In short
The episode is a World Cup preview and early tournament recap focused on Group B and other North American storylines. Topic: The U.S. men’s national team’s home opener vs Paraguay in Los Angeles, plus discussion of Mexico’s opening match, Canada vs Bosnia/Herzegovina, and a separate transfer rumor segment about Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid.
Guests
Kay Murray (host), Ali Krieger (former USWNT/US international), Nader Manua (ESPN FC analyst), Ali Moreno (ESPN analyst), Stuart Robson (panelist), and Casey Keller (former US goalkeeper, three World Cups).
Key claims
The U.S. must win but stay patient; Paraguay will defend deep and counter; emotional readiness matters more than “just tactics.”
Notable examples
U.S. group includes Paraguay, Australia, Turkey; Paraguay last appeared in 2010; Keller predicts a narrow U.S. win by “the odd goal.” Mexico’s opener vs South Africa featured two goals, three red cards, and Raul Jiménez scoring amid his father’s recent death. Canada’s group outlook is framed as improved due to Bosnia’s qualification via penalties over Italy; Bosnia’s Esme Abairak Taravich is highlighted as a U.S.-grown talent playing for Bosnia.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOAnticipation of the Match
1:12 to 3:16
Discussion on the significance of the USMNT's opening match and preparations leading up to it.
“men's national team kick off their campaign on home soil today against Paraguay in Los Angeles.”
Key Defensive Strategies for Success
3:16 to 6:15
Analysis of the USMNT's defensive tactics and player roles in the upcoming game.
“And it's just there was so much anticipation.”
Emotional Weight of the Moment
6:15 to 7:37
Exploration of the emotional stakes for players in their first World Cup game at home.
“And what I would say to those players that are feeling a little nervous this morning when they wake up is, Where else would you rather be?”
Importance of Winning vs. Not Losing
7:37 to 10:14
Debate on whether it's more crucial for the USMNT to win or simply avoid losing in the opener.
“a good account of it because they're very good players and this group, I think it suits them and I think they'll get through it.”
The Coach's Message and Player Readiness
10:14 to 13:20
Discussion of the coach's approach and how players are preparing for the match.
“I think it's going to get you off on the right foot.”
Anticipation for the World Cup Opener
14:00 to 16:51
Discussing the significance and excitement surrounding the World Cup opener.
“Casey is beaming with pride there as Ali says this.”
Casey Keller's Insights and Predictions
16:51 to 17:13
Casey Keller shares his prediction for the U.S. vs. Paraguay match.
“Football Americans, you can catch Casey tonight, 7 p.m.”
Casey Keller's Insights and Predictions
17:14 to 17:53
Casey Keller shares his prediction for the U.S. vs. Paraguay match.
“Two goals and three players sent off in the clash against South Africa, but the co-hosts start in style.”
Casey Keller's Insights and Predictions
18:08 to 19:13
Casey Keller shares his prediction for the U.S. vs. Paraguay match.
“The one that makes buying so incredibly easy?”
Mexico's World Cup Debut Highlights
19:17 to 21:08
Discussion on Mexico's opening match performance against South Africa.
“Mexico hosted South Africa in World Cup 2026's opening game and the watch parties were loving it.”
Show all 24 chapters
Raul Jimenez's Emotional Moment
21:08 to 22:24
Exploring the significance of Raul Jimenez's first World Cup goal amid personal loss.
“Even at the walkout, the stadium song, just the atmosphere was insane.”
Red Cards in the Opening Match
22:24 to 23:10
Analyzing the impact of red cards in Mexico's match against South Africa.
“And the goals just were an example of that.”
South Korea's Impressive Comeback
23:10 to 25:58
Reviewing South Korea's comeback victory against Czechia and their potential in the tournament.
“Now, think about in the big picture how this game could have been different for Mexico and that you're playing essentially two men up with about ten minutes to go in the game.”
Team Dynamics and Match Strategies
25:58 to 28:00
Discussing tactical insights and team performances in recent matches.
“So South Korea are off to a winning start there.”
Bosnia's World Cup Journey
28:43 to 30:26
Discussion on Bosnia's impressive qualification to the World Cup and key player Esme Abairak Taravich.
“Save money on your next oil change with O 'Reilly Auto Parts.”
U.S. Player Eligibility Concerns
30:26 to 32:19
Exploration of talent like Esme Taravich playing for Bosnia instead of the U.S. and the implications for American soccer.
“and there's excitement around this player, Ale, 21 years old.”
Canada's World Cup Prospects
32:19 to 33:24
Analyzing Canada's chances in the World Cup and the impact of manager Jesse Marsh.
“Because as much as you like to say, and I know the rhetoric about managers.”
Edin Dzeko's Legacy
33:24 to 35:39
Reflecting on Edin Dzeko's career and his contribution to Bosnia in the World Cup.
“What's he going to try and get them to do, Canada?”
Veteran Presence in Teams
35:39 to 36:27
Discussion on the importance of veteran players in high-stakes tournaments.
“Did you make the graphic for your friend and say that he was 30?”
Upcoming Technology Integration
36:27 to 37:26
Teasing a segment on the integration of technology in sports during the next session.
“you know, running the show and able to create moments out of nothing.”
Bernardo Silva and Real Madrid
37:26 to 42:02
Analyzing the implications of Bernardo Silva's potential transfer to Real Madrid and its impact on the team dynamics.
“into play in our next segment and that is a concern.”
Mourinho's Management Style and Player Dynamics
42:02 to 46:20
Explore how Mourinho manages star players and the dynamics of empowerment within a team.
“So I think he'll have to do things differently according to what it was from back then.”
USMNT vs Paraguay Predictions
46:44 to 51:44
Panel discusses their predictions for the USMNT's World Cup opener against Paraguay.
“Oh, and in our immediate future, Group D is getting underway.”
Cultural Insights from the World Cup
51:44 to 52:51
Discussion on the cultural experiences of players during the World Cup in the U.S.
“For future reference, if we want a draw, do we just put it in between?”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00The Stanley Cup Final on ABC is more than a quest for the cup. It's 134 years of putting it all on the line and the heaviest 35 pounds ever lifted. It's broken curses and broken hearts. But for those chasing it, it's everything. The only question is, who will take it? You just have to watch the Stanley Cup Final presented by GEICO on ABC and the ESPN app. After four years of anticipation, the day has finally arrived. The USA kicks off its World Cup campaign on home soil, but a dogged Paraguay side stands in their way. Is it a must-win game for the Stars and Stripes? And what final words of wisdom will they receive from their Argentine coach?
0:50I raise both. I raise both. I build too much. Plus, we'll look back at a wild opening to the tournament in Mexico as El Tri got started with a bang. All that and much more on ESPN FC next.
1:12And so the day has arrived. The U.S. men's national team kick off their campaign on home soil today against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Kay Murray here in the studio alongside Ali Krieger, Nader Manua and Ali Moreno. Are we scared? Stuart Robson away. But we will be inviting Casey Keller to the fold today as we take a look and remind you of the USA's group. They are there with Paraguay, who they open with against today, and Australia and Turkey also in there too. So Casey Keller, three World Cups deep. There he is. Hello, Casey. Welcome. They have talked the talk. Today is time to walk the walk, just as you did, sir.
1:53Oh, boy. Oh, boy. Three times at this stage. Oh, hello. Four times, but that's okay. Four times at this stage. Take that. Thank you. Look at these shots. I mean, did that ball go in? Looked like it went in. No, that didn't go in. All right, okay. So while we're taking World Cup tournaments away from you, Casey, let's talk a little bit about the World Cup tournament 2026 right here in the U.S. And this is the day. This is the big day for Mauricio Pochettino's men. Yeah, it really has been. And it's one of those situations where you know that once you have been awarded the tournament, then it's this preparation.
2:33But it's this preparation that is basically four years of preseason. And you're playing all these friendlies and you're trying to get a little bit of an edge into the team, knowing that it's so huge to be able to host this tournament and to play these matches in front of your own crowd. But you don't have any games that really matter. And so now, finally, after all the friendlies, after all the changes in formation, changes in player personnel, that we finally get to see this U.S. team, you know, play the match that actually matters. And so I think everybody just can't wait to just get this first game underway and to finally get this thing kicked off for the U.S.
3:13Because it is, it's a little bit odd. I mean, I was, you know, I was playing in Germany when Germany were hosting the World Cup. And it's just there was so much anticipation. The thing with America is we have so many other things going on all the time. So everyone's talking about the NBA finals, talking about hockey, you know, and obviously from Seattle talking talking about the Seahawks winning the Super Bowl. And so now it's finally this idea of, yes, the World Cup is finally starting and we can get excited about it. Yes. And that's all we will be talking about right here on this show. Wait a minute.
3:45Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I know we're talking about the NBA. I know we're talking about hockey. But the Seahawks won the Super Bowl in February. Nobody was talking about that. He wanted to chew honey. Other than Casey. Oh, well, yes. I got to get out and walk outside of Seattle, Casey. He had to get it on in there. Okay, first hurdle, Ali. Paraguay today. Getting off on the right foot. So important for them. Yeah, absolutely. I think the defensive mentality is going to be huge. And it's going to be a team collective defensive effort. Because it can't just rely on the two center backs of Tim Ream and Richards.
4:14especially because Richards, we don't know how long he's going to last game in and game out because he's just coming back from injury. But I think defensively, it starts from the front. So Balogon potentially obviously being the number nine, he has to decide when and when if he goes in high presses. And then the midfield has to do their job. Pulisic, McKinney, and Tillman have to stay connected and do their job defensively. And Dest needs to be able to do the 360 defender to come back. Once the ball gets past you, you have to come back to try to double team. And Robinson and Freeman have to win their one-we-one battles and stay connected.
4:49But that defensive triangle in the middle of the park with Adams sitting in front of Reeman Richards is going to be huge. And then on the bottom of that defensive triangle with Freeze and Tim and Richards as well is going to be ultimately what I'm going to be looking for today in order for them to have success. One thing we have seen, though, Ali, is as Casey mentioned, we didn't get to see a qualifying campaign as so many of the teams have had coming in as co-hosts. That's not the case. But in recent friendlies, we've seen some positive signs from the U.S. Have we not? Well, we have. And full disclosure, we're about to show some of that stuff later on in the show.
5:26Oh, we're going to get fancy. Let me just tell you what could possibly go wrong. But I'm not so concerned about the tactics of the United States today as much as I am about the emotional component. And understanding the moment. Appreciating the moment. And thriving in the moment. The opportunity of a lifetime of playing a World Cup at home. And if you have been to any big-time sporting event in this country and you know that National Anthem plays. And you feel and see the flyover. And you feel and see the fireworks. Man, that has to get the blood going if you're the United States. The issue for me, Nato Manoa, is that some players thrive in that environment.
6:11Others have a tendency to hide. And what I would say to those players that are feeling a little nervous this morning when they wake up is, Where else would you rather be? Where else would you rather be than representing your country? America, baby! I'm not even American. America, baby. Number one, if you're not excited about today, you're an American player. Oh, my God. Put me in that line of outplay. Goodness me. Oh, my God. How do I follow that? I know. There he goes. There he goes. An eagle has just flown over the studio. How do I follow that? Are you pumped up? I'm ready to go, Ali. Okay. That's a foul.
6:49Sorry, excuse me. You grab me again like that. I will go down. Excuse me. Excuse me. Paraguay are coming. Ready or not? Yeah, absolutely. they are and i think for me like a world cup itself is something that every young person will watch will dream of they have their memories of it and to be able to play in one is one thing to be able to play as the host nation one is another i think anybody that maybe or maybe not says this is just another game i'm going to take it my stride you're missing the point because the nervousness that you feel around certain games is a privilege because it matters so much find yourself in a low i mean vernis world of nigeria we've had a few good friendlies this uh this offseason.
7:21You know what I mean? They're probably not nervous around those ones. But to be able to walk out there, to know that you can potentially make history, these are moments that you will remember for the rest of your life. These are moments that will be spoken about for the rest of your life and beyond. So it's incredibly exciting and I hope they can make a good account of it because they're very good players and this group, I think it suits them and I think they'll get through it. Okay, Casey, we know they faced Paraguay last year. It got a little bit feisty. Will that carry over into today's game at all?
7:49I don't think so. I mean, at least not specifically from what happened here. I mean, clearly there could be some new situations happening, but I think people have to understand and players have to understand that in this new expanded format where eight of the third-place finishers go through, you can't afford to do silly things and get yourself sent off and put yourself in a compromising position for the next two matches because, yeah, you could slip up in your first game. We know that. But that get-out-of-jail clause of maybe goal difference and being that third-place finisher is going to be huge.
8:32And if you put yourself and your team in a poor situation because you can't control your emotions on a team, against a team, let's say, that that's what they feed on. They want to try to wind up the U.S. They want to try to get somebody sent off. If they want to try to have that little bit of advantage, don't fall into it. Just play the match, win the game, and move on. Moreno, what is more important? Not to lose or to win. I'm sorry, what did you just call me? I called you Moreno. Señor Moreno. Señor Moreno. Wow. Our American enthusiast. I'm sorry, what was the question? Seriously, what was the question?
9:14What's more important, not to lose or to win? Not to win. Honestly. Are we talking about America? This is about winning. And today it's important that the United States win for all sorts of different reasons. Now, yes, not losing. If the game is getting out of control and you're trailing late and you tied it up, you'll take the point. But I think the mindset should be winning this match. And as I mentioned, for all sorts of reasons. But one of those reasons is setting yourself up for success in the remaining play of the group. Because if you drop points today, and now you have to chase them against Australia, and maybe that goes your way, maybe it doesn't, then you have to go chase against Turkey.
9:55No, no, no. That's a dangerous game to be playing. And so if you are the United States today, you do everything in your power to win this game. Don't get crazy. Don't take unnecessary chances. But there are opportunities to go and win this match. and you have to be the team that has the responsibility to carry the possession, to create the chances. You are the host country. You are America. You are in the United States. Go win this game. No, I completely agree. I think it's going to get you off on the right foot. It's going to get that confidence and motivation to continue in this group stage.
10:25But if you don't, Argentina has proven this before. When they lost to Saudi Arabia in the first game and then went on to control the rest of the tournament, I don't think, obviously we're not thinking that in the first match. The first match is to get there, complete your passes from A to B, connect the first couple of passes, focus on the task at hand, and then worry about the rest once the game is finished. But I think to put yourself on the right foot, it's a must win. Yeah, well, with all due respect to the United States. You don't need to say it. You don't need to say it. You don't need to say it.
10:58I think I would trust Argentina to overcome a loss in the first game, whereas I don't know that I would trust United States nearly as much. Argentina, I'm just comparing. Well, it sounded like a comparison. If you lose the first game. It sounded like a comparison adjacent, but a comparison nonetheless. Sometimes we can let things go. What? What? What? We're going to take a look at the history between the U.S. and Paraguay. It's like that was my wife talking. For the U.S. It goes all the way back to 1930 when our very own Stuart Robson was born. But we have been able to hear from the U.S. camp ahead of today's game.
11:32Let's get more from what they had to say. This is the moment that you've been building towards for a year and a half. And for these players, this is the moment that they've been building for their entire lives. When you speak to them tonight, tomorrow, how do you coach that? I already spoke. I already talked. Do you build them up? Too much and too much. I said, don't expect an unbelievable speech Friday. We know we have to be ready to battle. It's not about just playing beautiful football. We have to do the little things and compete. When the whistle blows, it's just another game. Obviously, the stakes are higher.
12:08There's more to play for. But that doesn't change my mentality. You've got to stay present in where you're at. And ultimately, that's what allows you to play your best. Pochettino's already talked, so you can talk, if you don't mind. Yeah, but I'd like to know what he said. Because obviously, it was perfect. He doesn't need to say anything else. Just let the time pass. It's almost like three different messages there as such. But Pochettino, he knows his players. He knows what's going to be required of them. And I think for Tyler Adams there, kind of playing it down a little bit. Like I personally want to feel a bit more emotion from him.
12:39But I think when the game goes, he will play to the highest level and he'll take it in. He'll see the crowd. He'll sense where he is. He says the World Cup is literally on his turf now. And I think he'll be ready for the match. And I think to jump on what you guys were saying as well about the must win or not lose type thing. As long as they still remain patient, then I think it's a positive. Because that desperation to win sometimes causes you to play in the manner. which doesn't suit the moment, probably doesn't suit the team. But they've been so well drilled. You've mentioned the recent friendlies against some tough opposition, and they have played well.
13:10So you'd like to think they'll be ready, they'll be prepared. And, yeah, the way they spoke in there, hopefully that isn't the energy that's matched in the game itself. Hopefully it's a little bit more than that. Pochettino is right. He has spoken too much. He has said too much over the course of all the press conferences. He didn't say enough in actually talking to the players that he left out. Didn't say enough there. In fact, didn't say anything. Just sent an email. That's not exactly the culture that you would want from a team. Regardless, I digress. As for Tyler Adams, this is not just another game.
13:42This is not just another game. This is a special moment. It's a special opportunity. And I would love for my players to actually embrace it and say, yes, this is different. This feels different. Embrace it and rise above it and use it. Use it to inspire you. Don't tell me it's just another game because it is not another game. Casey is beaming with pride there as Ali says this. This is not just another game, Casey. This is a World Cup opener on U.S. soil. Yeah, it's definitely not just another game. It is. And I think what Tyler's trying to do is just try to take a breath in the moment. But, yeah, I agree with Ali.
14:21There's a point when, yeah, there's a time when you can really get the crowd, Get the home fans, get them excited about what we've been waiting for for so long after this announcement had been made to then kind of say, yeah, it is just another game. Look, I know what he's saying. I mean, I remember my first World Cup match where, yeah, the first 20 minutes you're kind of looking around and then you realize, yeah, OK, it's no different from playing in Old Trafford or playing somewhere else. But hosting and that buildup, yeah, there's no doubt that this is going to be something different. And hopefully, as Ali pointed out earlier, you've got to rise to that occasion.
15:01And you've got to, you know, if we're talking about picking up points in this first match, just to get the momentum of the country and to get just that confidence moving forward, winning this first match is going to be huge. having to then come back and deal with everything if it goes wrong today. Yeah, that'll be wild. So put that out of your mind. Just pick up three points, do it the right way. And then to Natum's point about being patient, this is a Paraguay team that will pack it in, that will look for the odd counterattack. And if you get out of shape, as Ali pointed out, and Serginio is overlapping and Robinson's overlapping, and then all of a sudden there's an errant pass in midfield and you find yourself counterattacked 1-0 down, yeah, the pressure will build tremendously.
15:52So, yeah, do it the right way. Be patient. Get your goal. Look for that second one if it comes, but just come away with three points. Yeah, and for Paraguay, it has been a 16-year wait. So tonight they return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2010. But the odds are in favor of the USA. And Casey Keller will not be on with us later for our prediction segment. So it's time to tell us, Casey, what your prediction is for tonight's game. I think the U.S. wins by the odd goal. If it's 1-0, if it's 2-1. But it'll be tight. And Paraguay have shown in qualifying that they are a very formidable defensive side.
16:32And they don't concede a lot of goals. So, yes, patience will be key. Be smart defensively. But I think the U.S. will just have enough to win by the odd goal. OK, predictions from our panel coming at the end of today's show. But thank you so much for being with us, Casey Keller, the man who's starting four World Cup finals. Football Americans, you can catch Casey tonight, 7 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2. We have you covered with so much World Cup coverage. And we have ESPN FC tonight, 11 p.m. Eastern. Looking back on all that goes down in tonight's game, Casey will be on that too. ESPN 2 for ESPN FC. Coming up next, Mexico make their mark.
17:15Two goals and three players sent off in the clash against South Africa, but the co-hosts start in style.
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19:23Mexico hosted South Africa in World Cup 2026's opening game and the watch parties were loving it. It was a game that offered up two goals, three straight red cards and a maiden World Cup goal for Raul Jimenez. In fact, he is taking all the headlines today. It was his first start at a World Cup, even though it's the fourth tournament he's featured in. And when he scored that goal, you could see the emotion and exactly what it meant to him. Let's talk about that. And let's start there if we can, Ale. What that meant to Raul Jiménez and what that means for Mexico. The emotion comes from the fact that his father passed away earlier this year in March.
20:06And you know what that would mean to a player going into a World Cup, being played in Mexico. You would want your father to be able to witness that. sadly he was not able to make it, passed away with pancreatic cancer and so here comes Raul Jimenez who hadn't scored a goal in the World Cup just yet and yet he was the one name that anybody and everybody who follows this team would recognize right away because of what he's been able to do in the Premier League and knowing full well the emotions that go into it he goes on to score and you could sense the stadium was behind Raul Jimenez that his teammates were behind Raul Jimenez And then the emotion comes because it's a release of being able to achieve something that you've been dreaming of your whole life, not being able to share it with your father, but understanding that there is a connection there.
20:56And wherever he may be, he was with him. So that in itself was a powerful moment. Already one of the big moments. It's just the start of the World Cup. And we know that's going to be a moment that's going to be remembered, Ali, throughout the tournament. Yeah, it was incredible. Even I got chills. Even at the walkout, the stadium song, just the atmosphere was insane. How could you not be motivated and excited? I know the game wasn't, you know, all as tidy as we wanted it to be and what we normally see because in the first game of the World Cup, it is a bit chaotic, right? Everyone is excited to be out there.
21:26You're trying to get your first few touches down. You saw South Africa make, you know, those simple mistakes at times often. But just the excitement for the players to be behind a leader like that, to score that goal in such a pivotal moment. and it brought Mexico together in that stadium. Beautiful, beautiful moment. Powerful, like Ali mentioned. And now they are off to the second game, which gives them that motivation to want to continue. Natum, did you notice how uncomfortable Ali got there in talking about the mistakes by South Africa?
22:01Yes. They were passing the ball out of bounds. It wasn't good enough. They obviously didn't play. They didn't play well. And the game got over them because of the red cards and that situation. They weren't composed. They weren't detailed. They made the mistakes that could have led to better opportunities in front of goal. And Mexico took advantage of that. They stayed composed. They stayed prepared. And the goals just were an example of that. Speaking of red cards, we should talk to somebody who knows about red cards. I think Nader Manu would be best. Oh, me? I didn't know who we were going to then.
22:36What did you make of the record? What do you mean by that? Obviously, three to start a game isn't ideal. It's a World Cup record. It is a World Cup record. And, you know, this is the biggest and greatest World Cup ever. So, yeah, it's a strong way to start. First one, I'm OK with it. I guess everyone else is OK with it as well. Second one, yeah, the third one, I'm not as 100 % on board with that one. But the fact is, like, the decisions were made. They could have been overturned, but they weren't. So, yes, it's a very dramatic way to start the tournament. But I'm all for it. You know, I mean, keep yourself entertained.
23:09Are you all up for it, Ali Moreno? Yeah, I'm all for it. Now, think about in the big picture how this game could have been different for Mexico and that you're playing essentially two men up with about ten minutes to go in the game. And you're thinking, well, two can become three, three can become four. South Africa are all over the place. They're disorganized. And instead of that, you get yourself a guy thrown out, a guy who's your starting center back in a position in which you're shorting numbers anyway, to begin with, if you're Javier Aguirre in Mexico. So what could have been a great evening for Mexico?
23:43It was just a good evening for Mexico. It could have been great. But that red card, I think, I think throws this into a situation which now Javier Aguirre has to make decisions, decisions that I don't think he thought he needed to make. One, South Africa went down a couple of men. We saw another lovely moment actually off the pitch in one of those watch parties where a Korean fan was among all of those Mexican fans. And he got celebrated as well. These are the moments that we just absolutely love to see when it comes to the World Cup finals, aren't they, Nadeem? Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, the Korean fan probably never thought he'd be in that situation, but somehow he is.
Read the full transcript
24:18The Mexican fans never thought he'd be in the same situation. But I think for me, that's one of the beauties of the World Cup as such. There's an amateur spirit to everything. And as a consequence, yeah, it just makes for great moments like that. So South Korea then followed Mexico and got themselves a win against Czechia. It was a comeback win as well. Ali Moreno. Yeah. How are you feeling? I'm proud of my former roommate, Hong Myung-bo. Who is a manager for South Korea? Because there was one person yesterday who... Wait a minute, wait a minute. I said, I'm proud of my former roommate. What's wrong with that?
24:54Did he clip his toenails one day when you were sharing a room or something? It was a great roommate. Did he stink out of the bathroom? Like, what happened to you? It was impressive from South Korea how they reacted to going down and how they were able to not just keep possession of the ball, but keep possession with a purpose and pushing Czechia back and finding the equalizer. And then after that, being able to create enough opportunity to find a winner. I thought South Korea were really impressive. so much so that I watch both matches and I'm thinking, after watching both matches, who's the best team in this group after both performances?
25:30And I was far more impressed with South Korea than I was with Mexico. And it makes me think that South Korea, as Natum put in his bracket, I won't forget that, will go places in this tournament. Now it's just one game, but they look really good, certainly in the last 30 minutes of the game in pushing Czechia back and getting the two goals that they needed in order to win the match. They were deserving winners. Yeah, showing a mental fortitude in any game to be able to come back on this stage says a lot, doesn't it, Ali? Yes, absolutely. Especially just, you know, having to concede a goal and then the motivation maybe slightly shifts and the momentum shifts a little bit, but then they were able to have a complete performance and come back and win the game.
26:10So well done. Yeah, great stuff. So South Korea are off to a winning start there. Czechia obviously relying on set pieces. That's what their goal came from as well. But to Ali's point, with South Korea, we're seeing a team that might be worth watching. It's as if somebody might have told us that yesterday. Hey, listen. Every so often, I'm correct. It's not very often, but every so often. Yeah, even a broken clock's twice a day, right? That's what I've heard. Not that I'm a broken clock. But what I would say, interestingly, like, why were you so against South Korea getting that result yesterday?
26:38I was not against South Korea. So why were you so pro-check here? Because I had put them in my bracket to win the group. And in order to do that, they needed to win last night. It's simple math. Why did you think that? Because I felt that set pieces could be something that Chekya could take advantage of. And I didn't know or didn't expect South Korea possession to be as productive as it was. I thought they would keep the ball. But I didn't know that they were going to do a whole lot with that possession. And Chekya would just sit behind the ball, get a set piece, which they did, score a goal and win the game 1-0.
27:07Which was the case for two-thirds of the game. Nathan, don't get crazy. So he was nearly right. He was nearly right. He was almost right. I think for me this World Cup is going to be interesting. Because the point you made about set pieces can be important. but I feel like it's not going to be the defining factor. Mind you, they got a goal called back on a set piece. For offside. He was very offside. No, I'm saying that the set pieces were going to be a problem, were going to be an issue for South Korea, and they might have been. I give them credit. I don't know what your problem is. It was your problem.
27:35You went against your friend. Well, allegedly my friend. Gavin Jules brought us their first podcast reacting to the games that we saw. You can check it out. Is he going to shave tomorrow? This is US cab. Look at this. You can see what Jules thinks of it by his face. Okay. When we return, we will be talking Canada and Bosnia. And there is a distinct North American feel in both sides here. Stick around.
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28:46Get a$15 O 'Reilly gift card after rebate when you buy five quarts of Mobile One full synthetic motor oil for just$35.95. Stop by your local O 'Reilly Auto Parts. Group B gets underway today and Canada, the co-hosts, take on Bosnia, the team who defeated Italy on penalties in their World Cup qualification playoff final. A reminder of that game, the late leveller here for Bosnia. And suddenly things were looking ropey for Italy again. Then came the penalty shootouts and Bosnia were perfect from the spot. You've got to step up to do it to earn your spot and they did just that, Ali. Yeah, I'm not sure about the walk-up, but yeah, well done.
29:33I'm actually devastated. My mom's side of the family is Italian And I have been so upset, not able to see Italy in a World Cup in the past three World Cups. Don't worry, they're with the Euros. They're used to it. Congrats to them. But one man we'll be looking out for is Esme Abairak Taravich, who grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin. Following the Bosnian War, his family emigrated to Appleton as refugees in 2001. He joined the Rebs as a 16-year-old. In his club career, playing as a right winger for the Revolution, he scored three goals. He then transferred in January of 2025 to PSV. And since then, we've seen four goals in that time.
30:10He's got his first senior goal for Bosnia against Romania in a 2026 World Cup qualifier and the decisive penalty against Italy to qualify Bosnia to the World Cup. He's 21 years old, grew up here, as mentioned, in America. But with his parents, he has always felt that pride for Bosnia and Herzegovina. and there's excitement around this player, Ale, 21 years old. Are you annoyed that he's not playing for the U.S.? He begs the question. What's he doing playing for Bosnia-Herzegovina? I'm just saying. What are we doing with our system in this country that allows a player of this talent to go and play with Bosnia-Herzegovina and he's not in L.A.
30:49today playing against Paraguay? And he was in the youth setup. He has featured early on. I'm just saying. What are we doing with our decision-making process that this player is making a difference for somebody else and not for the United States. Now, more power to him. And I'm sure he feels the pride and the connection to Bosnia-Herzegovina. But man, Appleton, Wisconsin, it's not in Bosnia-Herzegovina. So if you're the United States, this guy cannot be playing for somebody else. That's all I'm saying. We could say the same about Mexico as well. We lost an amazing outside midfielder there. And Brian Gutierrez.
31:27Exactly, yes. And I agree with you. I don't know what the system is and what the issue is, you know, with the setup and the programs. But he is from Wisconsin. He is American. And I mean, it doesn't get any more American than Wisconsin. Exactly. This is where we shout America. I'm not going to say it. I'm not going to say it. No, but honestly, congrats to them to even be making it in. And I'm excited to see how he does. Yeah, absolutely. To be honest as well, from a Bosnian perspective, they had to be a Wales side in Wales and then play against that Italy side in that next stage. And this is the Italy side we've expected at some point to just break this curse and just go and play in the World Cup.
32:06So for them to be able to do it and for it to go to penalties, for them to be the final penalty taker is incredible for them. And you know who else was celebrating when they were going to penalties and Bosnia and Herzegovina was qualifying to the World Cup? Jesse Marsh. Jesse Marsh. Because as much as you like to say, and I know the rhetoric about managers. I could do this interview right now. Listen, we're going to take it one game at a time. We respect every team that we play against. Very good. Herzegovina is a team that is going to pose some challenges. He's nailed that. He's nailed that. Media training at its finest.
32:37Nonsense. Of course you would rather play Bosnia-Herzegovina than you would Italy. It would have made for a far different outlook for Canada in this group, where they seem to be on the outside looking in in this group had Italy been part of this mix. Now they look at it and go, oh, this has opened up. It has opened up for everybody, including Canada. Well, they've never won a World Cup match. Is this the one? This is the one. Well, Jesse Marshall will tell you as much. He will tell you a lot of things. And you better be able to listen because this man can talk forever. He's saying he's someone who wouldn't say, I've done all my talking.
33:12No, no, no. He's going to talk today, tomorrow, and the day after that. and the speech is going to be rousing speech and it's going to be, oh, Canada all the time. This thing will be ready to play and I think they'll be successful against Canada. How are they going to play under him? What's he going to try and get them to do, Canada? You're asking me? Yeah. You're asking Ali? Either or. I think given his managerial career to date, I think he's going to find a team that wants to be on the front foot, wants to be able to hit teams in transition and apply as much pressure as possible. Like, if we're honest, there's a lot of RB, Red Bull, Leeds, all this type of thing.
33:41They all play in very, very similar ways and it's built around the sort of having legs in and around the field, having high energy. And if you can get that from the Canada side, obviously it's difficult at a World Cup, but if you can get that from the Canada side and make teams like Bosnia uncomfortable, then I think they'll do well. Now, we're going to talk about Bosnia for just a moment because there's a player on that team, still on that team, despite his years right now, which is giving away your age. Oh, wait a minute. Hey, Jekyll, wait a minute. We asked you, did you play with him at Man City?
34:11You said, yes. So we went to find your all-time Man City XI and we see that your friend, Edin Dzeko, is left on the bench. Oh, oh, oh. Yeah, I don't remember doing this. This is clearly fixed. But yeah, Edin Dzeko. Do you remember that picture? I do remember. That was from last week. The devil works hard, but our producers work even harder. I can believe that 100%. 100%. But I remember when Dzeko came to Man City and it was after the takeover and the talk was, you know, they're going to try and win the league, trying to do this, trying to do that. And then came this guy, who'd been a star in Germany for Wolfsburg.
34:43He was one of the top scorers in the division. He'd won the Bundesliga, himself and Graffito playing up front. Great guy, supremely talented. And he was great to play with as well. The way he could link the play, right foot, left foot, however you like it. Ball's coming into the box, he's getting his head on them. And unfortunately, from my standpoint, he did also manage to score the header to make it 2-2, City against QPR in 2012. Before then, Sergio Aguero scores to make it 3-2. But I love the fact that he's still playing. I love the fact that he's still having an impact. I think this was in Bundesliga 2 last year.
35:12but the fact is he's still a trusted player in this space and for him to potentially see the last years of his career happen to be at the World Cup leading his side out in the way that he's done, you know, absolutely incredible. I think age 30 feels generous but what an incredible, incredible player, great servant and every time I see him you know I'm happy to see him, I believe he's happy to see me and yeah I'm absolutely delighted that he's at the World Cup representing the old boys. Did you make the graphic for your friend and say that he was 30? I'm 30. That's all you need to worry about, OK?
35:44Don't worry about anything else. If he's 30, I'm 30. He is not 30. He is not 30. But let's talk about having a veteran presence in the team and what that can change as well. In the dressing room, too, what that changes for a team here on the world stage. Absolutely. As a player, I was thinking about the same idea and having, for example, an Abbey Wambach or Christy Rampone at the time leading our team to our first World Cup in 2015. And despite the fact that they might not have played every single minute of the game, but their leadership and the quality that they bring of the knowledge and understanding and how to get the team together and all bought in, I think it's critical.
36:18And then there's moments in the game where they can change, whether that be positive or negative, and having them on the field, I think that is so beneficial for us. And as a player, you feel more confident that you have a leader like that, you know, running the show and able to create moments out of nothing. It must be nice when you're about to give an answer, Ali, and say, you know, when we were in our first World Cup. Not just the one. That was the first one because there was a second one. One out of three. One out of three. I mean, it must be nice. Now, look, as for Edin Dzeko, he can no longer move.
36:52Not the way that he once did. But he links up the play if you go and find him. And everybody runs beyond him. That's when he and Bosnia become far more dangerous. When he's able to lay the ball off and players run beyond him. If only he could have made it into Nadim's best 11. Yeah, well, yeah. I thought you would have made it. On YouTube tonight we have special YouTube editions of the show throughout the World Cup, the latest of which will be coming off at 5pm Eastern. When we do return, though, this is a little rehearsal because we're bringing technology into play in our next segment and that is a concern.
37:29Stick around, this could make for some great TV.
37:44According to reports, Bernardo Silva is set to join Real Madrid and a deal that is very close is what we are hearing. Nader Manua and Ali Moreno alongside myself, Kay Murray. Bernardo Silva, what are Real Madrid getting at this age from him? At this age? I mean, that feels like you're saying he's a bit too old. But I think they're getting a player who's obviously got a huge drive to win. He's been very successful throughout his career and he's been trusted. he's been available and he's played I think probably 99 % of all the games he could have done for the years he was at Man City which was a lot of years as well so I think for Mourinho having him there he's somebody that knows he can trust he's reliable can play in whichever position you like and I think with Bernardo as well he's very good at understanding like game state does it need to be quicker does it need to be slower having an impact in terms of when somebody needs to be taken down he'll do that assisting you can do that can score goals as well I think he's a he's very much a complete player and for Real Madrid obviously they've had their issues but I think this is a player that can potentially help solve some of those problems long term.
38:42It feels like it's the type of player that Real Madrid need not just in terms of profile but in terms of what he's achieved and the leadership that he could bring to this dressing room which is much needed Ale. Presence, leadership, respect, appreciation for a successful career all of those things will be important within that locker room and I think he'll be a conduit of information between Jose Mourinho and the rest of the players. I want to look at from the perspective of the players that are already there at Real Madrid. How do you think Franco Mastantono is feeling right about now? Gone is how he's feeling.
39:12How do you feel Arda Guller is feeling right now? It's like, wait a minute, wait a minute. All along, a sort of left-footed midfielder, attacking sort of midfielder that likes no play, that wants to create chances. Isn't that what I'm supposed to be doing? And if they're bringing this guy, and if indeed he has a tight relationship with Jose Mourinho, and if indeed he's going to be a conduit of information, what's my role? Look, I think Bernardo Silva can be useful from many different perspectives for Real Madrid, but it's also telling you a whole lot about the future plans of Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid and who may be included in those plans and who may not.
39:50Yeah, I think so. I think that the Jose Mourinho point is a bigger point to me for those players and say Bernardo Silva coming in, because it seems that if Jose Mourinho is to come in, which surprised many people from the outside, given the fact that only a few months ago we thought Jose Mourinho was basically burning every bridge possible with Real Madrid, with the Benfica incident with Vinicius Jr. But I think Mourinho's going to be brought in now to be a disruptor. These last two years, seeing Real Madrid not lift a single trophy throughout that whole time, I don't think you bring Jose Mourinho in to say, well, everything's fine, carry on doing things the same way.
40:18He will be a disruptor. So I think there'll be players within that group he will immediately take a dislike to, immediately. And to see who will be left will be very, very interesting. Immediately take a dislike to the players that you know are expendable. if you're Jose Mourinho. Because one of the things that I think he has done very well over the course of his managerial career is understanding who he can pick on, who he can go after, who is vulnerable, and who he needs to move on in order for him to have the full power that is required for him to be the manager of a club like Real Madrid. And to your point, Natum, this team hasn't built any sort of equity over the last couple of years, so they have no say-so, these players, to push back to Jose Mourinho.
41:01He has free reign now to come in and push as far and as long as he wants to push because this team, well, has earned the reputation of being a group that needs to be pushed. So here comes Jose Mourinho. I don't know whether this is going to work. I've said that this would not have been my first choice, but it's going to be entertaining. And for those of us that cover it, it's going to be really entertaining because there will not be a dull moment at Real Madrid come next season. Yeah, it's interesting with the Jose Mourinho point. Obviously, it was the worst kept secret. We knew it was going to happen.
41:33Jose Mourinho coming back to the club here. But in terms of that, he is also very smart at picking out players that he can make feel more empowered. We saw it the first time around with Alvaro Arbeloa, players that aren't the star in the team, that he gets on board. Is he going to be able to do that with players in this squad to get on his side? Stop me if I'm wrong, because I'm not the greatest Real Madrid historian as such. But I think in this moment, having the likes of Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. there, you can try and empower somebody that maybe doesn't have their same rank, but that doesn't actually put them on the same level as those two players in terms of level of importance, especially to the dressing room space as well.
42:12So I think he'll have to do things differently according to what it was from back then. But I think it's very easy to forget how experienced the manager he is. I think the last, say, five or ten years of Mourinho haven't been the prime Mourinho years as such. but he doesn't arrive in a new space without having an idea of what he thinks will work for that group and this is going to be the best group that's probably worked with in quite a while now so it's to say that he can't be successful because you said success like success for Real Madrid is it is it the Champions League is it domestic is it whatever well it's definitely not lifting a trophy again for another year to make it three in a row the standards are so so high and if he needs to empower someone he will if he needs to maybe say offer something to those star players that we're speaking about in Vinicius and Mbappe's and others, then maybe that's what it will be.
42:56But I think he's very, very clever in terms of his methods. And I think he'll find a way for them to be more competitive. And that's going to be the priority. What do you do with Vinny Jr. and Mbappe? And figuring that out will determine as to whether this team may be successful or not next season. Look, you can empower Arbeloa all you want to as he did as a player. But with this current group of players, it is far more about Mbappe, Vinny Jr., Bellingham. Hey, by the way, Chua Meni, Fede Valverde, the middleweight champion of the world, Chua Meni, who took down Fede Valverde, dealing with that situation, that's still hanging over their heads.
43:34Beyond that, let me just say, while Jose Mourinho can empower a guy like Arbeloa, he can also stab him in the back, too. He can also, if there is a player that he thinks needs to be sacrificed, that player is going to be sacrificed at the expense of what he thinks is useful to him and to Real Madrid. And there will be players that will be sacrificed because he needs to make a statement of intent and a statement of power. I am the one who's making the decisions. I am running the locker room, not the players. What does he need to do then, in your opinion, with Vinny and Mbappe? How does he need to approach that whole situation?
44:13He has to make it very clear as to what the roles are for each of those players and what the expectations are. And if that means that Kylian Mbappe is going to have to track some runners every once in a while, you need to do it. Now, how you deliver that message, that's the part that he's going to have to be very clever about and very smart about. And that it's not I'm I'm not forcing you to do it, but I'm going to get you to understand why this is useful to you. I'm going to sell it to you. And I'm also going to sell them on the idea of you have, on Kylian Mbappe specifically, you have the chance to be an all-time great, a legend of this club.
44:48I would bring them a list of players that are a legend of this club. You have a chance to be on this list. Right now, you're not on it. And you're not on it because these fans can't get behind you. They can't get behind you because they think that you turned your back on this team late last season. Let's change that. We can change that together. Good Lord. Hey, Jose Mourinho, you want me to run the team for you? I will. That's a brilliant point, yeah. That is the point itself. And to mention somebody that I know that was in a different situation, this was Vincent Kompany's vision when he went to Burnley.
45:16He said to one of the strikers, you scored 10 goals a season now. I want to get you to 15. As a striker, he was like, yeah, yeah, I want this. I want this. And Kompany says, this is how we're going to do it. He's like, okay, is it going to be finishing? He says, we're going to get you to press better because then when you win the ball back higher, the chances become easier. If the team as a collective win the ball back higher, you create better opportunities because of fewer lines to sort of break through. and I think for Mourinho himself, like the stuff you've mentioned there about Mbappe and legacy, you know that will matter to him.
45:41It has to matter to him. If it's like a Vinicius Junior legacy, that will matter to them. And it's not to say that, say they didn't put the work in last year, but the importance of those little details, which have been criticised for not taking seriously, can really define how they'll be perceived in that space. Because if the fans, pretty much of any football club, believe their players are giving everything, and it's not giving everything just running behind scoring goals. If they believe you're giving everything, they will always get behind you. And I think for Vinicius, for Mbappe, just a little tweak can make it seem like they are.
46:10And that tweak means they'll score more goals and they'll be icons of that football club. It's going to be hot. We will be following it here on ESPN FC. The Segunda promo is coming up. The promotion playoffs, that is, final first leg, Malaga against Almeria. Sunday, 3 p.m. Eastern on ESPN+. Spanish football continues. while we've got the World Cup in action right here on ESPN FC. Future Spotlight is brought to you by DraftKings Sports. Oh, and in our immediate future, Group D is getting underway. United States on top there in terms of FIFA rankings, kicking off their campaign today against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
46:59but what do our panel think is going to happen in this game? We did tell you the predictions would be coming and it is time to bring it. Nader Manua. Currently two for two, by the way. Oh. You know what? Oh, sorry, I didn't even see that. Can I tell you something? People only tell you when they're right with their predictions. They don't usually come back and tell you when they got one wrong. Well, I'm going to carry on. I'm on a heater at the minute and I'm going to just send this one all the way over there because that's the obvious decision. And I'm sure you're going to follow me. No? I don't want to take a chance there, Nathan.
47:34Do you want to do it? Or do you want me to do it? No, I'll do it. I'll go ahead. Please, please. Yeah, do the right thing. God bless America. This country has given me so many opportunities. God bless America. They will beat Paraguay today. And for no other reason, as much as I like the United States, this team right here kept me out of a World Cup. Hey, Paraguay. Love you, sir. Oh, so there's some personal issues. Yes, I got issues. Yes, and I don't let go. I haven't turned the page. So what? I feel like every choice, every prediction has a couple issues. Yeah. I have a lot of issues, Ali, but that's a different conversation.
48:09It is a different combo. Let's get your pick, Ali. Yes, of course. Oh, no way. You don't say. I really don't have a winner who went for the US. That's an easy one for me. That's an easy one for me. We're going to start off on the right foot. But as long as we can defend well to give our attacks some freedom to create some opportunities, I think we're going to win. Okay? I know where my bread's buttered. Yes, yes, yes. Yes, it's not Italy. You know that. It's not Italy. I know where I like to get my apple pie from. This is never a good sign usually. What could possibly go wrong. That we all go for the same pick here.
48:44Let's get some scores. Go ahead, Nathan. I'm going to say 3-1 US. Yeah, I'm feeling confident. I think they can score a few goals. Paraguay might have a moment, but I think USA will remain composed and do what they need to do. Over the course of three and a half years of Commonwealth qualifiers, Paraguay in 18 matches allowed a grand total of 10 goals. Quick math, Natum. I know you're not good at math. That's less than a goal per game. It's not a team that allows many goals, and while the United States will win the match, it will be 10s, 1-0, United States of America. Time traveler Moreno, you see in the future, right?
49:19Yeah, sure. We'll see. I say 2-0 US. Yeah? I think they'll be clinical when they have the opportunities. But, you know, you don't have to be shy about it, Ali. You can tell us that the United States are going to dominate the game. They're going to dominate. They're going to dominate. I think this is on home soil. They're going to be so excited. They're going to be motivated more than ever. In fact, I'll take it a step further. They're winning 1-0. Balogun scores a game winner. And he needs to have a big World Cup if this team is going to advance deep into the competition. Is it coming in the second half or the first half?
49:4967th minute. Ah, 60. Oh, look at this. We're going deep here. We're going deep. Okay, let's move on to the other game. And let's see how the picks go here. I'll start with you, Ali. Oh, well, I mean, I love me some Canada. Well, kind of. I don't have issues with Bosnia, I'll tell you that much. But I do think that Canada are looking at this match as an opportunity to get their World Cup going. It could have been so different had this been Italy. We just mentioned that a few minutes ago. So I believe that this is a game that Canada has to win and they will win. What does kind of mean? I love Canada kind of.
50:25Well, because I'm not in love with Canada. I think there are issues that this team has. But I think if they have an opportunity to advance, they have to win this game. Otherwise, they're going to have to chase it against other teams that I think are better than Bosnia. In particular, Switzerland. So it feels like this has to be the choice. it has to be Canada winning this match if indeed they're gonna make the run that they want to make in this World Cup. Yeah, I think I'm with you on that. I think I had them finishing second in there. Leaving Dzeko out again. Dzeko out in the cold.
51:01Edin, I'm sorry. Oh! Oh! No! I'm gonna make it over there. It's close, so as you can see that's very close to being a draw. It's very, very close, but I think Canada just about edge it. and I'm going to say we'll do scores in a second but I'm going USA. I think this is their first win. All Canada. All Canada, sorry. Canada works too. Thank you very much. Close enough, yeah. Geographically close enough anyway. For me I'm doing the same. I'm doing the same because usually Canada is called the underdog but I think now with the proper leadership and Jesse Marsh, he's really gotten the team to a point where they are expected to advance.
51:38Okay and I'll go for Canada too. If we've been knocked Italy out, my husband will go crazy. For future reference, if we want a draw, do we just put it in between? Yes. That's why Nadem's trying to pretend that he's Ed and Dzeko's friend still. What are you doing? What are you doing, Nadem? I've changed my mind. What?! Changed his mind after seeing what we went for. Okay, so our boys who are here for the World Cup have been enjoying a lot of American culture. Stanley Cup finals are underway as it stands, and Haaland is a hockey fan there in Carolina to take in the game. Laminya Mal, come on, we all have a bargain.
52:16He's been seen in Walmart and he's been left alone. I mean, this is a peak moment of the World Cup for me, Ali. I feel like a lot of the professional players enjoy coming to the U.S. because not many U.S. fans really recognize them out in the spaces that they go to. I don't even, we weren't even allowed outside of the hotel, so I don't even know during a World Cup. I don't even know how this really... Did he get a rollback special? I hope so. I mean, these are the important questions that we need to find out. We've got to get our reporters who are out on the job for that one, and we will be back tomorrow with more of the same.
From the publisher
The FC crew previews the USMNT's World Cup home opener against Paraguay . Can they secure all three points today? Next, we discuss results from Mexico's World Cup opener win against South Africa and results from South Korea vs Czechia. Then, the crew previews Canada World Cup opener against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Next, the crew sits down to discuss Jose Mourinho and Bernardo Silva's move to Real Madrid . Lastly the crew makes their predictions on USA vs. Paraguay and Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina.
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