craig Burley:What's he going to do? What's he going to do? And it's incredible, a player that can generate that much excitement. But there's so much quality all over the pitch. They don't really make mistakes, but I still think they're going to need to play better if they want to beat France. How would you rate Lamin-Yemal today? Well, I just wanted to go to the point, you know. He's a young player and he's really talented, but I didn't see him today. I barely saw him. He was good. On the first half, he had some good... Well, on the first pass, the pass they gave to Pedro Poro on the Spanish goal was great, but it's not enough.
8:10Well, and he has all the excuses he needs because he was injured and he tries to get back into the best shape. But really, that's not the La Minyamal that I have known, and I'm still expecting much more. And I want to talk about Olmo. I want to talk about Yazabal. We have to talk about Mourinho, that scoring goals like that would put him on the bench for every games. That's terrible. But the guy has no chance to start a game because the coach knows so well that when he comes in, he's a threat for the opponent. So that would put him on the bench. But yes, we want to see more. Yes, he's a young, fantastic kid who has all the tools to become one of the greatest in the world.
8:52But we didn't see that right now. Do you know what I've noticed with Laminya Mal since he's came back from this two months off from the hamstring, which is difficult for any player, is that he's doing some really good stuff at times, but the end product that we've seen in his fledgling career, the first touch he had in the first half when he came inside from a long ball was a magnificent touch, took the defender out of play with the first touch, the second touch he got on his left foot, and then his shot was weak. He had a couple of weak shots, he had a couple of weak crosses that really floated into the goalkeeper, and I think it's that part of his game at the moment where he's not quite sharp he can still beat the guy and he can drop the shoulder but where we've watched him whip the ball in the top corner almost you know at will these are kind of getting scuttled wide at the moment or he's dragging them or he's crosses a little bit overhead so he's just lacking that little sharpness and maybe maybe in his mind as well somebody has to say to him listen do the simple thing now and again don't always try and be the match winner don't always try and be the star if they're doubling up on you then pop it off to somebody else and it just feels a little bit like at the moment he's trying too hard to get on that front foot to be in the player that he was before the injury
10:07Frank Leboeuf:Agreed, listen, La Minha we know his talents we feel that he's going to have to carry the Spanish team if they are to go any foot in the tournament given that they come up against France he said himself that he's growing into he grows into the tournament, that he gets better as it goes on, but we're still waiting to see that But at the same time, if you want to draw some comparisons between this Spain and the Spain that won the Euros and the support that he had from Williams and Olmo, that also isn't there. And while we can be critical of Laminya Mal, certainly given his very high bar, who stood up for Spain?
10:44I don't think we're being critical of him. I think we're just looking at how he's progressing from his injury at the end of the season.
10:50Frank Leboeuf:I think it's fair, given where his standards is, where he set his bar. His average performance is kind of some of these good performances. Where he set his bar, we're judging him against his own self. And he hasn't been that yet this tournament. But then in this game, with maybe the accessories of Mika Marino coming off the bench, I'm not sure who else you can say was.
11:14Craig Burley:Alex, being well for the opposition, it is officially the end of the golden generation, isn't it? for Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne and Lukaku, you wouldn't expect them to be back maybe for the next World Cup. No, you definitely wouldn't. I think it was actually a really sad image for Thibaut Courtois as well when you saw him. He was in tears, wasn't here at the end of the match. And they've been such a brilliant team. I think we were talking about Roberto Martinez as well when Portugal went out. He managed that incredible Portugal team at this World Cup, an incredible Belgium team, and only really won one trophy with both of them.
11:47Craig Burley:And it feels like this Belgium side should and could have won more. But I do feel for them because they're top, top players, aren't they? And they just haven't really reached their potential on an international level, have they? De Bruyne are gone. Yeah. We saw Axel Witzel come on. He's got many caps. He'll be done. Thiebaud Courtois, you may argue, but he's a goalie. They get it easy. That's the statement. I don't know how we reach here. You think how many years we've talked about Belgium and that generation from company to hazard? 2014, I think. Dries Mertens, and this is the end of it. But they probably exceeded expectations getting this far.
12:24I think so, yeah. And actually, the big performance for them, really, and they can take a lot of heart at it, is how they destroyed the US. Bearing in mind the scandal, and it was a scandal that was really going on around the Balogun being allowed to play, they harnessed that and put in their best performance of the World Cup by a stretch because they had been pretty poor. And they had been a dull watch up until that US game. And they flexed a few muscles in that game. But this was just a little bridge too far, even against a Spain side that aren't playing brilliant at the moment. They may do against France.
12:55They probably will have to do against France in the semi-final. But this was... They really hit the buffers here, Belgium, in terms of how far they could go and the quality of this group. And yeah, they're just one of these countries that bring through a lot of players and then they disappear and you're searching for the next superstars. I mean, Norway, they're playing tomorrow. Norway were at a World Cup in 98 and then were never at a World Cup again. I think this might be the first World Cup. They had a terrible team. For years and years, they brought nobody through, literally. And all of a sudden, they've got this plethora of quality players and a big star name up front and Ellen Hall.
13:33Sometimes it can be years to replace these icons, the companies and the... Razzle Oak, Shaka, Hisslock, that sort of generation.
13:40Frank Leboeuf:It takes a long time to replace those kinds of icons. When Scotland get knocked out of the World Cup in 98, I mean, just look what happened. You know what? 82-86, France had a great generation and ended up losing twice in a semifinal against Germany. And then after, there was a good generation with Papin, Cantona, Ginola and some others, but didn't achieve anything on top of it, not going to the World Cup 90 and 94. So it took a little time. Where's the story going, I wonder? Before I arrived. And then Fregoré. Only Zlatan Ibrahimovic can say stuff like that. So, Frank, it's Spain next in Dallas.
14:27That's going to be another game. I mean, I don't want to take this game representing what Spain can do against France. That's going to be another game. And Lamin-Yamal maybe is going to be better. And he's going to face Dini, who we know. He's a good player, but hasn't been for Aston Villa. the best right-back in the world. But I'm thinking about having, again, Dwey, Dembélé, Bambappe and Olize together against Kukurela, Pedro Poro, Laporte and Kubarsi. That's going to be difficult for them. Do you know what was interesting today, even against this Belgium side that had De Quetelari up front and Doku with his pace trying to get up.
15:17And I don't know if they'll do this against France or whether they will change their whole mentality. But when Spain were possessing the ball and attacking and prodding, they were pretty much leaving themselves man for man at the back. Now, that's, I mean, against Mbappe, Dembele, those boys, that could be a disaster for them. That could be a disaster. But on the right side, they try, you know, playing like they always do now and nowadays, where two guys come for the best player on the left side or the best player on the right side. So they try to cover each other, but it's not going to be enough.
15:52And if, of course, Rodri and whether it's going to be Fabian Ruiz or Pedri, we'll have to help the four at the back. Otherwise, they're going to serve him. If I'm Mbappe, I'm pulling on to Laporte. I'm working off Laporte because he can give him a yard and you can flip that ball in behind. So who are you going to play instead of Laporte? No. Oh, you mean if you're Mbappé, you're going to play on Laporte? I'm Mbappé, I'm drifting towards Laporte because I can slide that ball down the channel and he's going to beat him in a foot race almost every time. And Spain are going to... Yeah, but some defenders are quicker than others.
16:27He certainly is not in that category. Spain do leave a lot of space behind, they do. And that's, in my mind, not a good strategy against his French team.
16:37Craig Burley:Alex, how do you see this game going?
16:43Craig Burley:Spain, France? Yes. I think Spain needs to play a lot better, but I think Spain will get to the final. I'm pretty sure. I said at the beginning of the tournament that Spain will win this tournament. And I still believe that. I still believe that. Another one of the changing minds. I would love England to win it, of course. Another one of the crew that lived in Spain. In the Calvary. Lived in Spain. That's what it is. Viva España. There's no bias there at all. You're not being frank. It's just because you have some interest that you put Spain favourites. What do you mean you're not being frank?
17:15Oh, frank. Honest. Honest. I thought you were talking to you again. No, no, no. Why? Why, Alex? I just think we haven't seen the best of Spain yet.
17:25Craig Burley:And I think, well, I just think, I think when Spain play well, they play very, very well. And we have not seen that yet. They have it there. They've got the squad. they've got a top manager they've got brilliant players they've got super subs Mikel Moreno you know it's not just fluke is it that he comes on and scores winners we've seen it with Arsenal as well no no no I'm sticking to my guns here Spain will go all the way I truly believe it what percentage chance do you give Spain? well I give a let's say I give a 40 % chance for Spain 60-40 yeah yeah because they are the two favorites and I always say that it's a final before the final for sure they are the two best team in the world right now and there will be a contest and that would be at the best at the moment at the time who's going to win but they can win but right now from what we have seen of course France is favorite yeah yeah 64 is all right yeah Greg I'd agree I mean you just have to somebody has to ask this French defence more questions.
18:36Right. On the side. On the side. Because you don't have any question about Upamecano and Saliba right now. They've been absolutely perfect. Because nobody's asked them any questions. Nobody's really put this French team. Senegal did for an hour. That was a month ago. That was a long time. OK. We're not leaving the past. You're right.
18:56Craig Burley:Alex, you've got a couple of days off now. Rest day. You're not going to the England game, I assume. No, it's no. Sadly not. Back to New York City, so not complaining. I'll be watching England from somewhere in New York, cheering them on. Don't come here, Frank. I'm a little bit nervous, not going to lie, not going to lie. Don't come here, Frank. He doesn't want England to go through, I'm assuming. Nobody does, Alex. Even Dan doesn't want that. Surely. Come on, Dan. Come on, Dan. Get behind the boys. Good stuff. Yeah, you're speaking to the wrong people, trust me. Are you going to watch the England game with you?
19:32Craig Burley:Thank you very much. No time for that. Are you going to watch... Are you going to watch... There it goes. Oh, no. It's annoying. He's coming. He's coming.
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20:46Craig Burley:This has been a familiar scene, hasn't it, throughout the World Cup. Norway and their fans winning a lot of supporters with the way in which they've conducted themselves around the tournament and they've rowed themselves into the quarterfinal. Oh, quite a lot. Does it? No, let's not do that again. They're not sailing, though, are they? They're rowing. Oh, that's a big difference. Get on with it. Let's welcome in, shall we? Adrian Healy is here, but I want to start with Archie. Archie, where are you and why are you there? Got lost. I'm in Oslo. which is of course the capital of Norway Dan but you knew that and I'm here to experience it as an Englishman in Norway tomorrow I will be in a stadium full of 22 ,000 Norwegians and that's sold out in 30 seconds on Thursday people here are very sceptical of how the tickets were sold but yeah the people are very pumped they are very polite about it though I've had people coming up to me and going hello where are you from I'm from England oh okay we think we will beat you goodbye so it's been quite an experience so far but ultimately let's see what happens i would call them polite assassins yeah and yeah i i asked one guy tor not tori as in tori andre flow tor like hammer of thor uh i was speaking to him earlier and he was telling me how much he likes the team because they're so humble and how this team has got everyone on side and then i asked him the magic question of course dan what do you think of Jan Arger Fjortoft and there was a beat and I thought, oh, go on, say the magic word.
22:24Craig Burley:Say who? And instead he said legend and I was like, don't tell Jan that. Would the Scots have responded the same? If the Englishman was there? What? Amongst the Scots fans? Archie would already have been in pieces. I don't know where... He'd have been just limbs lying over. He'd be very much like train spotting. And he would walk on him. Aide, where are you and why are you there? I'm right in the heart of Miami Beach, Dan, a place you know well. I know Ocean Drive, which has been kind of the central hub for both sets of fans. But we're down at the Norwegian end just to keep that theme going. Because I tell you what, they seem to have become everyone's second favorite team in this store.
Read the full transcript
23:11And all the papers here, we're talking about how they've gone from charming underdogs to everyone's second favorite. Now the U.S. are out. I think there's a lot of Americans that are getting behind the Norwegian fans and team too. And right here on Ocean Drive just a couple of hours ago. Yeah. And they're going to do it again later, by the way. The Viking row. I'm not sure the Vikings ever rowed anywhere this hot as far as I'm aware. I thought they always patrolled some northern waters. Adrian, are you in front of the Betsy Hotel?
23:47Which hotel, Frank? Betsy Hotel on Ocean Drive. Betsy, oh, no, the Betsy, no, the Betsy is just down there, not far from it. Have you stayed there? I'm sure you like it. You'd be in the wrong place, though, then. Was this a holiday programme? No, that's a very nice place where you can have a nice limonet because it seems to be very hot, so.
24:05Craig Burley:You know when you whisper, everyone can still hear you.
24:08Frank Leboeuf:It wasn't whispering. Adrian. Adrian, I know England had to contend with the altitude in Mexico, but at 5pm tomorrow, put your meteorologist hat on. How hot is it going to be at 5pm tomorrow? We need a forecast, yeah. Well, if it's like today, it's going to be melting temperatures. I mean, this is it. This time tomorrow, it's going to be, I think it's going to be a very, very different game than the one England enjoyed against Mexico. They have to be playing slow. I mean, put a bunch of Northern Europeans together in South Florida in July. There's no way it's going to be fast. It's just going to be slow.
24:54It's going to have to be slow. It's going to have to be deliberate. I wouldn't be surprised if it's tight and cagey and the exact opposite from what we saw in Mexico City. That's true.
25:03Craig Burley:That's the wrong place for a game like that. Well, it's there now. We can't change it. Who has the advantage with this weapon? No one. We're going to see all right faces all around the field. That's going to be a nightmare for any teams. We could have said that when England played against Mexico, that was for the advantage of the Mexicans. But right now, everybody plays in Europe. And playing in Miami during the summer is just terrible because on top of the heat, you have the humidity. So it's really hard. It has to be England. It has the advantage in terms of they have, across the squad, a better quality of player.
25:43Right. You know, they have, Norway that is, have good players and a superstar up front. Certainly in Mexico, England had two or three superstars. Kane being one. Bellingham was certainly another. And then you've got Rice. They have a better quality of player. not to say that they're playing better at this tournament than Norway you could argue that but they have a better individual quality now whether that shines through or not remains to be seen or whether Norway can get enough service up to Erling Haaland like they did against Brazil would you think about it Norway have never been out of a past the last 16 they've made history being in a quarterfinal they could be in a semifinal of a World Cup but they've already knocked Brazil out.
26:34I know it's not a great Brazil side, but they have already knocked Brazil out in Boston with Erling Haaland taking the headlines. I'm going to say three or four years ago, this really wasn't a difficult game to call because Norway's team was not very... It was Erling Haaland and a bunch of other guys. That's not the case now. It's a really close game to call now between these two countries.
26:58Craig Burley:Archie, is it patronising to say Norway have already won given the fact that they beat Brazil and made it into the quarterfinals? Not necessarily, because to some of the people I was speaking to earlier were saying, look, we will celebrate tomorrow night no matter what happens because of how much of an achievement it is that we've got this far. But the thing is, is that the question they're not asking why can they win this game, it's why not, because they have Erling Haaland. And he gives them that extra piece of quality, which means that he can win a game on his own, except, as Craig's been saying there, there is more to this Norwegian team.
27:34Craig Burley:I question whether Ojan Neuland can have two successive games in a row which are as good as the one that he played against Brazil. There are question marks behind this Norwegian defence still but on the other hand, this England team has not convinced in every game there have been chances given up in every game against their opponents as well. So it is a very difficult one to call but here everyone is very much confident to believe Why can't they overcome England, given how well they've done in this tournament? I'm sorry. I think it would be, for me, a disappointment if they don't go through. No way.
28:08No way. They've been exceptional during the qualification. So far, they didn't have anything to complain about. They've done the job. And really, they should unite. And how they work together and how they end up their games, it's so far perfect. So why you cannot be ambitious and think that you can even win the World Cup? Because with that team and England, as we all agreed, has been united, I would say, against Mexico, but otherwise didn't prove anything. They weren't as efficient as the Norwegian. So for me, that's why I think... But they had 10 men. They were down to 10 men. England. And I think that's one of the questions going into this game as well in the heat in Miami, is what condition are these England players in after that?
28:55monumental effort in the Azteca. And it was. At altitude, with a man down for almost 45 minutes. You could easily say that Norway had pretty much an easier game. They definitely had an easier game. And an easiest game, knocking Brazil out. Whereas England had a hell of a time to get over that line. So they have to be less in their legs than there is Norwegian legs, who are already a very athletic side, as it is.
29:26Craig Burley:Martin, are you making friends? What's going on? Yeah, we're talking when I'm talking there. What's happening? Oh, boy. So this is Elias, who's just come and given me a Norwegian scarf, so out of politeness I've put it on. Elias, I heard you say that you think Norway will not just win tomorrow, you think that they will... Win the World Cup, yeah. Why? Oh, wow. You're not even mentioning Martin Odegaard anymore. I'm an Arsenal fan, so it's my favourite player. But in Norway, Nieland and Holland are the biggest player here. Archie? Yes, yes? Ask him if there's any small Norwegians. We have a question from the studio for you.
30:09Craig Burley:Are there any small Norwegians? Yes, there are a lot, but I'm not one of them. We can see it. Elias, thank you very much for your time. Of course. Thank you so much. Cheers. Take care. One of the big Norwegians is Erling Haaland, who's been very much the superstar of this tournament so far. He's grabbed all the headlines, no matter where you are in the world, given what he did, especially against Brazil. It's hammer time. Here's the man himself. I think there's some clear favourites out there. England's one of them. So I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.
30:49Craig Burley:put all the pressure on the English aid yeah you know the thing about him is not not only how fantastically he's been playing he's been playing with a smile on his face almost the most relaxed I've ever seen Erling Haaland play just just like this is all house money this is all gravy and that he's become a sensation here I I mean, almost in the days leading up to this game, it's been like the paparazzi following him around Miami and Fort Lauderdale and whatever restaurant he's been eating. In Norway, he'd been here all week. The two teams took different approaches. Norway had been here the whole week.
31:24England just flew in last night. But Haaland has turned into an absolute sensation and a superstar. And it's obviously, it goes without saying, the key to England's success tomorrow. Can they cut down those channels? You're not going to deny him complete chances during the game, are you? But if you can at least restrict that, you can give yourself a good chance. He's very likeable.
31:50Craig Burley:He is. You know what I mean? On the pitch, the way he celebrated that second goal was so cool. From what he's been doing on social media during this tournament, there's almost like a kid element to it.
32:00Frank Leboeuf:Yeah, and it's incredible to witness from somebody that good. We, of course, know Erling Haaland from playing for Manchester City and everything that comes with that. this is almost a different side to him. Putting on the national team shirt, representing Norway as a workup for the first time in, what was it, 28 years, and how he's managed his stardom, how he's managed his presence with the Norwegian team, it really has been a joy to witness. Also, as somebody mentioned, Norway has, since Scotland left the tournament, Norway has become everybody else's second team. And there's just this good feeling around Norway, who they are, who they've shown themselves.
32:37Who is supporting Scotland?
32:39Frank Leboeuf:everybody in Boston, for starters. They must have put on the fans. Well, that's what I'm saying. I don't want to watch the team. No, so now I'm just saying, everybody is willing Norway on in the way that, well, they were hoping for these scores. Maybe they didn't get it, but they're willing Norway on. So the thing for me is, even if Norway loses this game and goes all three tournament at this stage of competition, I think they come away with us. I think they'll be well-received back home. I'm not sure you can say the same about the English. There's a different kind of pressure that comes to be in England and having to get to a semifinal, especially when you see the team.
33:15Frank Leboeuf:So there's an added pressure to England. But while the Mexico game was difficult, I think England learned a lot about themselves during that game. If you'd offered me playing the heat of Miami or the altitude of Mexico, I would have taken the heat of Miami. yet you go to Mexico, you deal with that altitude in the way that you do, I think you come away better for it.
33:37Craig Burley:And we'll be getting predictions from everyone in the studio a little later on, but let's go to Aide, who really looks like he's enjoying the sun. Yes. You know I love the sun. I'm that classic Englishman, Dan, that used to dream of living in the sun, and now I get to live my dream. Yes. Tomorrow, it's going to be tight. It's going to be tight. I'm going to go England have found a way to overcome lots of obstacles, lots of hurdles lots of games where it could have gone in another direction they've found their way to this point and I think they're going to find a way past Norway, it won't be without its challenges I'm going to say 2-1 England after extra time, 1-1 at 90 minutes and they find a way to win it Jude Bellingham probably does something heroic at extra time and England scrape through Thank you very much, Jacob.
34:31Craig Burley:I'll find some AC somewhere. Archer, you don't have that problem, but I still would like to hear your prediction before you leave. Dan, for my own safety, it will be Norway 2, England 1. Thank you very much.
34:49Obviously, that big lad still stood next to him.
34:53Craig Burley:Growling over. Thank you very much, guys. What a match it should be. so many subplots going into that tie. Norway taking on England with a place in the semi-final at stake where they face obviously Argentina or Switzerland. ESPN FC will be back with you tomorrow to continue the countdown to that game. And that is live on ESPN News. And after the break, the one last non-European side is standing and it just happens to be the defending champions. Argentina and Switzerland preview coming after this.
35:55Craig Burley:Requires Google account, Google Health app, internet, and Google Health premium subscription. Features subject to change. Availability and results vary. Not intended for medical purposes. Works independently of Gemini apps. Check responses for accuracy. Do you hear that? Sounds like breakfast is ready. Because Quaker's coming in hot with morning nutrition. 100 % whole grain oats. And a good source of fiber. To fuel the rhythm of your morning and kickstart your day. And that sounds absolutely delicious. Fuel to start whatever's next. Quaker, official sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26.
36:40Craig Burley:The final quarterfinal on Saturday sees Argentina take on Switzerland. For Switzerland, of course, they came here after that penalty show-out victory against for Colombia. For Argentina, it's been far from an easy road. They've made hard work of it. That incredible 3-2 win over Cape Verde. 79 minutes to go against Egypt. They were 2-0 down. Came from behind to win 3-2. A lot of talking points going into this. And what's interesting, as we were saying before, is that at the start of the tournament, if you said you had Switzerland in the quarterfinals in Argentina, you'd be so delighted. We would be like, what's the point discussing this?
37:15Craig Burley:Argentina are going to win it. But what we've seen from Argentina has kind of opened up questions about them going into this. What we've seen against Cape Verde in Egypt was a chaotic Argentina. An Argentina that can't keep clean sheets. Lost, I think, five goals at least in this tournament thus far. But it relies on Messi and others and great finishes and great goals and has made games, particularly in the second half, has made games open and end-to-end. And they've got away with it. And I think that's, you can use that term. They have scored some great goals to dig themselves out of hole. And let's be honest about it.
37:56They've had favourable decisions from the officials thus far in this tournament. I hope there's none this time.
38:02Craig Burley:Wouldn't it be nice if we're just not talking about the officials after an Argentine game? I mean, I don't want to go back to match day one, but Messi should have been red carded. And you could debate the Egypt, not that goal that was chopped off, that went all the way up the field, was as soft as hell. So they've had favourable decisions. the chance of that happening all the way to a final and through a final are slim. As more eyes get on you and the better referees get the end games, they're going to have to play better. They're probably going to have to play better to beat Switzerland because they're super organised.
38:33They're not a huge threat going forward, but they're super organised. And they'll be looking at this Argentina side and they'll be looking to pick those little holes. When Argentina get as open as they have been, let's see if Switzerland can hit them in the counter-attack. But it's made Argentina fun to watch. Really fun to watch. But it doesn't bode well for them playing against a better side, probably in the semifinals. You will have Granit Xhaka who's going to take care of Messi. I want to see that because it's going to be interesting. How Argentinian players can do with maybe without Messi.
39:07Because Granit Xhaka or some others are going to take care of him because they know that without Messi, they're not the same team. But he'll just drag Xhaka. If they try and man Mark Messi, he'll just drag them into areas they want to go. Maybe it doesn't bother them because they know that's sticking an equation out of the system and that would be easier for them. And I'm sorry, they've been winning just by a margin every game. And at some point, you will have to fail. They have been winning. Yeah, they've been winning and good for them. And because of that fantastic player that Lionel Messi is, but at a certain time, that's going to stop.
39:48And if you have a well-organized Swiss team, that can be another story.
39:52Frank Leboeuf:I don't think you need to put a man marker on Messi. Neither Cervéry nor Egypt did. You have to be aware of him whenever the ball is anywhere in that half of the park, of course. Cervéry were very organized, I will say, and played on the front foot. And maybe it's because Argentina took the lead and that kind of forced Kev Verde to play on the front foot. But Argentina didn't have a response to that. Different game against Egypt because Egypt took the lead and then they just dropped all the way off. And tried to soak up pressure and tried to ride the game out. And then when it came time for them to try to get something back in the game, it just wouldn't work for them.
40:29Frank Leboeuf:I see Switzerland approaching this game more in the mind that Kev Verde did, but with better players. and that makes this a very difficult game for Argentina. But to your point, Dan, before we started this tournament, if you looked at Argentina's run to this point, not really paid anybody, but you get Switzerland in a quarterfinal, you're quite happy with that if you're Argentinian.
40:50Craig Burley:We'll be getting everybody's predictions later on in the show. What a tease. Oh, OK. People are going to be out of the way. But I suppose we've got to talk about transfers. Transfer talk is over on the website. it's starting to hot up a little bit now post-World Cup transfers being discussed be sure, I should sell this better shouldn't I? Be sure to check it out Sound excited
41:18Craig Burley:Portugal have a new coach Jorge Jesus is in charge inevitably he was asked in his press conference about the future of Cristiano Ronaldo he will never be a problem for the national team or for me as for the controversy, everyone is entitled to their own opinion Chris is a symbol of Portugal. He will go down in history. It has been a great pleasure working with him. He is incredibly easy to work with. If he is in a position to be called up, I will do so. Well, he managed them in Saudi Arabia. Yep. It's good to see Belgium have got Portugal for a young up-and-coming coach, a 71-year-old. But anyway, no ageism here.
41:58here. Look, Portugal have to move on from this. Roberto Martinez should have knocked it on the head at the first press conference when he got the job. He did not. And it just hung over him and he didn't have the stomach to make the big decision. And they went out. At some point, I think Ronaldo has to take himself. I also think Ronaldo should take himself out. He did say it in the afterwards and then that's it. and that's the problem because if he says I carry on nobody's going to say no well somebody has to say no well it doesn't seem to be the case with that new coach as a country you have to move forward and you know I said we all said coming into this World Cup for months that Portugal who have a very talented squad were never going to compete properly to win this World Cup with a 41 year old up front and you only had to look at history the recent history of major tournaments to tell you that he'd struggled in the last two or three.
43:03And you have to be an absolute clown to think that if you've struggled in the last two or three that six, seven years later in your early 40s you're going to be better against younger, fitter, quicker defenders in the heat here in the United States. I mean, it's just bonkers really. So it's been amazing. And he's an amazing player, an amazing athlete. I've loved watching him play, him and Messi. I don't think it'll ever be repeated. Two players like that, of that generation, with that talent. But it's over at this level. And let's be honest, it's over at club level, apart from being in Saudi Arabia, banging in a few goals where nobody cares.
43:42Frank Leboeuf:I think what, Bill, between Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo are looking for is a good way to say goodbye. A good send-off. I'm not sure what that is or what that looks like. But given what he's represented for Portuguese football, if you're a Portugal fan, you don't want to see him leave in this circumstance. You could argue for having a showcase friendly against a Brazil or somebody. On Portuguese soil, something of the sort. I think they're just looking for that moment that the country can say goodbye and he can do the same. But again, a lot of that comes down to Cristiano Ronaldo. what he wants to do at most of the point when he wants to do it.
44:24Craig Burley:Portugal, obviously, out of the World Cup. We're down to seven teams? Six teams? No, seven teams. Spain or Switzerland? Five. Five teams? Good. Six. Oh, my God. Coming up, then, after the break, we'll be getting the boys' predictions and looking ahead to who they think will be the semi-final line-up. So, France... So, yeah. Ready? Yeah.
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45:31Craig Burley:Is there any other player who has achieved that? No, just him. Now take Duracell. Is there any other battery with power boost ingredients inside? No, just Duracell. Remember, goats only trust goats because they're built different. And Messi only trusts Duracell.
45:54Craig Burley:Seattle against Portland and NWSL action on Sunday, 4 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. Okay, so this is Braco, we've got just four bits left to fill until we decide who the champion will be. France will play Spain. Now let's take it to the other side. We've promised you Norway against England predictions. Let's do exactly that. Starting with Shaq. I go for... Oh, I've got to do this look, Shaq. Oh, yeah.
46:20Frank Leboeuf:You're right. I go for England to beat Norway. I'm going to go for a score of 2-1.
46:25Craig Burley:2-1? Do we have to give the score too? Yes, please. A little description. We've got three minutes. Need to fill a little bit. Okay. Can you straighten that up a bit? No, there we are. Alright. Yeah, don't put on the flag. Respect the flag. Right. Craig.
46:40Ah, the Scotsman. England to go through just so that when they get to the semi-finals and get knocked out, it's a little bit more painful. But when I'm going out in the quarters, I want them to be able to feel that World Cup. I knew you wouldn't be that. Only for it to be dragged away. No, I'm going straight for Norway. And they will be... 1-0.
47:08Craig Burley:1-0? Okay. I'm going to go for Norway on penalties. Oh, you've got Norway. He played that role. He's got it. Always play the role. How are we going to lose? I'm not playing that role, so it's split there. Let's do the other one. Argentina against Switzerland. Craig, do it first because you've got to go to SportsCenter. Let's get your prediction for this.
47:28Frank Leboeuf:You've got to press the little arrow, no?
47:29Craig Burley:Down there. What little arrow? We're still on Norway-England. Oh, there we go. No one told me about any arrow. Nobody told me. He knows. There you are. The only one. A slightly less... They've made a bit of a bad choice with the Argentina flag. It just looks like a white line. Yeah, yeah. Can I go, boys? All right, sorry. A slightly less... So then... A slightly less chaotic Argentinian performance against a well-organised Switzerland side. Right. But the wee man to go through, Lionel Messi. Let's go to SportsCenter then, Burley. Xhaka.
48:01Frank Leboeuf:I will join Craig in seeing Argentina go through. This will be the toughest test. Right. But I think they'll be equal to it. Frank. I'm going to go for Switzerland on extra time. Yes. And I'm going to go for a 2-1.
48:17Craig Burley:I'm going to have Switzerland as well. I don't think it'll be extra time. I think they'll get it done in 90 minutes. And I think it'll be a surprise. Switzerland, Norway in the semifinals. Ah, it's going to be nice. According to you two.
48:28Frank Leboeuf:Yes? Yeah. I thought it was a prediction. No. We predicted more? I thought we were saving those.
48:34Craig Burley:Look how Tulshecker looks over there. He's tired. I just mean all my friends.
48:40Frank Leboeuf:Craig left me here by myself.
48:42Craig Burley:Look at that. That's great. Speaking of tall towers, ESPN FC back tomorrow. Enjoy tonight.
49:00Craig Burley:We're going back to your desk or we're standing up. I don't know. What are we doing for extra time? I'll stay here. I'll stay here. I'll stay here. Oh, come on. Oh, come on. Oh, yeah. Here we are. I don't know. No one... Bring it on the iPad. Lookin' like a buying groceries. Press the prayer. Shaka, in the World Cup, Yasin Bono has faced nine penalties. Yeah. And only conceded two. Wow. How crazy is that record?
49:23Frank Leboeuf:It's very crazy.
49:24Craig Burley:You've got to step back in your light, Shaka. Yeah, please. I have to go back. Get back into position, please. I'm lonely over here.
49:29Frank Leboeuf:I'm lonely over here. Nobody's got friends. You're missing Craig a little bit? Yeah. How crazy is that? That's a pretty ridiculous stat. Yes. In all honesty, I mean... I think it goes with... The question's not for you. No, because... It's not your question. I don't know if you know this, Frank. I mean, Dan, Frank was a very good penalty taker back in his day. It's why I want to go to that point, that Bono is a great goalkeeper. Right. But the penalty shooters nowadays are absolutely dreadful. So... But... What?
49:59Craig Burley:Seven out of nine is just some goal. Yeah, it'd be pretty bad. The conversion late is so low considering VAR and goalkeepers having to stay on their line. Considering what you used to face. You think Champions League final 2005? When it was Dudek in goal, he was halfway up. Even Chakai was cheating and was going like that. Why get into this? Why don't you think that's done? You could get away with it. But now you think it would be tougher. But it seems to be that... It should be tougher for the goalkeeper. Nowadays, it was easier because they were cutting the angle. But no, because again, players, penalty shooters, they tease goalkeeper, they don't respect the goalkeeper and the human being behind that, and they just try to wait for the goalkeeper to move.
50:47So if you don't move and you're a very patient goalkeeper, the player is in danger.
50:52Craig Burley:Is Marino just Olivier Giroud in disguise? What? It's because Giroud obviously scoring those late winners for France back in the day. Oh, yeah. Yeah, but you know what? I have sympathy for Mourinho because at the same time that he scores and he's the hero of every day, he's going to remain on the bench. The super sub. The super sub. And that's not an ideal role. It's not bad, is it? If you can come on and score the winning goal. Yeah, yeah, yeah. After every game, you say good, but you know that you're going to be disappointed when the coach is going to put the first 11. You will never be in it.
51:24Craig Burley:You know what you're going to do. Yeah. Come on. You've only got two games left. It's not the end of the world. Keep on your lazy people. You don't want to run 20 minutes. Get back into position. Chagas lonely. Does this, of course, does this Belgian performance make the US men's national team loss look any better? No. No. No. Frank, how good has Manu Kone been in the World Cup? He has been the main reason why France's midfield has actually been a strength. Well, you have to add Rabiot and Chiamini when he played. but it's true that Manukone has been absolutely fantastic. I saw, because I think Thierry Henry was Manukone's coach in Monaco, and I saw a little video of Thierry in the dressing room saying, wow, you are back to your best.
52:07And that was very nice coming from Thierry Henry. And I think it's absolutely true. Manukone is an excellent player. I think he plays in Roma, correct? I think I would say that. You don't know? Okay, nobody knows. Okay, I know. So I think he plays.
52:21Frank Leboeuf:He's a great midfield player. Ask your friends over there.
52:25Craig Burley:Thank you. How much has Rudy Garcia's coaching stock risen and how much has Martinez's fallen, Shaq?
52:32Frank Leboeuf:I'm always surprised to see... I was surprised to see Martinez get the Belgian job. I'm not sure what he did with Portugal. You know he's been linked to Scotland, Sean. That would be amazing.
52:42Craig Burley:Just a wine-crager. Oh, yeah, yeah.
52:45Frank Leboeuf:Oh, my God. Start a petition. I'll sign it. Just a wine-crager. So, yeah, it certainly hasn't helped at all. I think, you know, Rudy Garcia, over these last two games in particular, his stock has risen. And just keep in mind, they were about five minutes away from getting knocked out against Senegal. But then all of a sudden, these last two games, I think I'm in Belgium's best in the tournament.
53:09Craig Burley:Is the keeper the most important player on the pitch?
53:11Frank Leboeuf:Yes, yes. I did not know that was up for debate.
53:15Craig Burley:Well. I did not know it was up for debate. Because Courtois would have saved that? Probably, yes. Who would have done better with the first? The first? Yeah. He just kind of parries it, obviously. No, I don't think so. On the first shot, on the Olmo shot. That's what it is? That's what you mean? Yeah, the first goal. He saved on Olmo, but he kind of pats. He would have been able to keep it.
53:35Frank Leboeuf:Stop trying to blame the goalie, Dan. Is the goalkeeper the missing points?
53:37Craig Burley:Yes. Of course not. Yes.
53:40Frank Leboeuf:Everybody knows that. Everybody knows that. It is. It's because they don't know how to kick a ball. They don't bring in the net. Oh, boy. I'm kidding you. No, it's still with your friends. Still with your friends. Are we going for dinner tonight? No, because you go for, I think you go for curry. Yeah, we're going for curry this evening, yeah.
53:58Craig Burley:No, I'm intolerant on that kind of food. Fantastic, because we're intolerant of you, so everything works out. The world is perfect. Everyone's happy. ESPN FC returns tomorrow morning. Come on over here. I'm going to be with you. Go on, Frank. Oh, boy. Be sure to join us. You're on your own.
54:51Craig Burley:We'll see you next time. Roe.co slash health. Half of covered patients have a$50 per month copay or less for medication, plus$145 monthly Roe membership fee. Deductible costs may apply and final cost varies by insurance plan. For safety information about GLP-1 medications, including boxed warning, go to Roe.co slash safety, Rx only.
From the publisher
The FC Crew react to Spain's win over Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinals thanks to a late winner from super-sub Mikel Merino. Then, a preview of Saturday's action of Norway vs England, and Argentina vs Switzerland. Also, a look at Cristiano Ronaldo's future with the Portugal national team, wondering if he should still have spot in the squad.
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