In short
ESPN FC’s World Cup coverage focuses on (1) USMNT’s group-stage loss to Turkey despite topping Group D and what that means for the Round of 32 vs Bosnia, (2) Germany’s 2-1 loss to Ecuador and the fallout, (3) Norway vs France (Haaland vs Mbappé) plus a food-themed segment, and (4) additional match previews (Spain vs Uruguay) and a separate discussion of Elliot Anderson’s reported transfer to Manchester City.
Guests (backgrounds)
Ali Krieger (former USWNT defender, ESPN FC analyst), Shaka Hislop (former goalkeeper, ESPN FC analyst), Stewart Robson (former defender, ESPN FC analyst), Casey Keller (former US goalkeeper), Jan Agafjortov (soccer journalist/analyst on the show), Jürgen Klinsmann (appears via quotes/segment), Mario Suárez (former player/analyst), Adrian Healy (analyst), plus chef Bobby Flay (food matchup segment).
Key claims
Pochettino treated the USMNT group finale like a “friendly” with heavy rotation; US must be pragmatic vs Bosnia and avoid overconfidence. US historically struggles vs European teams in World Cups. Ecuador’s win exposed Germany’s lack of maturity/pace and captain leadership concerns around Kimmich. Haaland’s “France will win the whole tournament” is framed as Norwegian self-deprecation/double bluff; France’s depth makes them favorites.
Notable examples
US lost 3-2 to Turkey; Pulisic returned as a substitute and linked with Gio Reyna. Germany lost 2-1 to Ecuador; Ecuador qualified despite earlier struggles. Haaland scored braces vs Iraq and Senegal; Norway beat Senegal 3-2. Spain’s Lamine Yamal returned in a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia; predicted Spain 3-1 vs Uruguay.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOUSMNT's Group Stage Overview
0:45 to 2:05
Discussion about the USMNT's recent loss to Turkey and its implications for the team.
“Hello, good morning to you and welcome into ESPN FC's Morning World Cup edition.”
Pochettino's Post-Match Remarks
2:05 to 3:54
Analyzing Pochettino's fiery comments following the match and his coaching approach.
“What did you think of what he had to say?”
Player Management in Group Stage
3:54 to 5:55
Discussion on player rotations and strategy for advancing past the group stage.
“And yes, do you think Mexico is going to care that they won all three games and then they lose the round of 32?”
Challenges Against European Teams
5:55 to 7:51
Exploring the USMNT's historical struggles against European teams in World Cup matches.
“but they wanted that opportunity to give Pochettino a lot to think about as he goes into the knockout stage of the group.”
Previewing Bosnia Match
7:51 to 10:01
Analyzing the upcoming match against Bosnia and Herzegovina and their competitive style.
“this is what we're looking at with the latest against Turkey.”
Pulisic's Return and Team Dynamics
10:01 to 12:15
Discussion on Christian Pulisic's performance and its impact on team dynamics.
“Winning the group doesn't mean anything.”
Preparing for the Knockout Stage
12:15 to 14:00
Focusing on the urgency and strategy needed for the knockout stage against Bosnia.
“I think it should be pretty straightforward for the U.S.”
US Performance Analysis
14:00 to 14:22
Learn how the US men's national team struggled with intensity and control in their recent match.
“change the tempo of the game in that first half when they were totally dominant and they'd gone 1-0 up and they were but suddenly Ardo Goulier played around the pressure and started to control the game.”
US Performance Analysis
15:24 to 15:57
Learn how the US men's national team struggled with intensity and control in their recent match.
“That's like asking if all soccer players are the same.”
Ecuador's Stunning Victory
16:05 to 18:00
Explore Ecuador's impressive win against Germany and its significance.
“and stunned Julian Nagelsmann's Germany side to join them in the knockout stages.”
Show all 24 chapters
Germany's Struggles and Future
18:01 to 21:20
Discuss the issues facing the German team and their leadership.
“Okay, we're going to get to Germany because there's definitely been some contrasting reaction from the players and the coaches, Jan's alluded to.”
Players' Perspectives on the Loss
21:21 to 24:18
Analyze players' comments on their performance and accountability after the loss.
“I mean, the thing is with Germany at the moment, if we are calculating, I will see there was a good euphoria of that first win.”
Netherlands' Progress in the Tournament
24:19 to 26:01
Review the Netherlands' successful journey in the World Cup.
“They were up against Tunisia in their final game in Group F.”
Netherlands' Progress in the Tournament
26:23 to 27:14
Review the Netherlands' successful journey in the World Cup.
“It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.”
Focus on Erling Haaland
27:17 to 28:00
Discuss Erling Haaland's performance and expectations in the upcoming match.
“Mbappe against Thailand in a direct battle to see who wins Group I.”
Erling Haaland's Upcoming Match Insights
28:00 to 32:30
The hosts discuss Erling Haaland's confidence and Norway's approach to their next game against France.
“Adrian Healy back with us and back in Boston, where I'm sure he's having a wonderful time once again.”
Culinary Showdown: Norway vs. France
32:30 to 33:50
The segment features chefs discussing traditional dishes from Norway and France in a culinary matchup.
“And the main thing for us now is in three or four days.”
Debate: Which Cuisine Reigns Supreme?
33:50 to 38:00
The hosts engage in a lively debate about which country's cuisine is better, highlighting personal experiences and preferences.
“Hey everybody, I'm Bobby Flay here in New York City at my friend chef Sam Hazen's restaurant, Palladino's Steak and Seafood with some World Cup cuisine matchups.”
Elliot Anderson's Transfer Discussion
38:00 to 42:00
The conversation shifts to Elliot Anderson's rumored transfer to Manchester City and its implications for his career.
“He's usually running away from the fish.”
Analyzing Central Midfield Dynamics
42:00 to 43:51
The importance of central midfield players in a team's performance is discussed.
“Again, central midfield players are the dominant force in any team.”
Spain vs. Uruguay Match Expectations
44:27 to 46:30
Discussion on the upcoming Spain vs. Uruguay match and player performances.
“Uruguay against Spain and Cape Verde taking on Saudi Arabia for this Spain-Uruguay game.”
Lamin Yamal as a Difference Maker
46:30 to 48:34
Lamin Yamal's potential impact on Spain's performance is analyzed.
“and it's important that Lamin get more minutes so today he's going to start for sure.”
Predictions for Upcoming Matches
48:34 to 52:18
Panel shares predictions for various international matches and discusses team dynamics.
“Make sure to join the team for reaction to Uruguay against Spain.”
Generational V-Necks and Closing Remarks
52:18 to 54:33
Light-hearted discussion on fashion choices among the panel members and sign-off.
“Egypt by a goal over Iran, Belgium by a goal over New Zealand.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Good energy in. Good energy out.
0:08Storm. Zero sugar, 200 milligrams of caffeine and immunity support. Storm. Energy for life. Coming up, the USA suffered their first loss of the World Cup, but the focus now turns to the elimination matches and up next, it's Bosnia. Plus some infighting amongst the Germans as Ecuador dramatically punch their ticket for the next round. And plenty of star power today as Yamal, Haaland and Mbappe are all in action for a couple of absolute belters that await us. Spain vs Uruguay and France taking on Norway. All that and a bit of this. Norway vs France. Unfair competition. Unfair. It's unfair. ESPN FC is next.
1:04Hello, good morning to you and welcome into ESPN FC's Morning World Cup edition. We've got Ali Krieger here with us. We've got Shaka Hisslop Stewart. Robson's back before he jets back off to the UK. He'll be coming home, that's for sure. But we will be looking back on what we saw yesterday as we do see the group stages getting rounded out. And even though United States have topped their Group D, they did lose the game yesterday to Turkey. That game finished 3-2. Pochettino was asked about a lot of things after the game. He was a little fiery in that post-match presser. He said the mood is like we are going home tonight and Turkey is staying.
1:41I need to remind you and everyone that we won the group. Sorry, guys, we won. You're thinking a little too small. You're telling me you could make history. What does it mean to win three matches if you lose the next one? Winning this game or not winning this game is not going to change my mood. Now is the next stage. We are ready. Casey Keller is joining us now. Pochettino a little bit annoyed there in the post-match, Casey. What did you think of what he had to say? Yeah, I mean, I still think sometimes he's unable to articulate in English a little bit maybe smoother. I think it always seems to be a little combative when he's not happy with what he's being asked.
2:24But I think if you've followed this team under Pochettino, Pochettino treats every game that doesn't particularly matter as a complete friendly. We saw that for 20 months. And because of that, we had no idea what was going to happen in that first match against Paraguay. Because we saw zero consistency throughout that 20-month time where he said, you know what, I have a 20-month preseason, and I'm going to take every match to try to figure out every permutation, every player in every position, every player who possibly could be in this squad. And it only mattered in that very first World Cup match.
3:01Well, they had an absolute fantastic first half. They got three goals. They got the cherry on top at the end to make it 4-1. Then they came back out in the next game that actually mattered against Australia. and they got the 2-0 result. And then because of the way other results went, they clinched the group and made this match that we're talking about last night another friendly for Pochettino. And he treated it exactly like another friendly. He made nine changes, 10 changes if you count from the very first match because Pulisic was still on the bench. So yeah, I mean, again, this is what we've seen from Pochettino over this time.
3:43It didn't surprise me. And in some ways, too, he's been a little combative with the press as well. But he's right in saying that the only game that matters now is the round of 32. And yes, do you think Mexico is going to care that they won all three games and then they lose the round of 32? So yeah, I think he could say it a little bit nicer. What do you think of what Casey you said about this whole situation, the way that Pochettino could set it, because to that point, they did top the group. He was able to make nine changes. So where are you on it, Ali? Yeah, I think the main objective was to top the group and advance to the next stages.
4:21And he's completed that. I obviously think he prioritized the management of the players over, you know, having a perfect three-game group stage win. So ultimately, I agree. They completed the task at hand and now they're advancing and and that's now their focus but it obviously gives confidence to the players who are able to play right none of these players have played together outside of a training environment like they did last night so uh they they got off to a great start i think they completed the task and now they're moving on and that is the ultimate goal checker um i i'll disagree with pochettino in your first instance in in that um i'm not sure that the the mood was was that down.
5:04I'll be honest. I'm impartial. I don't have a horse in this race, but I never got carried away with this let's make history and win all three group games. That is not going to determine how this tournament, this team, or indeed this manager is remembered. So if I take Pochettino at his word and it was down, then similarly, I don't get it. I don't get, if everybody was as down as Pochettino was saying, I just don't get it. Because I said it last week, I'll say it again. If this team crashes out in the next round or the round after that, what happened in the group stage, including that incredible performance, which we were all full of applause for against Paraguay, means absolutely nothing.
5:50He gave his French players an opportunity to play together. They wanted that opportunity, whether they took it or not is a different question, but they wanted that opportunity to give Pochettino a lot to think about as he goes into the knockout stage of the group. Again, whether they took it or not is another question. And I just think that that's well done, well played, that's good managing. And again, I never understood this kind of, oh, we've got to win all three and write history. go deep in the competition that's how you're going to be remembered but could he have just let that go pochettino and not drawn attention to himself by just saying that okay but as casey said he's not always been good with the press in in the u.s the one thing i would worry for him is that and shak has just mentioned it you gave players a chance how many of those players that came into the team would you then think i'll be happy with them coming in if somebody got injured in the next game.
6:47When I was watching the game, the only one I thought played well and could force himself into the team was Berhalter. He was aggressive. He could have easily got himself sent off, which the referee didn't see early on in the game. But he was quite done it. We were talking about midfield players. He's one that can do both sides of the game. He's a good passer without being an expansive passer. And he defends really when he's got great athleticism. So he was the only player that I thought put himself out there to say, if you need me, I'm ready. So next up for the US, it will be Bosnia. in the round of 32.
7:18And these are the odds when it comes to that game with the United States taking on European opposition. And that's something that hasn't always gone their way historically when it comes to major tournaments as we take a look at this full screen here. This is against Europe in World Cup games. The United States wins one, seven draws and 13 losses. The only win in the last 21 was against Portugal in 2002. And since 2021 against European teams for the USMNT, this is what we're looking at with the latest against Turkey. And then you saw June right through there to March of 2021. That's a win over Northern Ireland.
8:02That was a 2-1 win. It's all losses in between that time, Casey, against European teams. Fact is, sentiment is, whatever we're looking at when it comes to numbers and stats and whether the rate are wrong, the U.S. men's national team have not fared well against European opposition in World Cup competition. No, they've not fared well against European competitions full stop. And competitions, friendlies, home soil in Europe. Yeah, it just hasn't been a matchup the U.S. has been able to figure out how to play against European teams. Now, this Bosnia and Herzegovina team, look, we saw against Canada, they were kind of outmatched with pace.
8:47They conceded a lot of opportunities. Canada weren't able to take it, and they ground out a result. In knockout competitions, that's what teams need to do. Find ways to get results. How well you play, how pretty you play, none of that matters. And I think that's what's going to be interesting for the U.S. is can they erase last night, which I agree is a friendly, it's what it was. But they need to come with not the energy that we saw in the first half against Paraguay. And then, you know, kind of the pragmatism we saw against Australia to say, you know what, we don't need to go crazy here. We got an early lead.
9:33We got the second before the half. And let's see how the clean sheet and win the group. So that's where Bosnia and Herzegovina can be a little bit dangerous, is that they're big, they're strong, they're intelligent, they've got experience. And the U.S. needs to be wary that if they open up, if they're not smart with the way they play, if they're overconfident, then they can be embarrassed. And to Shaka's point, winning three games in the group doesn't mean anything. Winning the group doesn't mean anything. If you lose to a team in the round of 32 that you probably should beat. And that is the, right now, that's the sole goal to keep this party for the U.S.
10:18going and keep the good feelings that this team has created. Casey, Christian Pulisic came on as a substitute. How did he do? Yeah, I think you can see that the injuries behind him, I think he needed that 35 minutes or 32 minutes as it shows there, to really kind of test himself, to be able to have that confidence that he's explosive, that he can push off and that he can be that creative force that we know he is. and it was a difference when he came on. He had a couple very good chances. He obviously linked up well with Gio Reyna, which made a difference when he came on. So, yeah, it's good to have him back, obviously.
11:05And I think he needed those first-team minutes as well. It's one thing if you're in training and you're playing against your teammates, but going in a real match is the judgment, and I think he came out of it very good. I mean, obviously, we hope that there's nothing now as he wakes up in the morning and feels something. But from what we saw last night, it's very promising. Yeah, and Jürgen Klinsmann said on our coverage last night, you never want to lose as a coach. But if you're going to lose, let it be the third game in the groups where you're already top of the group. But then comes Bosnia.
11:38How do they get back up for that game, Ali? I think they're obviously going to change back to the lineup that we saw in the previous two games. And I think that confidence, that motivation, that the way that they put each team just back on their heels, the way that they started with that urgency, that resiliency, the adversity, and also just the playmaking, the opportunities they created, I think they really are going to come out firing. And I'm sure we're going to see that. They don't want to lose this next round. They've obviously, you know, taken that against Turkey, but it was nine changes.
12:09And now you're going to move on to the next round. This is, you know, you have to win or you go home. And I don't see the U.S. team wanting to do that. Are you thinking, Chaka? I think it should be pretty straightforward for the U.S. I can see that sitting here. Looking at this Bosnia team, what you saw from them in their group stage, there's nothing to worry the United States, in all honesty. I expect them to be a little bit defensive, try to hit on the counter. We saw that with the U.S.'s game against Paraguay, with Australia, and how easily they cope with that as well. This, for me, is about U.S.
12:42confidence, given the first two games that you saw. So having Christian Pulisic back in the starting lineup, I think, is an incredible plus. While for me this is a far more talented, far more balanced U.S. men's national team that I've seen for some time, Christian Pulisic is still every bit as important and makes them all the better. They coped well without him, with Ricardo Pepe, against Australia. But after his 45, I'll go back to what I said immediately after that Paraguay game. that was the best US men's national team performance I'd seen at any level at any time. They rediscover that. I don't expect Bosnia and Herzegovina to put up too much of a fight.
13:23Now, let's remember, they did put up a fight to actually get here, though. And that fight was against Italy. It was a team that put out Italy to get here. Is that something that the US should have in mind? Not really, because Italy have failed for the last three World Cups. So they're not the team they once were. And they haven't got the players. They're not developing players, Italy. but I think the US they have to play with the same intensity they played in those first two games and they did at the start of the game they'd like a referee like they had last night who allowed a lot of sort of I would say iffy challenge going in early on in the game didn't pick the players up on it but they also need to at times say okay now we've won the ball back we now might need to just slow it down change the tempo of the game in that first half when they were totally dominant and they'd gone 1-0 up and they were but suddenly Ardo Goulier played around the pressure and started to control the game.
14:12And the US was still flying into challenges when they couldn't get there. And that was the problem. They got it back in the second half, but you've got to pick and choose the time when you do play with high intensity. Good stuff. Thanks so much for being with us, Casey. We look forward to hearing from you again throughout the tournament. And yes, make sure to stick with us here on ESPN FC and look back on last night's show, full reaction to Turkey 8 against the US men's national team. That's already streaming on ESPN+. with Alexis and the crew speaking about it at the conclusion of the game last night.
14:43But these are the scenes in Quito, Ecuador, because Ecuador had themselves quite the night. That's next.
14:53Fourth of July savings are happening now at the Home Depot with select appliances starting at$398. Plus, get free delivery on appliance purchases of$398 or more, no membership required. Upgrade your kitchen with a modern and sleek GE profile refrigerator featuring hands-free autofill for the perfect pour every time. And make Laundry Day easier with 2-in-1 washer-dryer combo innovation that completes laundry in about 90 minutes. Shop top brand appliances now at The Home Depot. Offer valid June 17th to July at the U.S. only C-Store online for details. Are all batteries the same? That's like asking if all soccer players are the same.
15:31Take Messi, the most decorated player ever. 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.
15:57ESPN FC is brought to you by Liberty Mutual Insurance. Only pay for what you need. Oh, Ecuador dug deep last night and stunned Julian Nagelsmann's Germany side to join them in the knockout stages. These are the Group E standings. They came from behind. They beat them 2-1. Germany, however, still won Group E. But the Ecuador fans have certainly had plenty to celebrate. They are used to coming out on top when they are up against it. You'll remember that they finished second in the Commonwealth qualifiers, despite starting the campaign back in September of 2023 with a three-point deduction. And so we give them every, every right to celebrate, celebrating they should be.
16:43We celebrate Jan Agafiosov joining the show right now. Ecuador bringing it and stuff in Germany. Jan? Well, you know how the Germans are like. Now they start fighting again. you know the Germans are not used to lose games in the World Cup despite well the last three World Cups they have been getting used to that they haven't had a clean sheet since the final in 2014 and it's always a bad sign when Manuel Neuer is standing with the TV interviewer after the game and discussing if it was his fault or not you don't feel that he is very confident on that Ecuador I agree with you big respect to them Plata, Guelo, they're scoring the goals, all done.
17:27But this German team, I've said it again, I've been skeptic to this team, how far they can go. And I think they showed last night that they are not mature yet. And I would take it especially to one man, the captain, Joshua Kimmich, who's played world-class at Bayern, playing as a number six. Nagelsmann put him on the right back, fair enough. But he's not the leader. And Germany has always built their success in teams that have great captains. And as it is at the moment, Joshua Kimmich is not a great captain leader for this German team. Okay, we're going to get to Germany because there's definitely been some contrasting reaction from the players and the coaches, Jan's alluded to.
18:08Can we give Ecuador a little bit of love here? Absolutely. I mean, you beat Germany in this tournament and a game that you had to go through. You probably thought a couple of days ago you squandered the opportunity with the Nylundro, with Cursor, who lost to Germany 7-1 opening in the opening game of that group phase. You battle back in this manner. You have a goal that's allowed at the other end. You take advantage of that and go on to win the group for a country like Ecuador. And I've said this kind of coming into the tournament, especially you've seen it more with this expanded format. There are so many of these countries that are here for these moments.
18:47they know nobody's expecting them to to win it let alone people in ecuador but just these moments that you get to celebrate these milestones in in your country's footballing history um i think impactful you saw that on the final whistle from players and culture like how much it meant to them to get not just the the scalp as you did but to get to the next round and then just maybe that good fortune, that fight that you saw in the qualifying campaign comes to the fore. Yeah, absolutely. Ecuador fans absolutely brilliant celebrating there and always travel in force when it comes to World Cups as we take a look and a reminder of the fact that they did beat Germany, which made Jürgen Klinsmann, our very own Jürgen Klinsmann, who's usually a very happy chappy, not so happy.
19:36Jürgen, how much do we read into this Germany loss? I mean, yeah. A bit angry, a bit angry. Because you're a perfectionist. No, because I don't like it when you give away things. First of all, congratulations to Ecuador. They played a good game. They were the better team. They created the better chances. They absolutely deserve to win this game. But if you're Germany, you are not happy. Absolutely not happy because you thought you kind of caught already a good rhythm. You had some two nice results. Obviously, Curaçao you cannot really kind of put on the table. But in order to kind of pick up a bit more tempo and intensity and also sending out some signals to all the other big nations, this is not enough.
20:28This is not enough for Germany. And I think they're going to get some critics from their media at home. But everything's fine according to the players. Joshua Kimmich saying the difference today was that the opponent wanted to win more than us and you could really feel it. That's why they won today. Really deserved. Denis Uundav said, I had the feeling they wanted it more than we did. Ecuador were more aggressive, more tenacious. We also weren't as focused as in the first two games. Yael Musiala, they were perhaps a bit more hungry to win the game. The intensity and aggression of their play were high.
21:03But Julian Nagelsmann, Ecuador wanted it more than we did? That's nonsense. No, please stop with this nonsense. Honestly, that's far too simplistic for me. That's a bit of a disconnect there between coach and players, Jan. Yeah, disconnection between Nagelsmann and the team? No. Is that breaking news? I mean, the thing is with Germany at the moment, if we are calculating, I will see there was a good euphoria of that first win. 7-1 against Curaçao. And Curaçao have done well for themselves, got a point. It's unfortunately out now. I'm with Schalke. I love it to see the small nations do better. But Germany is not one of the great best football nations in the world.
21:45They've been terrible in the last World Cups. They played against Ivory Coast. Remember that. First hour, Ivory Coast was the better team. Then they put Dennis Undava on, and he scored the goals to get them through that game. And then they had this game yesterday. And I'm with Jürgen saying that you need that momentum. Germany need to build off their confidence. Germany need to be a fear for other nations that when you play Germany, you're not 1-0 down when you start, but you're a bit negative when you're standing in the tunnel before you go out in the game. And Jürgen Nagelsmann, first of all, he can't do that himself.
22:21And secondly, his team is not doing well at the moment. And I think that these comments just shows you that there are media coaches. That is point one. But when then Euland Nagelsmann come and say this is nonsense, he's not talking to the interviewer. He's talking to his own players. So I think there's a lot of things to be done. I think that the football nation, Germany, will end up being very disappointed with this World Cup as well. Can you read between the lines here in what the both sides have said after the game, Ali? Yeah, I don't necessarily know if it is all about urgency. I think credit to Ecuador.
22:59They played more vertical. They had more attacking, greater attacking chances. and they were the braver team ultimately. And obviously we can't forget that the US also caused a lot of problems in the lead-up match against Germany as well. But they had some of their best players, if not their best team out there, and they still couldn't get it together. And I think at the second half, they completely lost control. So I don't know if it really has to do with urgency more so than tactical and personnel and the attitude. Yeah. Nonsense, says Nagelsmann. Well, the worst thing any player can ever say about their own team is the opposition wanted it more than we did.
23:36And a number of the players said that. That is a terrible thing to say as a player. Even if you think it, you never say it. Even if you've already won the group and you know you're just not going to be as urgent. But Nagelsmann wanted momentum. That's why he played his best team. And the worst thing that comes out of that is then you lose the game with your best team. And we just heard Jan talk about it. You know, you want to be frightened of Germany. Nobody will be frightened of Germany at the moment because there's no real pace in their side. There's no athleticism. The star players aren't playing particularly well.
24:06There's something missing with Wetz. There's something missing with Musiala. Sane, although he scored a goal, is way off the pace at the moment. Kimmich playing it right back, as Jan's already said. This isn't particularly good at the moment for Germany. They're going to struggle. OK. How about Netherlands, though? They were up against Tunisia in their final game in Group F. Brian Brobby, continuing his fine form Netherlands into the World Cup knockout stages as Group F winners. And a very good scoring tally to boot as well. The Dutch fans, they've been out in force as they always are at these World Cups.
24:40Look at this, an absolute sea of orange in Kansas City, Missouri. And on to the round of 32. There they all are, the Orange Army and the famous bounce. What's it called? It's got a name, doesn't it? What I don't understand is that we see these Dutch supporters and they're all happy and jubilant and all that sort of stuff. We've got a Dutch producer who's a miserable sick. Oh, yeah, I know. But he has to work with us guys every morning, so I don't blame him. Yeah. How are the Dutch looking to you, Jan? They're looking good. I think they're looking good in terms of... When we went into this World Cup, I would say that there will be the upper class, but there will be low in that upper class.
25:20But if you know what I mean, I don't know we'll be the big, big favourites, but they're in there. And some of the players get a Broadway, Somerville, Van Dijk looks better. I mean, they look good, good in shape at the right time. And that is a very good sign for the Netherlands. And, well, if you get the goals, if you have the match winners in there, they're looking good. It's a good sign for the Orange. Yes, it really is. And Jan's here, so you know what that means, don't you? We're going to have to talk Norway. And that is still to come in the show. we will have more of Jan Agafjortov. You can also catch more on the World Cup and our coverage across ESPN on the Gabon Jewel show.
Read the full transcript
26:00Every single day you can catch that wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure to tune in for the latest edition. There they are, the Norwegians with the row. We'll be talking about Norway against France, Harland against Mbappe next.
26:20This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome? That's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required. Compatibility and availability varies 18+. Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same premium wireless for$15 a month plan that I've been enjoying.
26:53It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to do at mintmobile.com slash switch. Upfront payment of$45 for three-month plan equivalent to$15 per month required. Intro rate first three months only. Then full price plan options available. Taxes and fees extra. Freeful terms at mintmobile.com. Boston sets the stage for a showdown between France and Norway. Mbappe against Thailand in a direct battle to see who wins Group I. L 'Equipe, the French newspaper, is going with not even scared with a big picture of a very scary-looking Erling Haaland on the front cover.
27:35He, of course, is in fantastic form with four goals so far in the tournament. And the Norwegians, we're at the Mets game. Look at this. Ready?
27:48There they are.
27:53Bringing the road to the stands. You have got to love it. Taking in American culture, all of those Norwegian fans. Janaga Fjortov still with us. Adrian Healy back with us and back in Boston, where I'm sure he's having a wonderful time once again. But we wanted to get to Erling Haaland to start things off with, because we saw a brace against Iraq, a brace against Senegal. And now, will we be seeing more from him in this game, Jan, as they try to secure a top spot in the group? Well, first of all, we're going to go for a world-racking record in rowing in Oslo, our capital today, I've seen. So they're going up to the castle.
28:32They're going to have thousands of people rowing. Another story. Listen, this is a game that Norway has found themselves that we are through anyway. and as for your segment on Pochettino, the last days Stoller Solbaken has not been, he's been kind of rowing as well because he's rowing away from putting out his best team and he has told them that in the three, four next days the most important game is the next one and not this one but tell them to these people that is quite hard so what I understand for this game is that from a good source is that we will do 10 changes so we may hope that that 11th is is erling but i hope that you'll be during the game could have a battle between mbappé and erling harland yeah a good source says janagafiatra it's usually a good source as well so we will be picking you up on that if there are 10 changes yeah you can do that norway side let's see what erling harland has had to say about this game ahead of it coming up against France as they do look to top the group in Group I.
29:38This is after Norway's 3-2 win over Senegal. He said, I couldn't care too much about the game against France. They're probably going to win against us. They're probably going to win the whole tournament. What do you think of that, Adrian? Well, you know, when I saw that, when I saw that live interview after the Senegal game, I was like, oh, that's interesting. But actually getting to talk to some Norwegian fans here in Boston, and I asked them specifically about that Haaland quote and they weren't surprised at all. They're like, hey, that's actually a very Norwegian thing to say. We're always a little humble, a little self-deprecating, a little honest as well.
30:16And let's face it, he's learnt from the best smoke blower in the business in Pep Guardiola and how to talk up the opposition and talk down your own team's chances. So he knows exactly what he's doing. Yeah, is there a little bit of a double bluff here? Does he know what he's doing or does he just really not care and think France are going to win it? Well, he obviously won't be playing, will he? He's saying, well, if I'm not playing, we're going to lose. I don't care. I might come off the Souths' bench. I don't care. No, I think, as Jan just said, I don't think they're going to take this game particularly seriously.
30:47It's a great game for the 10 players coming in, like we say, with the US. Those have got a chance to stake their claim. If they put in a really good performance, the manager might, well, you know, might just think about making one or two changes for the big game in the round of 32. too, but they're going to take it as a friendly more than anything else, I think. Well, Norway would have to win to top the group in this game, but then you see that, that there is still a chance to top the group. You okay with Harland saying that? She thinks a little tongue-in-cheek? I don't know if we would ever say that.
31:14I think we're always showing up, yeah, we're absolutely going to win. We're going to be as confident as we can. But I think there's a little bit of tactics behind this. I think he knows exactly what he's doing, and I agree that that's, yeah, a bit tactical in the way that he's going to say that. And then, obviously, the players who will be able to take this opportunity to come into the game, they're going to want to play their best. Of course. And it's a bit unpredictable. And I don't know if France is going to be prepared for that. But I have to tell you guys, I have to tell you guys, Erling is not tactical.
31:43This is his opinion. I mean, I've talked to people in the Norwegian camp. They kind of, they're very realistic what we've done so far. We got the must win against Iraq. Fine. We had a great game against Senegal. Made us go on. and we I'm not sure about the humble thing but us Norwegians we are quite realistic and we know even if we played with our best team today France and a neutral ground France will always be the favorites they still will be because their reserves are better than our our reserves but Erling that is his thing Erling just says what it means at the moment he's not a poker player he just go out there and that's what makes him frightening because you can ask is there a secret plan behind it, I think for the opposition it would be good if it was.
32:28This is just what he thought after the game. They would probably win anyway. They'd probably win the World Cup. It's probably his favourite. So now, let's see what's going on. And the main thing for us now is in three or four days. But we will never say as Pochettino the mood is down. The mood is not down in Norway whatever happens today. Yeah, the fans, the mood's definitely not down with them. So would it be Ivory Coast next then if Norway were to lose, Jan? The most probable thing is Ivory Coast. and we saw how good they could be, especially against Germany the first 60 minutes. But I think the advantage for Norway is that we have played Senegal.
33:06Senegal had a lot of the same skills, a lot of the same strength, a lot of individual players playing in different European clubs. You have Diamande, who is one of the best. I mean, we talk about Anderson will be a hot property this summer. Imagine when I start bidding on Diamande, the left winger of the Ivory Coast. But, I mean, what will Ali say? We'll probably lose anyway, so we just go out there. That was tactically said for me. I think that Erling Haaland knew what was coming next in our show. He knew that it was going to be Norwegian food against French food. As Ali and Alexis caught up with the Food Network chef, Bobby Flay, for a match-up between Norway and France, cuisine-wise.
33:56Hey everybody, I'm Bobby Flay here in New York City at my friend chef Sam Hazen's restaurant, Palladino's Steak and Seafood with some World Cup cuisine matchups.
34:10Norway versus France. France favorites on the pitch. We'll see if they're favorites on the plate because I don't think I've ever dabbled in Norwegian food. Well, we will see exactly what Norway brings to the table. So we've got some beautiful gravlax, a salmon dish, mustard sauce, a little rye bread, and some nice little crispy cucumbers. Gorgeous. Thank you. Yeah, thank you, chef. Gravlax is cured salmon. It's not smoked. So it's cured in, like, salt and sugar and looks like some dill. Probably cured for a couple of days. And then thinly sliced. Beautiful. It's fresh. It's light. I think the bread helps it for me.
34:47I don't know if I would eat it on its own. And the dill, like, gives it that extra, like, freshness. Yeah, freshness. This is good for a Sunday afternoon brunch. Oh, yeah. It's for sure, right? It's going to be hard to count them out, even though France are our favorites. Yeah, I think Norway, they're going to feel light and fresh on their feet. You think of Erling Haaland. How do you find a better striker than him? He is so strong, and he's so physical, and he's also quick. It's deceiving. Well, I think I see Chef coming. This is for France. Oh! And obviously you got to do French onion soup for France like you do hamburger for America.
35:21And with some delicious Gruyere cheese and a wonderful onion soup. It smells delicious. Thanks, Zach. Beautiful. Whoa. It's low and slow. Lots of caramelized onions. A crouton that's been nicely toasted. And then lots of melted Gruyere cheese on top. No other cheese. And for tanning, no. It's Gruyere. It's served as an appetizer. It's a meal. Yeah. I was supposed to say that's a heavy appetizer, too. The broth really makes it. Yeah. It's going to be an easy game for France. I mean, you look at that attack and they're just spoiled for choice, whether it's Kylian Mbappe, whether it's Susmando Mbele, whether it's Michael Olisse.
35:55I think they're going to be the most consistent team and they have the most depth. So this sounds like a walkover. Who wins this one, Ali, on the plate? I'm going to go with France. Of course. One thousand percent. Unfair competition. Unfair. It's unfair. And Bobby, who do you see winning this battle on the pitch? I think you guys are trying to equalize things a little bit too much. I'm going to have to go with France. Yeah, it's France all day, every day.
36:26Jan, your thoughts? Well, first of all, Ali, I've invited you to Norway. That is point one, and I'll get you the best food ever. That's point two, one. Point two, 1 ,000%. I mean, what kind of statement is that? I'm happy against you. Thirdly, this is the elitism. The working people will go to Norway and they will say Norway food is 1 ,000 % better than the French food, but the elitism going to Paris, Paris, Paris with onion soup. OK. Wow, wow, wow, wow. You had to be there. You had to be there. I guess you had to be there, Adrian. What did you think of the piece?
37:09Oh, it's no contest, Kay. Despite what Jan may protest, it's vive la France all the way. Give me some crusty bread and some tangy cheese and some fine wine. I mean, it's a 10-0 victory for France. What? I mean, this is scandalous. I mean, this is unbelievable. I'm with you, Jan. I'm with you. Take a trip to Norway and you will have the best fresh food. And for me to be a part of a show where the elitism, in the likes of Ali and Adrian here, it's a good feeling. The real people love Norwegian food. And for the rest of you, go to Paris. Paris, Paris. Oh, you know what? We've made Jürgen Klinsmann upset on yesterday's show and we've done the impossible today and made Jan Agafjord off for that.
37:59He gets in the water and spears the fish. He's usually running away from the fish. ESPN FC today, 5pm Eastern, live after Norway against France on ESPN2. Thank you so much to Jan and Adrian for being with us. Jan's absolutely fuming now, the poor thing. Okay, Lamin-Yamal back in action for Spain against Uruguay. That's coming off as is Mario Suarez from Mexico next.
38:29Welcome into our ESPN FC studios. Kay Murray, Ali Krieger, Stuart Robson and Shaka Hislop here to talk about Elliot Anderson set to go to Manchester City as we take a look at the most expensive transfers all time in the Premier League. That's last year with Alexander Isak Hayes at 145 million. Moises Caicedo at 116 million dollars at the bottom of that. It's been touted in great British pounds as 116 million, the deal that this would come up to in the agreement set to be done and also the final stages it is in. Jan Agafiotov joining us now to talk about this move. Let me start with you, though, Robbo, if I can.
39:06What do you make of it? It's a good move for Man City. It's a good move for the player himself. He's an all-round midfield player. He's a box-to-box midfield player and he can do most things you want from a central midfield player. And the most important person, in my view, because I played there, games are won by the midfield players. You've got to control possession. You've got to make sure that you dominate the game in midfield. and Elliot Anderson would do that. So I've got no problem with the money. So much being made of this price tag, it's a high price tag, but I suppose you're setting yourself up for the future in what Robbo's saying is a key position for this team.
39:39I guess. Elliot Anderson is still fairly young, about 24 years old. So he's got a lot of runway to his talents, but 116 million, I didn't see that as his going. If you ask me to compare him to Moises Kaesiri, and granted, Caicedo was a couple of seasons ago himself. Caicedo for me is far more complete, the better player. So whether City are getting value for money, I'm not 100 % sure. I'm certain, not in a forest at the very least, I have to mention this, will be happy with it given that they bought him from Newcastle two years ago for$35 million. So what a profit that is. But again, good player,£116 million, I'm not so certain.
40:22Where are you on it, Jan? At that point, it's like their Declan Rice buy, so to say. With Robbo, he's an engine. He's got technique. There is also development in the kid. As Xhaka is saying, he's only a young player and not that experience. I think he can learn a lot of coming to Manchester City. What Manchester City got asked himself, the Manchester City fans, will this mean, will he come in to replace Rodri? Will he come in to replace Rodri in a year time? And things like that. But I think in the market as it is, Manchester City, and it helps to have money to buy cleverly, of course, but they have now got Guy in, they've got Semenu in, and they now got Anderson in.
41:09And I think that is great, great business for Manchester City. Obviously, he's right in the middle of the World Cup right now, Ali, and he's got a key role for England as well. The talk is that the medical is going to be taking place in New York City today. Does that offer any type of distraction or are these things usually smooth sailing at this point? No, I think as a professional player, you have to multitask well. You have to perform with the national team and you're in the middle of the World Cup. Yes, I do find that interesting, but also you have to plan ahead and for your future. So I think it's completely fine.
41:37And it obviously also might boost his confidence, too, in order to then continue to play well throughout the tournament, knowing that he is landing in Manchester City. I think it's great. I guess the medical staff wanted to come to the game on Saturday. Any excuse, right? Any excuse at all. Ilkay Gundogan's actually said on last night's show that it's not so much that they're signing a superstar here, it's that they're signing a team player. And I suppose that is with a view to the future, isn't it? Again, central midfield players are the dominant force in any team. If they don't play well, the centre forward can't get enough of the ball.
42:08If they don't play well and defend well in central midfield, the centre halves are going to have a difficult time. So you've got to make sure that middle of the park is secure. And now they've got Roderick. He might play alongside Rodri or play slightly further forward because he has got that dynamism. So I think it's a very good signing. What does it mean for City's title chances next season? Is it a boost to them? Does he make the difference? It's a boost. I still think Arsenal are favourites because they've been together for quite some while now and they've got the confidence from last season.
42:35But Man City will be challenging hard, no doubt about that. Will Harland be happy with this, Jan? Oh, he will. He will need everybody who can give him service to score goals. but he wants to see a big team. And in terms of the title chances, I mean, we don't have to forget that they have lost Pep Guardiola. And that will be the big question mark for them anyway. How will they adapt to a new coach? Ask the Reds across the city how it went when they lost their big, big manager. It's not easy for Mareska to come in to this team, but they are buying well. And I'm with Robbo. And Gundogan, I saw that interview.
43:15I thought that he said it in a perfect way. Because you have to start with which player do you need and which weaknesses are in this team. And there were times the last couple of seasons they needed more legs in midfield. And Andersen got legs. And I also think that he got the potential of improvement in his game. And I think that would do his game brilliantly to play with great players, with Haaland, with Rodri. Imagine just learning from Rodri is going to the college and you have the best professor next to you. Yeah, well, certainly going to be interesting to see. And of course, we will be covering it all next season right here on ESPN FC.
43:53Elliot Anderson to Manchester City.
44:10Key plays, bets, and fantasy all in one place. Sign up now for MLB.tv in the ESPN app. Separate subscriptions required, blackouts, and other terms apply. Visit stream.espn.com slash MLB.tv for more information. Final match day of Group H coming off. Uruguay against Spain and Cape Verde taking on Saudi Arabia for this Spain-Uruguay game. A win or a draw would secure top spot in the group for La Roja. And here is the marca cover that no one in Spain sleeps. I'm laughing that it says that because everybody goes out about midnight in Spain anyway. So this is just normal. I mean, the game kicks off at 2 a.m.
44:53So fair enough. But it's not often you would see that in Spain because those guys are used to staying up late, aren't they, Mario Suarez? Here he is back with us. It is Spain against Uruguay. What to expect? Can they see it out and top the group tonight, Mario?
45:09Of course, I hope so. I hope Spain can beat Uruguay today. I think if they play the way they played against Arabia, against a tougher team like Uruguay. But the truth is that Uruguay has a lot of problems inside that they are not playing well. But Spain is the kind of match they want. They want to play a team who plays better than them, where they can defend and play a counter-attack. that's why they won I think the players are more comfortable with that the problem is that they had a coach that he only knows to play in one way that he's pressing high pressing man-to-man and let's see what they do if the players do whatever they want or they follow his coach but I think Spain is favorite but they have to show proof in the pitch.
45:55So we got to see Lamin-Yemal returning to the starting 11 in the 4-0 win against Saudi Arabia will we see him tonight Mario? Of course I think we need Lamine on his best he needs to get rhythm of play and he needs to play more minutes today and I think Luis de la Fuente is not gonna change the team he used to face Saudi Arabia so as I told you other days we need the best Lamine to be favourites to win the title and today is a big match against a strong team and it's important that Lamin get more minutes so today he's going to start for sure. The difference maker, Lamin, Yamal for the Spain side.
46:39Absolutely, you know, they're a good passing side, we know that, they've got good energy around the pitch but you need a match winner and Yamal is the match winner. Defenses are set up to play against passing football. That all goes out the window when one player goes past two or three players because other players have to come across there's more space for other people. So, Jamal has to be at his very best if Spain have got a chance of winning this World Cup. He is the difference maker. He absolutely is the difference maker and just great to watch and great to see what he can deliver and do for this side alley.
47:09Yeah, it's great that he's back fully fit. I think they really missed him. And so now he's back, he's fully fit and he is the game changer. I think he has such quality and he creates a lot of chances and he can finish as well and that's exactly what they need to beat a Uruguay. Yeah, when it comes to Uruguay though, They know they've had those two draws behind them. Realistically speaking, they need a win to guarantee safe passes. Does that pose a new problem for Spain tonight in this game? Well, it should. But to Mario's point, there's this disconnect going on within the Uruguayan camp between how they traditionally play in South American qualifying or international football and how Bielsa wants them to play.
47:45It just does not fit. and as a team, if the reporting is to be believed, as a team, they don't feel it's a good fit, but Bielsa only knows to play this game one way. Somebody has to come out on top here, normally as a manager, which unfortunately means you're not expecting the Uruguay that we're used to seeing. Spain are big favourites in this game, Mario. Give us your score prediction.
48:153-1 for Spain. 3-1 for Spain. Yeah, that game coming up 8 p.m. Eastern tonight. Mario Suarez, thank you so much for being with us. He will be staying up late, although it's a little bit different, the time zone, than it is back in his homeland of Spain. ESPN FC will have you covered following that game on ESPN+. Make sure to join the team for reaction to Uruguay against Spain. A little who wore it best. It is the age of the deep v-neck, generational v-necks. That's next. Oh, boy.
48:58ESPN has you covered for NWSL action, Boston Legacy, Bay FC, Sunday, July 5th, noon Eastern. Be sure to catch that game.
49:09Pitch preview is brought to you by DraftKings Sports. We're rounding out the group stages. We've got a heavyweight battle at the top of the list there. Norway taking on France. Senegal against Iraq. Cape Verde taking on Saudi Arabia. Uruguay, Spain. Egypt, Iran. And New Zealand against Belgium. An interesting group there which we'll get to in just a moment. But it is prediction time. And we will start with Uruguay against Spain. Xhaka, would you like to do the honours? Oh, certainly. As I said, I think Uruguay have a lot of problems internally. Spain want to keep the momentum going. I don't see this game as being much of an issue for Spain.
49:45Yeah, despite you wearing the Uruguay kit, I'm going to go with Spain to win. As Shaka said, they're in turmoil, I think, Uruguay with their coach. Yes, I'm going with the boys, for sure. Spain. And what will Keir do, given her Uruguayan connections? It was all a plot. To fool you, I'm going for the country I used to live in. All right. Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia. I'm going to sit on the fence here. Oh, okay. Verde certainly had their story in their first game of the tournament. I feel they're good enough to not get beat against Saudi Arabia. I would say Cabo Verge, but I'm going to go with Saudi Arabia.
50:28I think they've just got a little bit too much about them and it's going to be a disappointing third game for Cabo Verge. Ending a bit too much time with Derek Ray in the booth. I'll make this very interesting. coming through I want them doing Cabal Verge okay I'm going for them because of the Boston Stadium the other day I met a big fan of ESPN FC I think you might have bumped into this guy too maybe it was a different day no he said I saw Shaka anyway if he's watching I know he'd be telling me off if I didn't go for his Cabal Verge alright great analysis obviously for me as to why I'm going for it okay do we believe Haaland here I believe Jan.
51:10Too many changes. France are going to make easy work of this. They're not worried about the game, Norway. France will be. And if they play reserves, their reserves are better than Norway. So, yes, France. I think Jan would probably rate me off at this point if I... No. He's going to be doubling down. 1 ,000%. He doesn't like the food. He doesn't like the team. He's coming. The depth is going to be the difference. Okay, Senegal against Iraq is next off. Senegal for me. I don't feel Iraq have enough for the Senegalese. I was waiting for the yellow kit to come through to see who it is. And I'm going to go with Senegal as well.
51:50Yes, somewhere in the kit. We're doing Senegal. They have such quality. Yeah. A lot of agreement today. Yeah, there is. Yeah. So we want to take a look at the group standings here because things get interesting. In Group G, as it stands right now, it's very much up for grabs. As you can see, Egypt control their destiny. a win or a draw it's all but guaranteed i think they can even lose and still make their way through but if you look they run in belgium level on two points in new zealand even though it's just a point they are actually still in it so this is a very interesting group is group g and one to watch where there's still a lot going on on the final day of the group so shaka who have you got here uh in this one i've got egypt top the group comfortably sadly for iraq yeah this is going to be a tough game because they've shown that they can defend quite well they've got a couple of points hard to beat but I think with the added quality Egypt will win the game I'm a big Salah fan so I hope that they will be successful during this game I'm gonna make it a bit interesting all right all right not that okay they'll be more interested but just an Egypt win okay New Zealand Belgium I'm I'm gonna go Belgium this one again both games in this group I don't see more than a goal in it for either team.
53:08Egypt by a goal over Iran, Belgium by a goal over New Zealand. I'm just hoping that Lukaku shows some form. I'm hoping De Bruyne shows some form. Two excellent players in the past. Can they recapture that? I hope so. Belgium to win the game. Okay. Yeah, I agree. I think they need to show better, much better quality than they have been. And I think this is the moment to do it against New Zealand. Yep. They're going to leave it late, but they're going to get it done. All right. main course main course who are it best today we talked about generational v-neck oh boy today everyone's getting in on the action stuart robson hercules gomez turned up yesterday robo's got a double v going on there yes with his shirt and his jacket listen who's the smartest out of those four i've got a nice jacket on and the shirt's okay i mean dan thomas in that purple outfit and he can't see that it's actually got blue.
54:06Moreno who's been making fun of everybody else's being a this was him in my yard.
54:15That that wins the V-neck contest Mario and he called himself sexy at the same time.
54:26I think Rubble. Rubble! I think Rubble! I think that's what we're doing. We'll be back tomorrow. More of the same, and hopefully more generational v-necks.
From the publisher
The FC Crew react to the United States' loss to Türkiye last night, but ask what the proper reaction is considering they had already won their group. Then, a reaction to Germany's loss to Ecuador as Ecuador advance to the knockout stage. Also, previews of Norway vs France and Uruguay vs Spain, and predictions for all of Friday's games.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices