USMNT's Wonderful World Cup Win!

19:18Kasey Keller:They gave them a reason indeed. Like I said, Christian Pulisic was quite lively in that first half. He was eventually subbed off, which set off alarm bells a bit because we do know the role he plays as a talisman in this U.S. Men's National Team. It seemed to be a bit of a calf issue. Mauricio Pochettino has since spoken, and he said he only subbed him off as a precaution. So it doesn't seem like we have to worry. 2-2. He didn't want to take any risks going ahead, knowing that there is bigger fish to fry. Well, I'm sure Christian Pulisic is always somebody's man of the match before even he steps onto the pitch.

19:49Kasey Keller:But if we're talking about the man of the match now for this one, JJ, it has to be Flo Balogun, right? Yeah, yeah. If you see the two goals, if you go after goals, then you have to do it. You have to give it to him for sure. But all over things, I think that he would be happy too that he scored two goals. But all together, you can say that the whole team, I would give the trophy to the whole team. Because like everybody he said here already on the table, he said that the country needed a show and that the whole team showed today a good show. And I think it's really important now to keep the heads down, keep the work, go back, get rest, and then go for the next one.

20:31Kirk? There's just so many good performances. I mean, at the back, Chris Richards had 83 passes. He was absolutely perfect. In the midfield, Tyler Adams was dominant. Weston McKinney sacrificed for the team. But Foller and Balik had scored two goals, guys. When's the last time? There's the striker. When's the last time you've seen an American forward score two goals? I'll tell you when, 1930. That's the last time. This team is making history. Although, if I had to pick a second-best player, if I had to pick somebody who I just thought was exceptional chef's kiss, it would be Malik Tillman. Malik Tillman is something else.

21:07Malik Tillman is a special, special breed of footballer. And the U.S. Men's National Team today had a dual threat, a player that's box-to-box and is silky smooth and creates nonstop but has an intensity to recoup the ball like I've not seen in quite some time. I thought he was outstanding today. I thought the combination of the three midfielders, because there was a question mark on how they were going to play together. And I think we saw them play extremely well together to be able to press, to pin Paraguay into their own half, to cut the field in half as well. That's one of the key components to pressing, is if a team can do a 60-yard switch and get away from the press, They were never allowed the time and space to be able to do that.

21:51And then you add, obviously, the first half with Christian and his ability to take players on and create opportunities. And it really was just an overall great team performance. Yeah, and I think, like you guys already addressed it, I think Weston, Tillman, the deep runs, always we are going deep and deep. And then even two, and that's how I played. You celebrated the striker. I have to celebrate Adams in the middle, you know, Because the work he did and the bossy gets and he gets a minute effect if the six is playing the game He played today He gives you the freedom for the guys in front to to always go deep Pushings because you know that there's somebody behind you who will make the dirty work and clean up the The stuff would has to be cleaned, so I think it's a whole team performance, but yes, I give the strikers Celebrate if this World Cup right now the ego of the strikers you got to just call them Look at the two strikers over there.

22:47Kasey Keller:Speaking of Flo Balogun, because, Juergen, we've spoken, I was going to say in the lead-up to this World Cup, but really and truly it has been years about who can really be the big man scoring consistently up front as a striker for the U.S. men's national team. Now, it's one thing for you to do it week in, week out with your club, which we have seen Flo Balogun do, but we were questioning if he was ready to be that person on the world's greatest stage. Has he solidified that position now?

23:13Jurgen Klinsmann:Oh, I think so, absolutely. I mean, you think about the World Cup for the entire year, even if you're with your club team. And if you have a good run with your club team, obviously, that gives you confidence and that makes you even hungrier when you go back then to the national team and you have your friendly and preparation games. But when it really matters, that is now a tournament. And when you can start a tournament like he did tonight, and that's why it's only him tonight, the player of the match, really. With all the respect to the entire team and every single individual performance, he deserves this little award because scoring in a World Cup two goals is something very special.

23:55Jurgen Klinsmann:I hope it's not unique because I hope there is more to come from him, but it will give him even more desire to connect with his teammates, to do the work for the other ones too and to be hungry for the next opportunity. And now he has also the confidence to say, okay, give me two more opportunities or chances against Australia. I will put one in. And so his mindset is now developing. It's kind of a bit his brain is getting wired in a way that he is ready to score one goal out of two chances.

24:30Kasey Keller:Juergen Klinsmann has spoken. The Gaffer has spoken. The world champion has spoken. The debate is over. He said, forget about what you guys think. It is Flo Balogun who's the man of the match. But, Herc, as Juergen said, I mean, the debate's over now. I don't even know why we're having the debate. I just told you, 1930. There are all-time goats for the U.S. men's national team. Landon Donovan never scored two goals in a game. Clint Dempsey never scored two goals in a game. Eric Winaldo was a serviceable forward, never scored two goals in a game. Brian McBride. Brian McBride. We're talking about guys who could be on the Mount Rushmore for the U.S.

25:05men's national team. have never had this type of moment. And he's just getting started. This was the first game of the tournament. The first game. He's got Australia next. I'm not saying he's making a run at the Golden Boot. I'm telling you, you can get excited about what you have at nine.

25:22Kasey Keller:I hope you guys can hear the crowd behind us because they are absolutely full of confidence and loving it right here at Los Angeles Stadium. They might as well come join the show. They voted Flo Balogun as well. They blowed it Flo Balogun as well as the man of the match indeed. But, JJ, when you see the way that Flo Balogun is playing, what's his ceiling? You know, he has something special, and I think the second goal, you can see it, where he put it with the left, put it up in a, you know, it's in, yeah. I think I have to tell, yeah, there's two strikers next to me that have right. It's like if you score two goals, that gives you a lifting, And I think you need, as a team, you need somebody in the front where you know he feels good.

26:07And Stryker has always had that. We had one of the, with Clint, we had somebody with us too, where you know that they need that moment, you know, they need goals, because that helps them to level them up. But then there's the next thing is like that you, what they need is, they need the team behind them where they know, okay, they'll give me the balls. They will give it. And as a player in the back, you want to know that if I give him the ball, if I give him one or two chances, he will use the chances. Alexis, confidence is a scary thing. And I got two guys to the right and to the left of me that have scored a goal at a World Cup.

26:37One has scored multiple goals. You feel like you can do anything when the ball goes in the net. You get Foller and Balik, and you get this U.S. Men's National Team confident to what's coming next. I'm not saying good things are going to happen, but if you keep working like this, good things are bound to happen.

26:52Kasey Keller:Oh, we are all drinking the Kool-Aid. We are feeling the magic indeed here in Los Angeles after that performance from the U.S. Men's National Team. Well, there have been celebrations all around the host nations from Mexico to Canada to the USA. We'll be seeing which host nation had the better World Cup so far after this. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! The world's biggest soccer tournament has arrived and you can trade the entire tournament on Kalshi. On CallShe, you can trade every match from the opening stage all the way to the final. Spain is currently trading at 17 % to win it all, meaning a$100 trade pays out over$550 if they win soccer's biggest prize.

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28:49Kasey Keller:Welcome back to ESPN FC. Well, two host nations were in action today. Canada were in action earlier on as they took on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here are some of the scenes we saw after Kai Lahren came on in the second half and just needed two minutes to score a much-needed equalizer because Canada was trailing at that point. By just a goal to nil, the game ended 1-1. So still celebrations for the Canadians because they were able to rescue a point. But Jürgen, would they be looking at this as a big opportunity missed?

29:24Jurgen Klinsmann:Yeah, might be the case. But when you go down, obviously you're happy, then you eagle eyes and you have at least one point. You don't lose the opening game. Ideal is to win your opening game, get three points no matter how. So, yeah, it could hit them in the next two games. Herc? Yeah, I agree with Jürgen with the sentiment of you're coming back for being a goal down. and you are also have to think about you're a nation that's never won a World Cup game. You're a nation that's fairly young when it comes to World Cups and World Cup performances. But given what you did in this game, the opportunities you created, the three points were there for the taking and you couldn't do it at home.

30:05And now this group is maybe now for the taking for that second spot because we must all assume the Swiss are probably going to be that first spot. Bosnia is there. Qatar, who knows what could happen. It's an opportunity missed.

30:17Kasey Keller:Are you looking at it like that JJ or are you kind of proud that it was Canada that dealt the last blow and was able to Get a goal back and rescue that point Yeah, I think it is The point that you have to be happy at the end that you got your point But like I'm going with her kids that you have to look into and say okay How many chances we created but how many chances we put away? So and that's something where you look later on and you go like damn it because we don't know what the rest games will say but but in that case that you look I think tonight or as latest after the game and you sit in a bus back hook back to the hotel you look at it and go this was a game we should win with the chances we had now we have to be happy with the with the with the point in hope let's hope that it'd be not at the end sit here and say damn it had we wouldn't had we won and that game against Bosnia maybe we had the chance to go in the next round yeah I think with your main that's a great point is that you you're gonna look at this and say the points good if you build off of it and get the next win if it's a mistake and you now are under the you know behind the eight ball and trying to figure out what do we do now with still some difficult matches so yeah it's it's it's an opportunity lost because they were the better team and when you create that many chances you have to take advantage of that and win that's

31:40Jurgen Klinsmann:also a positive factor. It's a positive, for sure. Because they were the better team. They created more chances. They had more opportunities. You played a team that left Italy at home. Yes. Don't forget that Bosnia and Herzegovina kind of left Italy. And that hurts me, you know, because... Of course. But it is really it's a difficult team to play. It's a difficult team to kind of... Yeah. I completely agree with what you're saying. Bastoni left Italy at home, but I agree with what you're saying. This is a team that did what they needed to do to get here. That said, if you're playing at home and you create that many chances, you're thinking to yourself, if you're Canada, what else do we need to do?

32:27They're looking for the first World Cup win. I think as a whole for the program, it's an opportunity to miss. But I agree with Jurgen. Jesse Marsh is probably thinking, I like what we did here. I think we can build on what we did here.

32:38Kasey Keller:Man, poor Italy. They're not even here on their catching strays. Imagine that. I think it's going to be a long time before they stop catching strays. All right, well, let's have a look at the results now all across the board from the three host nations. We know that Mexico kicked things off against South Africa. They got a triumphant 2-0 win, which saw Raul Jimenez finally get that World Cup goal that he so deserves over in Group B. As we said, Canada won one with Bosnia and Herzegovina. And then Group D, the USA, with quite the big win, 4-1 over Paraguay. Now, I must ask, I suppose, who really had the best opening game?

33:16Kasey Keller:I guess we can kick Canada out of that question. But, guys, is this a rhetorical question at this point? It's the USA, isn't it? Well, if you think of the way that South Africa gifted Mexico the first goal and then kind of dropped defensively and didn't continue to put on the pressure. We saw the U.S. earn the first goal, granted own goal, but then they didn't just back off and say, okay, let's just defend this one-goal lead. Let's step on the gas here and put this out of touch by halftime. I mean, Casey, I have to follow up with you because I do know how you've spoken time and time again about how it's Gio Reyna that brings that X factor.

33:56Kasey Keller:But because of the season he has had, They were so many doubts surrounding him. Did he just silence all those doubts now and remind us who he is? Well, and I think this is what Pochettino saw. He saw it in friendlies leading up to this, that he is an option that can give you something that maybe somebody else can't. It wasn't necessarily needed today, but you see that if you're pushed and you need a goal late in the game, Gio can come on and be a difference maker. Juergen, who had the best result or best performance overall?

34:25Jurgen Klinsmann:No, the best performance, absolutely, by far, the U.S. By far. I mean, this is a brilliant, a brilliant performance, one of the most wonderful performances we've seen since a long, long time. And they should get every compliment in the world. But at the same time, you know, if Mexico starts with a win, three points, you know, at Atzika Stadium, into the tournament, that creates a huge hype as well. So that gives them also confidence. That gives them also, and that's what I think Mexico needs really in a World Cup. They need to believe that they can go far. And so for them, I mean, yesterday, you know, I saw the fans streaming out of the Coliseum.

35:05Jurgen Klinsmann:There was a watch party with 50 ,000 people.

35:09Kasey Keller:You tried to join, didn't you?

35:10Jurgen Klinsmann:I tried to, and they were dancing like they won the World Cup already. But it's awesome. It's awesome because it gives also, I mean, the players, they're watching that on TV as well, or social media nowadays and it gives them trust in themselves, it gives them confidence and so it's a very positive start for Mexico and especially for the United States.

35:33Kasey Keller:JJ? Yeah, I will go with the US. I think with the ball, against the ball, I think you saw an amazing performance. But then there are other teams that are, what I saw too, like I like the game from South Korea, how they played and how they created chances. I think we talked about it. Canada played a good game. They don't score, but they had a lot of good games. I think Mexico, the same way, played a good game. There's some excited games, but I think so far, if we had to pick one, I think with the ball and against the ball, with the goals we scored, the chances we used, you have to say the U.S. had definitely the best game.

36:07They had the most complete performance. If you look at Mexico, Mexico left a lot on the table with a South African team that was two men down. and when they had the foot on the accelerator, couldn't really push it. And then they also had Cesar Montes, their center back, sent off so he won't be available for South Korea. So if you look at as a whole, who had more of a complete performance, it is a rhetorical question. It's a bad question for you. Oh, wow.

36:28Kasey Keller:First of all, our producers told me to put this question in, Herc. We have to just gas up the US some more. Anyways, on that note, I have the absolute pleasure of kicking Hercules Gomez off of this set right now. He has to go over. I'm a man of the people. I'm going with the people. He has to go over and do our other show, Ahora o Nunca. If hearing this analysis in Espanol is your thing, make sure to head on over to ESPN Deportes to hear Herc speak some more drivel over there, but he'll just speak it in Spanish. All right, we're going to take a quick break now, but when we come back, we're going to shift our focus to Brazil.

37:02Kasey Keller:They take on Morocco, and we'll look ahead to it.

37:11Kasey Keller:Let's continue with the World Cup vibe, shall we? Here is the schedule for Saturday. Qatar, Switzerland, Brazil, Morocco, Haiti against Scotland. Now there is truly one fixture that stands above the rest, and that is Brazil, Morocco. Let's hear from Carlo Ancelotti ahead of this one. We have a good feeling about this World Cup. not only about this first game because it's only the first game of this competition. We work hard, ready and prepared to play. Brazil manager right there, Carlo Ancelotti, easily one of the most respected managers in football, but now he has possibly one of the toughest jobs in world football and that is to bring this current Brazil back to the glory days.

37:57Kasey Keller:Because, Juergen, we do know that Brazil of today is not quite the Brazil that has won all those World Cup titles. You know what it's like dealing with that pressure. And now they have one of the toughest opening games of a World Cup. So talk to me. How would Carlo Ancelotti be feeling ahead of this one?

38:13Jurgen Klinsmann:So if one coach in the world can do it, then it's Carlo Ancelotti. He's one of my favorites, absolutely my favorite coaches out there since a long time. And he's proven it all over, especially with the big, big teams in Europe. Brazil is, as he said just now, it is an honor. You know, the guy at Desailles. It's an honor to represent the football of Brazil because we around the world, we always adored Brazilian football. You know, with all their joy, with all their technique, with all their kind of fun that they develop when they play. It's been a long time now since they won the last World Cup.

38:50Jurgen Klinsmann:And I was in Qatar and I watched the tournament there and they were, until they lost that quarterfinal game against Croatia, the best team in Qatar. They were better than Argentina, they were better than all the other ones, but then they made a stupid mistake at the end of the game that cost them a goal. They had to go into penalty shootout, they lost it in a penalty shootout, and they had to fly home. And then obviously we all know what happened with Neymar, he went to Saudi Arabia, then he broke his ACL, and he's now just coming back. But I think that this Brazilian team will come to the tournament with an extreme focus and hunger and the quality they always had.

39:31Jurgen Klinsmann:We never need to talk about the quality of their players because they are so gifted that it's naturally, it's in their DNA and they grew up like that and that's why for me personally they're my favorite. I mean it will be a long long road until the final but because also because they had the guts now, the Brazilian Federation, for the first time ever in their history to name a foreign coach their head coach of the national team that was unheard of in South America. And I think it can succeed.

40:03Kasey Keller:All right. Well, we just had a look at the FIFA rankings there. JJ, only two points separating or two spots separating Brazil and Morocco. This is truly a matchup worthy of the knockout rounds indeed. But we get it as either of theirs first game of a World Cup. This is going to be an exciting one. Yeah, absolutely. But I think that Brazil goes into that game as the favor clear favorites Yeah clear favor and I think especially now with Carlos Angelotti as head coach. I think he brings some some some Not only experience but he has like this With a lot of people you talked if they're played under him in Madrid and you know this experience He brings in in keeping the group together in calm and and you can see how he talks he's really relaxed on all the stuff what he's doing and I think that is something I think not you know, they're not used to that I would say that in Brazil because if you wear the jersey of Brazil you know that's heavy it's straight away, you get always compared with players who had played for this country and it's not easy for that player so and I think with a coach like him he comes in and he keeps everybody a little bit down, keeps it, you know and lifts everybody up because you see the states and the teams he played every player got better.

41:19And Evie Brea felt like he's a part of a big something. And I think that is what Brazil needs. And I think that's an amazing game. And I think I would definitely watch it.

41:27Kasey Keller:Oh, we're definitely going to be watching it. Casey, Brazil, clear favorites for this one? I think so. But I think there's a little less expectation on Brazil, which might actually come to benefit. That they don't have this idea. Because normally, Brazil goes into every tournament they go into, expect it to win. maybe even the fans at home don't really expect this Brazilian team to win. And if they can gel at the right time, beat a team, a good team like Morocco in that first match, I'm with Jürgen. I think they could surprise some people and go all the way. Yeah, it's an interesting one because Brazil are Brazil.

42:00Kasey Keller:We know their pedigree in World Cups, but it seems like they are slipping under the radar when we start talking about the favorites, Jürgen. Do you agree with Casey? If you're Carlo Ancelotti, do you kind of like this, the fact that people aren't talking or expecting that much of you?

42:14Jurgen Klinsmann:If I'm in Brazil, I would like that, yeah. I mean, the expectations are always the highest. You know, they won the most World Cups in history. And they had the most amazing players throughout the decades. And you expect always the most of that nation. But right now, you know, a lot of, obviously, we always talk about Messi and Argentina still and Spain and France, France that could field three national teams, and how much talent they have. And yeah, they are under the radar a little bit. But I think after one or two games into the tournament, they will show already that they are serious about business.

42:49Jurgen Klinsmann:And obviously this matchup with Morocco is fascinating because Morocco played a fantastic World Cup in Qatar, became one of the powerhouses in African football, and it's a very difficult team to play against because they're very physical, they're all over you, they interrupt the rhythm, and still have good technical players. So it will be fascinating to see these kind of two different cultures playing against each other. It happened a lot in North Africa the last 10, 15 years, with nations like Morocco who did well in Qatar, Algeria has a very, very good team, Tunisia is there, Egypt with Mo Salah.

43:33Jurgen Klinsmann:You know, we all can't wait to see him now. It will be really cool to see these nations.

43:38Kasey Keller:Yeah, it will be absolutely a brilliant game. Like I said, it's a game worthy of the knockout rounds of the World Cup. But what a treat that we get it in the group stage. Right. Well, things are pretty late here in the West Coast. But in just a couple of hours, our team over on the East Coast will be in action for the morning edition of ESPN FC. 9 a.m. Eastern Time. You can catch them on ESPN2.

44:03Kasey Keller:Well, like I said, it's getting pretty late here over in Los Angeles. It's past Juergen's bedtime. So when we come back, we'll be wrapping things up after this break.

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46:06Kasey Keller:Welcome back to ESPN FC as we begin to wind down here at Los Angeles Stadium. Even though the fans don't want to leave yet after what was such an amazing opening game for the U.S. men's national team. A 4-1 win over Paraguay. truly silencing any critics or doubts that many had coming into this World's Cup. Right, well, we're going to have a look at the USA's upcoming schedule. They got and took care of business in this first game against Paraguay. Next, they will move on over to Seattle to face Australia, and then it's back to L.A. for what could be a tricky game against Turquia. But I said that today may be a tricky game, and they absolutely silenced me there.

46:48Kasey Keller:So, Juergen, final thoughts now after what we saw today from the U.S.?

46:53Jurgen Klinsmann:Yeah, fantastic start. Couldn't be any better. And now, you know, yeah, continuing just riding the wave, you know, being positive, being full of energy. Don't give away anything against Australia. Not going to be easy either. But then you could already kind of be automatically qualified for the next round, for the round of 32 now, the first time ever in a World Cup. It's weird saying that. It is weird saying that. But yeah, just seize that moment. Now ride the wave.

47:23Kasey Keller:JJ, Jürgen yesterday said that he just wanted the US to go out there and enjoy themselves, live in this moment because it truly is a special one. They definitely look like they enjoyed that. Yeah, for sure. And I agree with Jürgen what he says. Ride the wave and take the momentum with you. And now go home, get rest, and then go for the next one. Be excited. You made a whole country go stand behind you. and now it's the next step and I think it's, like I said before the game, enjoy this moment and looking forward for the next one. Yeah, that next step that's going to be a little interesting is normally you're talking about a three or four day flip and now you're talking about a six or seven days.

48:05It gives you that little bit more time to organize but what it also does is gives an opponent that had maybe not a great result a lot more time on the training pitch to be able to get some things right. So celebrate tonight. 100 % celebrate tonight. Get your rest, get refocused, and go have another good result against Australia.

48:29Kasey Keller:Well, Juergen, as players, of course, JJ and Casey, we'd want to celebrate. But as the manager, how much celebrations are you really allowing them during a World Cup after today?

48:38Jurgen Klinsmann:You allow them any celebration. They're adults. They're adults. They know what they're doing. If one is a one be a fine, the other one can have three. You know, they're all different. That's not a problem. You know, the next morning, then you have your workout. You have your training. No worries at all.

48:55Kasey Keller:No worries. No worry. Be happy. And that's exactly what the U.S. Men's national team did. It's been an amazing couple of days here in L.A. JJ, Casey, you've been enjoying it? Very much so. And well, and then, I mean, how could you not? If you're an American, American international, American fan, and you were treated to that performance, you can't do anything but smile. Can't do anything but smile as we head on back over to the East Coast. JJ? Yeah, it's an amazing couple of days, and I cannot wait for the next one. Cannot wait for the next one. As we said, now the USA will turn their attention to Australia.

49:30Kasey Keller:That game, though, in Seattle. But as for us here in Los Angeles, it's a wrap. Thank you so much for hanging out with us. Congratulations to the U.S. men's national team and all their fans. They can go ahead and celebrate what was truly a stunning performance. A 4-1 win over Paraguay. And as Juergen said, go ahead, celebrate.

49:57Kasey Keller:Hello, everyone, and welcome into Extra Time. We are still coming to you live from Los Angeles Stadium. where the USA just wrapped up a massive 4-1 win over Paraguay in their World Cup opening game. Alexis Yun is here alongside Juergen Klinsmann, Jermaine Jones, and Casey Keller. Let's get straight in to your questions. First one, is this the best performance ever by the U.S. men's national team at an international tournament? Juergen, best performance ever?

50:27Jurgen Klinsmann:I don't know best, but among the top three, certainly.

50:30Kasey Keller:JJ? Yeah, I'm with Juergen, top three. Yeah, it's right up there. I mean, you think that the U.S. has not won a match by two goals since 2002 against Mexico. They hadn't won a match by three goals since the 1930 World Cup in Uruguay. So to be able to kick off this tournament at home with a resounding win and to JJ's point to get everybody excited in the country for what this team could possibly do, Phenomenal start and one of the best performances in a World Cup of all time for the U.S. Undoubtedly. Next question now is for you, Casey. Casey, do you think Poch already had chosen Friese as a starting keeper against Paraguay even before the last two friendlies against Senegal and Germany?

51:17I do. I think that decision was made probably a year ago. And he still felt that he needed to just give the other goalkeepers just that little bit. But I think this decision was made. And it surprised me because I think Pochettino for so much of this 20 months was all about giving players opportunities. But for one reason, in the goalkeeping position, he said, Matt Freeze is my guy. And I didn't quite understand it. And there was, you know, I mean, Jürgen's son should have had a better opportunity. And some other goalkeepers maybe should have had a better chance. But decision was made. coaches make those decisions and for some he saw something in Matt Fries that made up that decision early.

52:06Kasey Keller:Jürgen what do you think Pochettino saw in Matt Fries that seemed to make him so sure about his decision?

52:12Jurgen Klinsmann:Well I think overall he has all qualities you know he's tall he has a good charisma he's alert you know he has good reach he's good with penalties as well which we will got into penalty shootouts in this tournament. So it doesn't surprise me at all that he picked him as his number one.

52:32Kasey Keller:All right. Next question, and it's a nice one. What was the first World Cup you watched and which teams in that competition charmed you? JJ, let's start with you. Wow.

52:45First World Cup.

52:46Kasey Keller:At least you remember watching thoroughly and which teams charmed you? First World Cup I watched. I think it was like some, I think around, no, with Cameroon, with, yeah, I would say Cameroon was the teams where, with back in the days, yeah, Roger Miller in the dancing on the corner and all that stuff, I think that was the direction. Casey? The first one I watched kind of live was 86, but before that I had seen, you know, started to see stuff from from 82 and this probably isn't the the best example but when when Tony Schumacher in the semi-final smashed in the the French player I got very intrigued at being a goalkeeper of course you're good what about you first world yeah I was yeah I mean the

53:51Jurgen Klinsmann:memories I was 10 years old and watched the 74 World Cup in Germany. The final was Germany-Holland, Peckenbauer against Cruyff, you know, and Germany was lucky to win 2-1 and the guy that scored the decisive goal was my idol forever, Gerda Müller, you know, the top school scorer of all times in Germany. And right after that game we all kids streamed out and just played for hours and hours and and I'm sure that inspired me a lot to dig deeper into football.

54:22Kasey Keller:And I'm sure you made them proud by winning a World Cup yourself indeed. Next question now, and this one's for Jürgen. Jürgen, would you have welcomed hydration breaks in the 1994 World Cup?

54:34Jurgen Klinsmann:At extreme moments, absolutely I would have welcomed hydration break. At extreme moments, I mean above 80 degrees and high humidity. and we played in the 94 World Cup in the United States in Dallas a game at noon at the Cottonball at 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade. So I would have loved a hydration break in that game. But I think we have to be very, very careful with this topic because we cannot use hydration break now as an excuse for commercial breaks. So I hope that people rethink this whole topic now, say yes if it's really hot and if it's very very difficult conditions totally fine but only when it is extreme and if not then please let the game flow let the game continue and don't make it a three-minute break because on tv they were shown commercials yeah jj we've been seeing a lot of

55:29Kasey Keller:that and especially today here in la it's not been insufferable heat we saw the hydration breaks but it's about 70 degrees yeah and it's it's frustrating it's frustrating for the i don't know even when you sit on the TV at home and you watch it from home, but I don't know how it feels like if you're in a stadium, like you're sitting there and you're looking there and you're thinking like, why are we going to break and have a water break? But at the end, yeah, we have to be careful that we're not going too deep into the commercial side and going away from the football side because at the end, it's the football side.

55:57And I agree with you again, when the weather is really hot and you feel like it's needed and it's for the danger for the players too, then you should do it. But it's not like it's just a normal thing just to have it, just to put more commercial in that you can have, then I think it makes no sense. Yeah, there was definitely no reason in the second half to have it. None. Zero. I mean, it was extremely comfortable and even maybe even questionable in the first half. But I'll give the first half the benefit of the doubt. Second half, absolutely not. So yeah, I think it's a... It should be at the disgrace of the referee.

56:28Jurgen Klinsmann:Yeah. And not a general decision now to say we're going to put this in now, no matter what. Because Jürgen, it's quarters. We're turning into quarters because it's not to your point. There was no reason for it today.

56:42Kasey Keller:Yeah, indeed. And final question now, Jürgen, why did you pick Jogi Love to be your assistant in 2006? And what was your speech to the team after defeat to Italy?

56:54Jurgen Klinsmann:I knew Jogi Love already for years, and I did actually the coaching license with him. And I thought, you know, I mean, I observed his work that he was a fantastic coach. and I needed a coach on my side when I took over Germany in 2004 that had already really good experience on an international level. And he was available, that was important. And he's really also a fun guy, so we could be good friends. And yeah, that was as simple as that.

57:24Kasey Keller:And your speech?

57:26Jurgen Klinsmann:My speech, there was no speech after the game against Italy, the loss because everybody was just extremely disappointed and sad and you know obviously you give everybody a hug you know you tell them that they played a fantastic tournament but obviously we wanted to win the world cup as much as Italy wanted it but it was a world cup for us Germans 2006 that we will never forget because it was a fantastic tournament with wonderful atmosphere and I think everybody enjoyed that 2006 World Cup. Also the people that came to Germany.

58:04Kasey Keller:Sometimes words aren't even needed. Alright, well thanks guys. That's pretty much going to wrap things up here for Extra Time coming to you live from Los Angeles but don't forget there's plenty ESPN FC coming your way. We have two shows a day during the World Cup and you can find them all over our networks.

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