Ep. 12 - The Final World Cup Preview

Brandon and Shaun get together to provide one final, thorough preview of the tournament before it kicks off on Thursday. Stick around until the end for a USMNT vs. Paraguay in-depth match breakdown. 

The preview includes:

• Group by group finishing positions
• One reason each contender can win it all & one reason they can't
• Biggest flop
• Breakout players
• Dark Horses
• Picks to win
• USMNT vs. Paraguay match preview

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Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:22

Hello, friends, and welcome back to another episode of the Friends on Football Podcast. I am one of your hosts, Sean Boyle, and joining me as always is my good friend Brandon Johnson. Brandon, how are you?

SPEAKER_02 0:34

Sean, good, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and we got World Cup this week. I couldn't be better.

SPEAKER_01 0:40

How are you doing? I'm doing great. There is a palpable buzz in the air. This is our final preview episode. The next time we will be with you guys, the World Cup will be underway, which is exciting to say out loud. We've got a lot to get to this episode, Brandon. We're going to go group by group and give our final predictions. We've given you the previews of these groups and dove into some detail on all of these countries. Now we're going to give you where we ultimately think they end up throughout the group stage. Then we're going to talk a little bit more about the cream of the crop, the favorites to win the tournament. We'll give you a reason why we think they could win the World Cup and a reason why they might not. Then, of course, we will dive into some little fun predictions, some dark horses. We might get a bit bold, things of that nature. And then lastly, we will round out the show with an in-depth USA Paraguay preview because that match is coming very soon. We're 48 hours away from the World Cup starting at time of recording. By the time you're listening to this, we are one day away. So a lot to get into, Brandon. Why don't we start with group A? How do you see group A playing out?

SPEAKER_02 1:49

Yeah, so Sean, I think group A is one that probably doesn't have a World Cup winner. I would also say maybe a team that doesn't go too far, but I have it as Mexico finishing at the top, then South Korea, then Chechia, and then South Africa. I think Mexico playing all three games on home soil is going to be a huge, huge advantage. I also think South Korea is a good team, and I think Sunny will carry them into the knockout round. As far as Checky and South Africa, I don't expect too much out of them. I do think Chechia has a chance to go through as a third place team, though. So this one for me was fairly straightforward. Interested to see what you think about this group.

SPEAKER_01 2:38

Yeah, I'm with you that I have Mexico winning, and I think I'm very confident in that. It's one of the more confident groups I would predict, at least in terms of who's on top. The odds, they only are minus 130 on most gambling sites to win the group. And you'll see a lot of other groups that are a lot more skewed towards the favorite. You'll see minus 300, minus 400 with some of those dominant countries. I think Mexico should be more towards that. And it's not necessarily that I think super highly of this Mexican team. I think it says more about the other three teams in this group. I think South Korea is in a bad way. The vibes are bad. It feels like they're four years too late from where they really tried to peek and make a run. Sunny's a bit long in the tooth. Still could get the job done, but I just don't have that confidence in them that I would have had four years ago. I do have them finishing second, and I've actually gone for South Africa to finish third. I honestly, though, I could see two through four finishing in any order in this group, and I wouldn't be surprised. So I've gone for Mexico, Korea, South Africa, and Czechia. I previewed the South African team. They seem like a fun bunch. Might be a bit of a heart pick, but I'm in on the Bafana Bafana. I hope they get a third place spot, and I do have them slated to actually advance as a third place team. I think they could beat Chechia and maybe pick up a result with Korea and find their way out of this group.

SPEAKER_02 3:58

Okay. Okay. Yeah. I picked Czechia to advance as a third place team, kind of thinking the same logic as you, except the opposite, where I think they could beat South Africa and then maybe take a point from South Korea and then advance with four points. So pretty much on the same page there. Looking at group B, Sean, we have Switzerland, Bosnia, Canada, and Qatar. What did you sort of think about group B?

SPEAKER_01 4:23

Yeah, this is one where it's going to tie into my bold prediction. So I won't spoil one of my bold predictions, but I will say I have kind of reversed course and I've picked Canada to win this group.

SPEAKER_02 4:35

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 4:36

I think the hosts are going to have more of an advantage than I initially thought. Between Mexico, Canada, and the United States, a lot of talk about the weather, especially for some of these European teams. I think countries from South America will adapt pretty well to it because they've played in high temperatures at elevation. But there are going to be games that these European sides are not used to playing in. And I know there is water breaks and things built in, but I just think there is a little bit of an unwritten advantage for not only the host countries, but for all of the Americas, is how I would frame it. Canada does fit that group. I'm not a Jesse Marsh guy. He's a lot of bark and not a lot of bite. So it's a bit bold to pick Canada to win the group. They've never won a point at the World Cup. So not only am I predicting them to do that, I'm predicting them to get out of here on top. I have them closely followed by the Swiss. I have Bosnia finishing in third place and Qatar finishing last. I do have Bosnia going through because I think they're going to be able to bully Qatar. And I think gold differential, if you're able to get three points, is going to go a long way. So I have Bosnia as actually my eighth of eight qualifiers.

SPEAKER_02 5:43

Okay, cool. I similar thoughts to you. I actually did put Switzerland ahead of Canada. And I'm looking at my notes, it's funny. I was writing it down today and I wrote in pencil and I erased I had Canada first, I erased them and switched them with Switzerland. So a little bit of a differing uh opinion between us, but that we love that. Uh but I I think Switzerland has just a bit more quality than Canada. It might be a 7.6 point situation, but I think Switzerland takes care of all three of their games. Canada definitely threw in second, and then Bosnia and Qatar in third and fourth. I did not have Bosnia in one of my uh third place teams going through to the knockouts, but there are eight, so the chances of them going through are actually higher than not going through. But I picked different teams for my third place, so a little bit different than you, but I think we're pretty similar with Switzerland and Canada, or Canada and Switzerland definitely going through, and then maybe that third place.

SPEAKER_01 6:44

I would completely agree that I have Switzerland. I think they're a much better favorite to advance deeper in this tournament than Canada. In a knockout game, I definitely would pick Switzerland to beat Canada. I kind of just think the group stage is Canada's Super Bowl to relate it back to American football, where they need to win and score points in a World Cup for the first time ever. It's on home soil. I think they're gonna come out in that style that they play. I think it'll be a bit difficult for the Swiss to adjust it. And I think Canada might be able to trap them in that game and at least pick up a result, and then I think Canada will win the other two. So that's where I went, but we're in the same boat. Those are the two teams that should lift and separate in this group. It's also interesting, Brandon. I did not have South Africa and Bosnia advancing as third place finishers until later this afternoon. I'm looking out of the gannel and I'm like, well, I'm gonna change this up, I'm gonna have a little fun with it. And honest to God, it's a real indictment on you as a footballing country if you can't make it out of the group this year. Because we're we're handing out tickets to the knockout rounds.

SPEAKER_02 7:44

Yeah. The fact that only 16 teams out of 48 get eliminated in the first round is absurd.

SPEAKER_01 7:51

It's almost like what are we doing?

SPEAKER_02 7:52

It's the MLS playoff scenario where as long as you're not absolutely terrible, you're gonna make the playoffs.

SPEAKER_01 7:58

It's crazy. We lose 16 after basically three weeks of football. So it's it's it's a lot, yeah. It's a lot of games for not a lot of progress throughout the tournament, but it does shape up for an interesting knockout stage, which we will get to. For group C, this is a fun one, Brandon. Finally, a really good group after the first two are a little bit of a snooze fest. How do you have group C playing out?

SPEAKER_02 8:21

Yeah, I have group C Brazil and Morocco, Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. I actually don't have Scotland going through. I think they're one of the four teams that go home. Uh, I think Brazil and Morocco take care of the other two teams easily. Brazil against Morocco. I think Brazil's slightly better. So I think Brazil goes three and three and takes nine points out of the group. Scotland-Haiti, that specific matchup will definitely be one that I'll tune into because I think I think Haiti might be able to take a point off of them. I think they they go out on goal differential, uh, but they'll both essentially have one point at the end of that the group stage, and I don't know if one point's gonna get you through to the next round, in my opinion. But I think Haiti might be a little bit stronger than we think. I I know there's not a lot of talent, but I think their spirit and this is the game they're probably circling because nothing against Haiti, but they're probably not gonna get points from Brazil and Morocco, so I think they're gonna be really up for the Scotland match, and maybe they can take a point away from them, which essentially could knock Scotland out of the tournament.

SPEAKER_01 9:30

Yeah, this first match day in this group is Saturday, and it seems like it's going to carry a lot of weight and tell us a lot about how this group will end up. I agree with you. I have Brazil winning the group. I've really talked myself into this Brazilian bunch. More on that in a bit. I have Morocco finishing second. I've gone back and forth several times between them and Scotland. I have settled on Morocco just having a little bit of a higher floor. I think their talent base is just a lot deeper. They're a lot more technical. And if a game's a little bit ugly, I trust them to be able to create a moment of brilliance more so than I do the Scots. However, I do have Scotland going through as a third place finisher. I do have Haiti being eliminated, but I agree. I think they're going to be a frisky bunch. I wish Haiti were in one of those first two groups. I think they would have much more of a chance to make some noise. Like, for example, I prefer Haiti to South Africa. It's just the way the cookie crumbled. South Africa's in an easier group where I could see them making something out of it. I think Haiti, unfortunately, are up against three teams that look pretty solid and the vibes are pretty good, in my opinion. So I've gone Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, then Haiti with Scotland advancing. We're on to group D, where the United States find themselves. Brandon, this is one that a lot of our listeners will be having their most attention dedicated to. How do you think this one's gonna go?

SPEAKER_02 10:45

Sean, I think this group two through four, in my opinion, can go all three different ways. I have it as USA, Turkey A, Paraguay, Australia. I think the USA come out on Friday night and they take care of Paraguay, which we'll preview later in this episode. I do think Turkey A is very strong though, and I think Turkey A can take care of Paraguay and Australia. The Paraguay-Australia match, I think that one will be important. I think Paraguay is a little bit better in my opinion. I don't know if the rankings actually say that, but I think Paraguay is a little bit better than Australia. I don't think Australia I don't really rate them, and maybe that's just me being a conca calf, biased, you know, North and South America soccer guy. But the teams that Australia plays against are are not very good. So I I don't I don't see them going through. I see Paraguay taking that third place spot and with three points and going through to the knockout stage.

SPEAKER_01 11:48

What do you think? I have the same exact order you do. I have USA, Turkey, Paraguay, Australia. One of the more interesting things in this World Cup is how those oceanic teams, the Australia and New Zealand, how do they translate to this World Cup against some much stiffer competition than they're used to? So I'm interested in that. And I will say this group feels pretty level. I've heard a lot of people say this is the most even group. There's not a ton of differential between first and last. I don't believe that to be true. I do think there is a quite a big gap between the USA and Australia. At least that's what I'm projecting. I hope that's the case. I will say though, I do think Paraguay get through as that third place finisher as well. I think they're frisky. And again, the first match day is so important in this one because the US, if they are serious about winning the group, it's almost a must win in that first match day. You could make up for it down the line, but your job gets a lot more difficult if you drop points against Paraguay. We'll get on we'll get more in depth on that later, but I do think this group is relatively strong because I don't know if there is any specific matchup that I would be stunned to see either team win. Where in some of the earlier groups, if Qatar beats Switzerland, for example, I'm gonna be pretty stunned. If Haiti beats Brazil, I'll be stunned. Whereas if Australia beats the United States, I don't think we either of us would sit here and be stunned. We'd be upset and a little surprised, but not stunned.

SPEAKER_02 13:11

That's a that's a very good point. Similar, in my opinion, to group A, where there's not necessarily one standout team on the positive. I I do think USA is much better than Australia, but the teams are all pretty close, besides I think Australia-USA. But the other three I think could all be interchanged and uh could go any way. Looking at group group E, Sean, what are you thinking? I think I'll I'll tell you my opinion after you go first, but I think this one could be a little bit fun.

SPEAKER_01 13:44

Yeah, this, Brandon. I previewed this one, and when I was doing the preview, I was like, wow, what a group we have here. This is, I'm gonna say it, I think this is my favorite group. It's been between this and one other, but I'm gonna give this one the title, at least for this few moments while we're talking about it. I am in love with a couple teams in this group. And on that note, I have Ecuador actually finishing first, winning the group ahead of Germany. So I've gone for Ecuador, Germany, Cote d'Ivoire, Curacao, with of course my Les Alifants qualifying into the knockout round with a third place finish. I think, unfortunately for Curacao, they're gonna get bullied for gold differential. And I hate that for them because it seems like they're bringing a ton of good vibes and good energy to the tournament, smallest nation by size and population ever to qualify. I hope that they get a result. It's just if I were to call one group a group of death, I think it would be this one, actually. It's between this and another. And I don't like that moniker because I feel like oftentimes it doesn't play out that way, but I just feel like there's not an easy game in this group aside from Curacao on paper, and that's going to inevitably lead to teams trying to run up the score against them. Now, they might not be successful, but their intent will be to play 90 minutes of, hey, let's score as many as we could. And if Curacao, again, if the cookie crumbled a different way, if they were in a different group, they might be able to pick up or as older a point. I just don't see it in this one. I think Ecuador's defense is the strongest unit in this whole group. They've given up five from 18 in qualifying. Now, how many they could score remains to be seen. So I'm a bit concerned about that, but I'm a big fan of Ecuador. I'm a big fan of Cote d'Ivoire. And I'm not sold on this Germany squad after some deeper dives. We'll get to them in a bit later with some of our bold predictions, maybe, but I'm just I think they'll make it out of the group. I don't think it'll be a flop on their face, but I don't think they win this group. I'm interested to see what you have to say.

SPEAKER_02 15:35

I actually had Germany winning the group, but in a very tight, tight race. I think, Sean, it's interesting that all of these group uh all of these round one matches are gonna be so key. So we have Ecuador Ivory Coast on Sunday here in Philly, and that game to me is one of the biggest in this whole group. Because I I had Germany first, Ecuador second, Cote d'Ivoire third, Cursaw fourth, uh, with Cote d'Ivoire going through on points. But if they can go and play Ecuador and steal three points from them, you know, this could be a little bit of a different different looking group. I will say I was at the Ivory Coast uh scrimmage last night. They scrimmaged the the Philadelphia Union second team here in Philly, and it was electric. It was you would have never thought it was a friendly Ivory Coast, half the stadium, they're singing, they're dancing, they're cheering the whole night. I mean, you you would have never thought it was a Monday night friendly, Sean. It was absolutely crazy. So they're gonna have their people behind them. I could see them making some noise in Philly on Sunday, so I put them third going through, and I think I'll keep it, but I wouldn't be surprised if they pull the upset and beat Ecuador on Sunday.

SPEAKER_01 16:54

I think I'm rooting for a draw because I like both teams a ton. I really, I really want both teams to get a point. Unfortunately, batter Curacao. I'm planning to be at the Côte d'Ivoire Curacao game, which is the final group stage game at the end of the month in Philly, and then we'll both advance and just find a way out, survive in advance somehow. I think this group's gonna be great to watch. There's a few of them that won't be. One thing we talked about it in the pre-show, it's I we're now through five groups, and I have all five third place teams advancing. So I will be coming to a screeching halt with handing out third place advancers soon, but it just goes to show there's only 12 groups, and eight of these third place teams are qualifying through. So, really, you have to not win a game to not have a chance to qualify. And the bar is pretty low in terms of getting out of the group. In group F, Brandon. I'm interested to see. I think this one might be a three-horse race for you as well in terms of three teams getting out, but I would like to hear.

SPEAKER_02 17:53

Yep. Good preview, Sean. Uh, I have the Netherlands, then Japan, then Sweden, then Tunisia. I think Tunisia unfortunately becomes that that punching bag for the other three teams. I think the Netherlands are just a different class. I have them winning this group pretty pretty easily. Japan-Sweden, that second, second, third place potential matchup, will be interesting to watch. I do have Sweden going through. Uh, this is my fourth team out of the six groups going through. So I not as many as you, but I have Sweden going through. So I I think Japan-Sweden can maybe flip-flop, but I think those three go through, and Tunisia kind of becomes the punching bag. I'm definitely not as excited to watch this group as I am with group E. I think group E will be absolutely electric. Group F, it's a little bit more cut and dry. I think you'll see a lot slower of a game, uh more methodical, whereas I think group E, there could just be some fireworks. So, you know, it we gotta have some groups that we're not as interested in. I'll just be honest, this is one that I'm not not feeling as much as the others.

SPEAKER_01 19:00

I have a little bit of a different finishing order here. I have Japan winning this group. Okay. I I do like the Dutch. I I think they're so solid defensively, and the spine of their team is so strong that I wouldn't rule out a deep run for them. I just think Japan's difficult to prepare for, and I'm really high on this Japanese side. So I have them finishing narrowly ahead of the Dutch. I have Sweden finishing third with Tunisia finishing last. I have made a last-minute change, though. I was going to have Sweden as another team that qualified as a third place team, but I'm not going to anymore. I'm going to save that for one of the more fun vibes teams, which we'll talk about in a little bit. Basically, the vibes of the Sweden side are just not super strong. They've they've put in Graham Potter as coach. Their best two players are both strikers that can't really play next to another striker. I'm just not so sure I see it. They barely qualified. They qualified by getting in through the Nations League, basically, due to finish that. And then they want to playoff. I don't know. I'm just not picking up what the Swedes are putting down. So I'm going to skip. I'm going to refrain from making it six from six in terms of my third place advancers. So I will skip on the Swedes. We're on to group G, where another one, Brandon. It's not the best group. It's kind of a stinker. It's kind of a stinky group. I'll kick it off by saying I think Belgium win three and they get nine points. I don't think they'll have to sweat too much, to be honest with you. I have them dominating this group and finding their stride, hopefully, because I'm high on them. I hope they find their stride and take that into the knockouts. I've got the Egyptians finishing second, New Zealand finishing third, and Iran finishing fourth. I've gone for a little upset there with New Zealand. I don't think either Iran or New Zealand will make it out of the group. And I think Egypt has a good chance to beat everybody, not named Belgium. So I think this one, if I had to pick a cut and dry top two, I'm very confident in Belgium and Egypt finishing as the two that advance in this group.

SPEAKER_02 20:54

It's funny you say that because I don't see it that way. I had uh again, I was writing in pencil today because I wasn't feeling confident, but I actually had Belgium, Egypt, New Zealand, Iran. I switched it. I put New Zealand second. I got a little bit of faith in them. I think Egypt just doesn't really excite me. I know they have Mo Salah, I know they have Marmoouche, they have talent, but for some reason, I'm feeling a little frisky. I like this New Zealand team. I think they'll they'll get stuck in. They'll they'll definitely take three points from Iran, and then the New Zealand-Egypt match, I think they can I think they can get three points from from Egypt. So I had it a little bit differently, but still sort of the all three of those teams making it through to the next knockout stage.

SPEAKER_01 21:41

I hope you're right. I hope New Zealand finishes above Egypt. I don't think I see it that way, but I I would love to root for New Zealand. I think I think they're a cooler story than Egypt is. I'm interested to see how they stack up. They're certainly going to be physical, they're not going to shy away from anything. So I'm with you on that. And I'm hoping, at least if it's not the best football. Football, we get some highly competitive football between the other three teams in this group.

SPEAKER_02 22:04

Yes, yes, absolutely. So, Sean, switching to group H now, we have Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia. Where do you think this group will end up?

SPEAKER_01 22:17

I think it's obvious, but you have to put Spain first, in my opinion. They they just have way more talent than the other three teams in this group. The next closest finisher I have is Uruguay. I think Marcel Bielsa gets the boys human a little bit. I think they'll be able to take advantage of the two weaker teams in this group. And I think it'll be an interesting, it'll be a fiery affair with Spain, especially if Laminha Mall is not fit yet in this group stage and Nico Williams is still dealing with injuries. Spain are a little bit more gettable, I think, earlier in the tournament. You don't want to let them build momentum. So I think that could be a good game, but I do have Spain finishing up top, followed by Uruguay. I have gone for Cabo Verde. Cape Verde finishing third ahead of the Saudis. This is more of a heart than head pick, but I honestly feel like the talent level between these two teams is not much, if anything. I think certainly they'll stack up with one another. And I would much prefer to root for Cape Verde. So Cabo Verde, Cape Verde, whatever you want to call them, they're going to get my vote. They're going to be a third place finisher. They are not going to advance from third place, though. I don't have them making it out of the group, so that's where I stop a little bit short with my prediction, but I think they get a win at the World Cup.

SPEAKER_02 23:28

Okay. As much as I want to co-sign that from you, I think I thought with my head a little bit more than my heart. And I went Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde, Cabo Verde. I have Saudi Arabia getting through in a third place spot. I think Cabo Verde unfortunately just isn't there. They're not quite there on the field. And I think Saudi Arabia takes advantage of that. They get their three points and a lot of goals. And I think with eight out of 12 going through, I think they can sneak in maybe as a seventh or an eighth team into the knockout stage. I don't want that to happen, but I think this group is, in my opinion, a little bit more cut and dry. It's a little bit more straightforward. So that's kind of how I see it.

SPEAKER_01 24:13

This one will be interesting, at least if not to monitor the Spain health situations on their wings with Nico Williams and Laminha Mall. I'm interested to see that. They'll play fun football to watch. They're almost must see no matter when they play or who they play. So this group isn't as dull as some of the others we've previewed. Group I, however, is a fun one, Brandon. This one is full of some good teams. I think this is a really strong group, at least three of which I think are serious threats in this tournament. Of course, this is France's group. I'll let you tell me how you have the finishing, but I would be shocked if you didn't have the French coming out on top.

SPEAKER_02 24:49

Yeah, you know I'm a you know I'm good for a bold prediction here and there. This one just isn't gonna be a bold prediction. Not that bold. I definitely think France is going through as the top spot. I then put Senegal before Norway though. I put Senegal second, Norway third, uh Iraq coming in fourth, with Norway going through. I I don't know why I put Senegal above Norway totally, but I just feel like they can get it done. I think if you can shut uh Holland down, Norway becomes a little bit pedestrian. And Senegal, I know they didn't look great against the US in that friendly, but it was a friendly. They've had you know a week and a half to kind of get ready now. I think they could beat Norway, which in my thought process would put them in second place. Iraq, I don't see them getting any points in their three games. So I put France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq for group I.

SPEAKER_01 25:46

I have switched two and three compared to what you have. I have the French coming out on top. Although the French are susceptible to losing a group stage game, I think they might still lose a group stage game and finish up top. I think that's plausible and possible. I think Norway will finish second. I have Senegal finishing third, but I do have Senegal being a real threat as a third place finisher. I have them advancing out of the group, and I think they could win a knockout game. It's just the the fact of the matter, this group's tough, and I'm a big believer in the Norwegians. I have Iraq bringing up the rear. I agree with you. I don't see them getting a result in this one. Another classic situation where maybe if they were in a different group, I could see them picking up a win, but not in this one. I I'm high on the Norway team. They are a little bit one-dimensional in terms of a lot of their best players all play similar positions. They have Holland, Sorlot, Brun Larsen, they've got Antonio Noosa, all are kind of forwards. Odegaard is the lone creative midfielder in the squad, and their defense could be a bit porous. But I just think that when you have a guy as good as Erling Holland, you're just really tough to game plan for. You're tough to stop, even if you do dominate the run of the game, they're going to be dangerous on the counterattack. So I have Norway more on them in a little bit, but I think that'll be a really fun group to watch. And I'm excited that we have it seems like we have some groups that are must CTV and some that are okay. Yeah, let's wake me up when the when the group stage ends. But when you get a group like this, you have to take in every second.

SPEAKER_02 27:18

Yes, absolutely. Yeah, this will be this will be exciting, Sean. Looking at group J, what are your thoughts? How are you feeling with with this group? I we'll let you go first. I don't I don't feel confident about my choice, but I want to hear what you think.

SPEAKER_01 27:35

You're you're anti-Argentinian, so I'm interested to hear what you have to say. Not anti- I uh I have gone for Argentina to finish first. They had a slip-up against Saudi Arabia at the last World Cup in the group stage, but I just think that this team, their floor is pretty high, and it's very hard to defend World Cups and win back to back, hasn't been done since I believe 58 and 62 with Brazil. So it's been a long, long time. But that doesn't mean that they can't run this group. And I think their depth of quality is several, several tiers above all the other teams. I'm a big fan of Austria. I think they finish in second. I have Algeria finishing third and advancing out of that third place spot. I think they're a pretty dangerous third place team as well. And then I have Jordan, unfortunately, finishing last. It's their first World Cup. I think you have to pay your dues a little bit sometimes. In your first World Cup, I think you might take a couple beatings at the hands of a GOAT named Leo. I think the I think the Austrians and Algerians could also hang a few on Jordan. So I just think they're kind of a victim of a big talent golf in their squad. I'm interested to see if you have a different order.

SPEAKER_02 28:44

Yeah, first I would just like to say I'm not anti-Argentina. I we'll get into them a little bit later, but I absolutely think they will win this group. I I'm not I'm not a scum. Like I I can respect greatness. Uh I do think they win their group. I put Algeria second, Austria third, and Jordan fourth. And the Algeria, Austria second, third was kind of where I was like, I kind of just have to pick one of the two.

SPEAKER_01 29:11

Yeah, that's the way, like, that's the only other way I could see this finishing would be to flip those two. So I'm I'm not far from you there.

SPEAKER_02 29:17

Yeah. I I'm I don't know if it's just like that North African flair minus minus Egypt. So really just Algeria and Morocco. But I I kind of have that vibe. I feel like those teams do well at these tournaments, and I think Algeria could go could do well. I did put Austria through. They are my last third place team I have going through. So yeah, I think the three three A teams go through, and Jordan, like you said, just takes the beating and yeah.

SPEAKER_01 29:44

I wish we had another A team in this group. It would be sick if we just had four A's. But I I think I'm not I could see it finishing Algeria than Austria. I think both those teams are pretty equal. I give Austria the edge in terms of just experience and know-how in their roster, but Algerians, they certainly they have that North African flair. They have some dual nationals from the French that they've recruited and got in their ranks. I think they'll be a fun side to watch, too. So I'm interested to see how that group plays out. I do think we're in lockstep and going to be correct that Argentina win the group. We're on to group K. Last two groups, Brandon. I'm excited for Group K, but I want to hear what you have to say first because I'm still up in the air on one little decision. Maybe you could convince me.

SPEAKER_02 30:28

There was some erasing, I will say. I'm looking at my sheet again on this group. I have Portugal going through pretty pretty easily. I put Colombia second. I think Colombia is a strong team. I don't have faith in DR Congo or Uzbekistan. I have them going 3-4. Potentially the two of them playing each other and and 1-1 draw or 0-0 draw. So they each end up with a point, but I don't think they'll have great goal differential. And I think they'll end up being in maybe ninth or tenth and not being able to make it through to the group uh knockout stage. I for me, this one I will say I'm probably not as interested in this group as I am in a lot of the others. To me, outside of Portugal, I don't really see any of the other three teams going far if they do get through. So for me, this will probably be a I'll watch it, of course, because that's what we do. We're podcasters, we have to watch all the games. But you know, I might have another eye on something else at the same time.

SPEAKER_01 31:30

It's in the job description. Yeah. I I will be fascinated to see just how much Ronaldo plays for Portugal. I think that's one storyline with them. I I'm interested to see their approach on that. I hope, as somebody who believes Portugal could go pretty far, that his role is limited, but I don't think that's gonna fly with him, so I doubt it. I've gone for Portugal finishing at first, Colombia second, I've gone the Democratic Republic of the Congo third, and Uzbekistan fourth. The thing I was debating, Brandon, I said I talked myself out of Sweden as a third place qualifier, and I have one spot left to give, and I'm not going to give it in group L. So I'm between group F with Sweden and group K with the Congo, and I'm just gonna go with vibes and fun. Give me the Congo to get through in third place. All right, let's do it. Joan Vissa, he has had a horrible season at Newcastle. We need some goals from you, buddy. My guy Bakambo, who plays at Betis, he can get on the end of things as well if Vissa's still struggling. But I think the Congo are gonna get the better of Uzbeks and move on as a third place team. So that that group again, yeah, it's not my favorite one, but I I'm a little higher on Columbia. I think they they could make some noise, so we'll see. But I think the first two in that group pick themselves.

SPEAKER_02 32:46

Yeah, yeah. And I will say, I'm high, I'm very high on Portugal. Okay. The rest of the group just didn't inspire me personally. Brandon, bring us home. Group L. Yeah, let's let's let's go home. Speaking of.

SPEAKER_01 32:59

I'm gonna let you go. We're breaking tradition here. I'm gonna let you go first because this is your team. You this is my team. You deserve to talk about them first.

SPEAKER_02 33:07

I fully have England winning this group easily, nine points, three and three. I have behind them Croatia, Panama, and Ghana, with Panama unfortunately not advancing through because I don't have any more spots. England, I think it's self-explanatory. I think they're world class. Probably a little biased because they I do have them probably hopefully doing well in this tournament. But Croatia, very good team, always solid at these tournaments. I feel like they're uh they're a staple in the World Cup. Panama from CONCACAF. I think Panama can make a little bit of noise. Do they go through? No. I think it's gonna be a Panama Ghana draw, and Panama maybe is higher than them on goals, but not enough to uh advance. But I could go, I mean, if you told me Ghana was gonna be ahead of Panama, I would say okay, that's fine too. But for me, this is just England's warm-up, and we'll see their real team come out in the knockout stage.

SPEAKER_01 34:11

Yeah, England, they do England always does a good job of they maintain a high floor. They haven't been able to get one of these over the line and win the trophy, but they almost never really have a sweat either in games that they shouldn't. I guess there's been a couple close calls in the knockouts, but it seems like they just take care of business in their group. I expect nothing less from this group. They're a very professional outfit, I would say. I have Croatia finishing second. I just think their floor, again, is pretty high. I know a lot of their key players are on the wrong side in terms of 35. They're 35 and up. We have an older crew here. But they also do have some youth that they're trying to integrate into the squad. It's just they're not at that same level as the golden generation. But I think their technical floor is so much higher than Ghana's and Panama's that I don't think they'll have any issue qualifying in second. I have gone Ghana over Panama, but I'm free-falling on the Skanaean side. I was way in on them. I drafted Antoine Semeno in our player draft. I'm talking myself out of them. I don't know if he'll score a goal. I don't know if they'll score a goal. So I have them finishing above Panama, but I think it's a pretty clear England-Croatia make it out of this group and nobody else.

SPEAKER_02 35:17

Yeah. I uh obviously I have the bottom two different, but I think that's England-Croatia go through, and that's all that really matters.

SPEAKER_01 35:26

Yep. So now, Brandon, we're going to dive into some of the favorites. We have the seven favorites listed out in terms of odds and I guess reputation. These are really the only countries that win these things, to be honest. And we're going to give you a reason why we think they will or could win the World Cup, and a reason why they might end up falling short. I'll kick things off with Spain. They are the betting favorite. A reason I think they could and maybe will win the World Cup is they are technically a level above the rest, and they have the right age profile. They have a mix of veterans and youth. They have such a high skill level that they're amazing to watch, and their style of play blends into that and enhances that technical ability that they have. On the flip side, the reason I think they might not win is the health of their wingers, which we have mentioned. We've mentioned Nico Williams, we've mentioned LaMinia Mall. And while those two appear like they'll be fit for the knockout rounds of this tournament, what's concerning for me is there's nobody really like them in the squad. So if they can't go, there's nobody that could step in and play those roles for Spain. So they produce a ton of talent, but the areas that they struggle to produce talent in are wingers like that, and then number nine strikers. So in the midfield and defense, they have a ton of players. I just think that Nico Williams and La Minha Mall at the Euros in 2024, that's when they burst onto the scene and they took Spain to a whole new level because of how dynamic they were on the wings. Without them in the lineup, they don't have that dynamism. So I'm a bit concerned about what they'll look like if those two are seriously hurt or do miss time. I guess that would be the only knock I have on Spain of why they might not be able to win, but I'm interested to hear what you have to say.

SPEAKER_02 37:09

Very similar, Sean. I put for why they could win. The experience they've won at high levels, they won the Euros in 2024. Uh their style of play and their skill, and I think they're very hard to play against. I think we always we all talk about this for this Spanish style of play and how beautiful it is and the passing. That's very hard to defend against. And you know, as someone who has worked in the soccer industry before, it's also something hard to practice against. You can't really train against that. Whereas, you know, you're playing against uh in Erling Holland, you can put one of your big big center backs up front and have them bruise and throw elbows and do all that. You can't really replicate Spain's pace of play or their style of play in a training session. So I think that's gonna be hard for a lot of teams to adjust to, even in the knockout round. Similar to you on why they won't win, I put you mean your health. Also, Sean, I found something very interesting doing some research. So of the nine previous Euro winners, seven of those haven't made it. I'm sorry, seven of them have not won a knockout round game. Wow. So only two out of the nine, and one of them was Spain in 2010 when they won the World Cup. So not a great track record. Of course, that doesn't necessarily predicate that this team won't make a big run, but very interesting, just an interesting stat, just throwing it in there. Uh, but I do think Spain is definitely in the favorite conversation.

SPEAKER_01 38:36

That's well said. I'm glad you did some digging there. That's that's a great fact you found. Good good job by you. We'll move on to the French side. Why they can win the World Cup? Well, they have an absolute wealth of riches. It's almost like Noah's Ark. We'll take two of everything. They have they have so many good players at a lot of different positions, and specifically that front line of theirs is the stuff dreams are made of. So that is the reason why they are a serious threat in this tournament. A reason why they might fall short is there, it's something with this French squad throughout the years, they can't all play. And sometimes they lack firm control on matches in terms of an on-the-pitch perspective. They play a bit like I compare them to Real Madrid, where they have so much more talent than almost everybody they're going to come up against. But then they don't play in a possession-dominated style like Spain do, where you almost can't even get a foot in the game against the Spanish side. Against France, they'll they'll switch off for a few and let you have a chance, but then they'll just go down and put one, put one on you, and you're like, what happened? That's playing with fire a little bit, I think. And then off the pitch, when I said they can't all play, there's so many talented players that are expecting minutes. They're not all going to get minutes, and sometimes you just see drama flare up, and almost always one of these big nations has a crash out with their manager or their fans or within their own locker room. I'm not gonna say it will be the French, but I'm not gonna rule them out either.

SPEAKER_02 40:01

Sean, it's funny. I think we must have been researching this one together because very similar reasons. I said for why they could win the World Cup, uh, squad depth. You said Noah's Ark, I think that's a great example because you can literally put any two at any position and and you still have that quality. I also think uh Didier DeCamps, their manager, is a is a strength. I think he will hopefully be able to bring the team together, keep them together, and keep guys happy. Because, like you said, there's only 11 spots on the field. But if you have quality for all 26, people are gonna be upset. And for the reason they won't win the World Cup, I put themselves. I said on paper, this team is, in my opinion, the most talented, the best team in this World Cup. I think it's gonna be themselves, and I think it's gonna be the issues that you mentioned, where guys are getting upset, they don't play, and that ego, they're gonna have to have those ego checks where it's like, look, you know, I understand you're great, but this other guy next to you is just as good, if not better, and he has to play too. So I think if France don't win the World Cup, I'm not necessarily cheering for them, I will say that. But for them to not win this World Cup, I think it's really just gonna be them beating themselves.

SPEAKER_01 41:10

Yeah, and this Mbappe guy, while he is super talented and seems to dominate these World Cups, it doesn't seem like he's the easiest to play with and get along with. It seems like everything needs to be catered to Killian, which, hey, listen, it seems to work for the French National side and his two World Cups, they've finished runner-up and won. So hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, but something to monitor as we move through the tournament. Brandon, I'll let you kick us off with England because again, these are your boys, so I I want to know what you have to say.

SPEAKER_02 41:40

Yeah, I think they can win the World Cup because first and foremost, I don't think they'll concede very many goals. I know we're we'll obviously talk about the attacking prowess that the team has, but I also don't think they're gonna concede many. And to lose a game, you gotta give up goals, and I don't think they're gonna give up many goals, so I think that'll be a big positive for them. And then obviously Harry Kane and he'll go as they'll go as he goes, and he'll have his guys behind him, the Jude Bellinghams of the world. But if Harry's in form and does what he did at Bayern Munich this season, it's gonna be very hard to see them lose. The reason why I don't think they'll win the World Cup, Sean, similar to France, but I just think they're cursed. England are absolutely horrible at penalty kicks. They just it's just not their talent. They they seem to just bottle it when it comes to penalty kicks. I also I would say one position I don't really love is goalkeeper. I'm just not a Jordan Pickford guy, that's just me. I don't think he's a bad goalkeeper by any means, but he's not my guy. And I think there might be a little bit of them grinding out some wins. So I do worry a little bit about fatigue and just all right, we ground we we went to extra time, we grinded this one out. We gotta go again in four days. Can we do it again? And and being able to replicate that over and over and over again, I I do worry about that a little bit. And and similar to France, where they'll let the other team have the ball sometime, I think England will have a little bit of that as well. And in a knockout style game, you switch off for five minutes and the other team scores. Now you're down and you're playing on the back foot, the other team bunkers in, and you're like, shoot, we gotta figure this out. So I I think that's where I'm at with England. I hope none of that happens. I hope they win the World Cup. But just being a realist, I think that's where where I stand on them.

SPEAKER_01 43:29

I'm not far off in terms of the reasons why I think they could win. And I I I'm lower on them than you, but I do think they could win. The main reason is Harry Kane. He is the best number nine in the world. And because he's the best number nine in the world, so much attention is on him and so much pressure's on him, and I don't really have any concerns about him handling it. He's been the focal point of this English side for a while, and they've played well in these tournaments for several years now. They just haven't gotten over the hump. The other reason I think they can win it, I'm a big fan of Thomas Tuchel. As a person, maybe. Not for me, but as a manager, he's impressive. When you hear him speak, he he really understands the game. He's firm in his beliefs. And while we may question them, or English fans may question them, they've provided results throughout his entire career. He's also especially good in knockout style tournaments. He's won the Champions League with Chelsea. And I think the way he gets into the nitty-gritty and scrutinizes over little details can be seen as obsessive, but it also could make a difference in a game. So I think he's a strength for this English side. A lot of the English people are bitching about him because he's not English. They don't like a foreigner, they're saying managing their team. Get over it. You guys didn't win with Southgate. You need to try something new. Tuco's a good manager. You said it as well. The reason they can't win, it's it's England, right? It's England. They just don't win these. So we could say all we want to. And on paper, it might look perfect, but for some reason they just don't win them. If I had to point to an actual reason of why I could see them not on the pitch, I think it's weird because Tuchel's teams are good defensively, but I don't love this center back pool. And I never thought in a million years I'd say this, but I think they might miss Harry Maguire, which I'm not a Harry Maguire fan, but the way England have won some of these games is maybe it's a set piece late. Maybe it's clearing a line on a set piece. Harry Maguire is one of the only ones that made a penalty in some of these shootouts. So I think just having a big old head like his in and around the box at the end of games wouldn't be the worst thing. Because I do think they might run out of creative options on the wings as well. They have good players on the wings, but if Saka gets a bit tired, are we trusting Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rasher on the left every match? I don't know. I'm not necessarily all in on that group, but they're again high floor for England, pretty high ceiling as well. They could win the World Cup, they won't miss the quarterfinals, in my opinion. So we know what we're gonna get with that side. Let's move on to Argentina, the defending champs. My reasons they could win so much talent and the right mentality. This is, again, we're coming off the back of Messi. You think that has to be the golden age for Argentina? It's just they're always good at this sport. This is their sport, this is their culture in Argentina. And one thing I love when I say they have the right mentality, to a man, every Argentinian national team player, they could be playing at Real Madrid or Barcelona or anything. They'll say the highlights of their career come with the national team. They have a tremendous sense of national pride that I think only is rivaled by one other country in this World Cup. There's not a ton of people that care about football the way Argentinians do. And I admire that about them. That's why I like rooting for them. I think all of that works in their direction, and they just have the know-how of having done it with largely the same group of players. I don't think they're going to be look or be left trying to answer questions at any point early in this tournament. The reason why they can't, back-to-back has not been done since 1958 to 1962. So I could say all those things about how that good they look on paper. It's just a matter of fact of going and doing it two times in a row. It's very, very hard. It seems impossible at this in this day and age. I think you're going to get everybody's best punch. And ultimately, with Messi not being able to bail them out, maybe as often as he was last World Cup because of his age, I think that might be what sinks them.

SPEAKER_02 47:16

Okay. I have similar thoughts for why I think they win. As much as Messi is kind of on the the down part of his career, he's he's a winner. I mean, he's he's won at every level, he's won pretty much every competition he's ever played in. And I think when players play with Messi, at least I've seen it on the MLS level at Miami, he their level raises. And I don't know if it's because you have the confidence that the guy's gonna make the right pass or or what, but when guys play with Messi, they get better. So I think that's definitely a reason why they could win. For for that them not winning, I think there might be a little bit of a hangover hangover from 2022. Uh, you mentioned it, back-to-back hasn't been done since the the 50s. So there's a little bit of that, and I think because the side is so similar to 2022, that could be an advantage, but I also think they're four years older now, and teams have had theoretically four years to scout them. Um, it's probably gonna look a lot similar on the field. And look, if they're better than everybody else and they can do it again, well, who's gonna stop them? But I think with other teams having four years to kind of prepare and get ready for this, I could see them getting not getting as far and not winning the World Cup again.

SPEAKER_01 48:36

I think we did a good job there with the four favorites to win this tournament. Those are the clear tier one of teams that people are betting to win and people are expecting to win. We could quickly go over Brandon just the next three, maybe a little shorter, because these guys are not favorites to win necessarily, so it's kind of assumed that they won't win the World Cup. The next team we have is Portugal. I actually love their roster and their midfield, I think is the best in this entire tournament. So I've talked about Drao Nev, Vitina, Bruno Fernandez. I haven't even mentioned Bernardo Silva in any of these previews. He's world class. I mean, their midfield is absolutely loaded. So that's why they could win. Why they can't win, I have one word. Cristiano. I'm just not a Ronaldo guy. And here's the thing: he is unbelievable. And if he knew and embraced the role that he could play on this team, I'd be all in. And I would say he's a huge strength to have a guy of his caliber coming in for 30 minutes in a tight match and getting a goal to win it. I just don't, I've seen nothing that proves that he'll be able to accept any role other than being the superstar. So if he is able to do that, sign me up for this Portuguese side. Until I see that, I just can't pick them to win.

SPEAKER_02 49:44

In the same exact boat as you, I put elite midfield. I also think Roberto Martinez as their manager is another positive. I know he hasn't necessarily won at the highest level, but he's always been competitive. He's always done very well in these tournaments, uh, especially I feel like with Belgium. Why they won't win, same exact reason. You said one word, your word was Cristiano, my word was Ronaldo. So we're the same boat uh with that. I we talked about it when you did the preview, Sean. It's like who's gonna be his backup? Who's gonna who else is gonna play forward? Because all we've ever heard is Cristiano. And like you said, if he adopts that role as a mentor, super sub, this team, I think you might have to put them in that A group, Sean. But until he does that, I think that they they stay in this B tier, and we're probably looking at maybe a quarters or a semifinal uh exit for them.

SPEAKER_01 50:36

I'm right with you. I'm glad you agree. I'll let you kick things off with Germany so I don't maybe take your point again.

SPEAKER_02 50:42

No, no, you're good. I think Germany, the one reason why they could win, I think they have a strong defense. The US really mild or I'm sorry, Anthony Robinson had the goal, but other than that, the US didn't have a ton of chances. I think Germany's defense is pretty strong, and I think that can keep them in games. The reason I don't think they'll win is they've seemed to really struggle at the last two World Cups. I feel like when we were younger growing up, Germany was always in that A tier that hey, if it's not Germany, it's gonna be Spain or France. They've kind of slid and moved into this B level of team. And I think I don't know if it's a quality issue or just mental. I I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I think them struggling at this this tournament the last two times kind of signals to me that I don't think they can they can turn it around this time. I don't think they have the talent to turn it around that they didn't have in the last two World Cups.

SPEAKER_01 51:42

I'm kind of in the same boat as you. My strengths and why they could do it is I believe in Julian Naggelsman. I think he's a really good coach, and I think he's an addition to their squad that they have not had in previous cycles. And the other reason I put down is they just do this shit. It's I they just find a way to win these things and perform well at them aside from the last two. So it almost feels like they're due to me. But on the flip side, I just think their talent is a level below what it was. Like you mentioned when we were growing up, they were just it was Germany you thought of first almost with the World Cup in our years of learning the sport, and their talent level is just not that high anymore. And specifically their striker position, I think they have a bunch of four and a halves instead of nines, they have half nines. That's a new term I'm workshopping. It's they have a bunch of guys that do half of the responsibilities of a number nine really well, and the other half they just can't do. If you could combine two of those players, you'd be in good shape, but you can't. And I feel like that might be a position that ultimately lets them down. Lastly, Brandon, I'll let you go first again. It is Brazil, who, if nothing else, are going to be entertaining.

SPEAKER_02 52:48

For sure. Absolute popcorn cinema, get get ready. I think you hinted on it earlier, Sean, when you're talking about there's only one other country that cares about the World Cup as much as Argentina, and I think it's Brazil. And I think what could help them be successful in this World Cup is our guy, Don Carlo. I think Carlo Ancelotti coming into this team and being able to look at a Neymar or look at some of these guys and say, hey, you're gonna have to sit, you're gonna have to come off the bench. And the pressure is there and the outside noise is all there, and I think he's the kind of guy that can get into a locker room and just provides that calm for the players. And you need a little bit of that, I think, at a World Cup because you know, we we've talked about the Cape Verdes, the Jordans, the other teams that are hey, we're just happy to be here. Brazil, if they don't come home with a World Cup or or at least a semifinal mention, they're you know, it it's World War III. So I I think having a guy like Don Carlo in the in the locker room really, really helps to kind of bring them all together. I think the reason why they won't win this World Cup, I think they're a little too attack-minded. They're them to me, their defense isn't quite there. I think their attack is there, I think they have one of the best attacks in the world, but I don't think defensively they're as strong. I think the expectations are a little too high. You know, growing up again, we mentioned them in our A tier, and I think they've kind of fallen a little bit to that B tier. And I I put on the one last note, like they're kind of become the little brother to Argentina, and you know, Brazilians, I apologize, I'm sure you don't love to hear that, but the numbers and the the game speak for themselves, and I I just don't think Brazil is quite in that favorite discussion that that maybe 10, 12 years ago we were having. I think that's a very fair point.

SPEAKER_01 54:37

And I'm I'm again with you in terms of the strengths of this side. The where you have to start is Carl Ancelotti. He is an elite manager who's won everything everywhere. So I if I was going against him at any stage of this competition, I would be a bit worried because that guy wins and he's elite at handling a dressing room, especially one as complex as Brazil's could be. I also think they have a strong spine. You mentioned they're weak in defense, and I will get to that in a second because I do I don't disagree. But I think their center backs, if they could stay healthy, the starting two are really strong, and I think their midfield is really strong. And they have a ton of striking options. So the spine of the team is good. Allison and net, really good up the middle. Where I worry in defense is their fullback depth. I mentioned last episode how Wesley, who plays at Roma, he was going to be their starting right back. He is out of the camp. He's injured, and they've replaced him with a midfielder. That was the position, both right back and left back, where they didn't have a ton of depth to begin with. And now that's been depleted even more. That's my concern, and why ultimately I could see them not winning is because those are important positions for this Brazil side and how they want to play. And I just don't think they have enough strength in them. Brandon, that I think we'd covered the favorites pretty well and pretty in depth. So it's time to move on to a little fun section here. This is the end of our general preview. So thank you all for sticking around through all the group previews. We've finally gotten to the point where we're gonna hit on some of the buzzwords you see in articles you see in other podcasts. We'll start with, I guess, the biggest flop or biggest disappointment from this World Cup. Who do you think is going to the biggest disappointment, Brandon?

SPEAKER_02 56:13

Well, okay, so I have two. And one is Argentina, and we we kind of know listeners. I told you. Look, I'm not anti-Argentina, but I do think they'll disappoint. I to me, a disappointment for Argentina is not making it to at least the semifinals. I think this team could go out in the quarters, which again is not a huge disappointment, but I think that could be a problem. I again, no science behind it. I just don't have great vibes from this team. I think if they stay too messy-centric, they'll struggle. But they could surprise me and win it all. Who knows? The other disappointment I have, and I know this is a little off-kilter, Sean, but it is with FIFA. You know, I I love the World Cup. We we both love this, but just I believe it was just yesterday, uh, Somalian referee coming to ref the World Cup, his visa's not approved, and he's not allowed to come and and be, I think he was the first, may have been the first African ref to be invited to the World Cup, and he has to now go back. Tickets have been revoked for certain fans from certain countries. You know, while there is a ton of beauty in this World Cup, and we've mentioned that the Cape Verdes, the Jordans, the teams that are here cure uh Curaçao for the first time and doing their thing. I think it's just a disappointment. Like this is supposed to be an event that brings us all together, celebrates people from all cultures, all backgrounds. I mean, we've gone over, you know, in our previews, we're talking about geography in these countries and religion and food and all of these cultural things that that make it great. They make the World Cup great. We would never be talking about Cape Veradiction if it wasn't for the World Cup. So unfortunately for me, FIFA's just been a little bit of a disappointment. You know, hopefully when the tournament gets going, they can sort some things out, but that would be my one sort of off-the-field, not team-related, disappointment, as well as Argentina, of course.

SPEAKER_01 58:03

I'm glad you were I'm glad you figured out a way to bring that into this preview episode because that is worth mentioning. It's it is disgraceful how we can't seem to get the little things right. We and FIFA, I would say America and FIFA consistently score own goals against themselves, and we're prone to have a few blunders this tournament as a country, and FIFA always will score a few own goals. So that's disappointing, and I hope it doesn't become the storyline of the tournament, but it is a storyline. So it I'm glad you brought it up. For me, I've gone for two flops, and one of them is Germany. We mentioned how I didn't have them winning the group, I had Ecuador winning the group. So I think that'll be disappointing in and of itself. And then while I like Julian Nogglesman, I just I have a vibe with this German side. I don't know. I don't know that they're gonna be able to just rectify the issues they faced in the last couple World Cups. I think their talent is not at the level we associate with, like we mentioned, and I think they'll fall just a little bit short. I don't necessarily think it's gonna be a flop and fall on their face, knock it out of the group, that sort of thing. But it'll be a disappointment. The other disappointment I had, and this one's bold. I could have lumped this in with my bold predictions category, but I had to include it here. I've gone for France, and when we were going through the previews, I said they won't make the final. And I'm sticking with that. I think the expectation is a French World Cup win. If you just go by talent, they have the most talent, and they're the second favorite. I'm going to say they don't make the semifinals. So I think they lose in the quarters. Now, obviously, we should preface this whole conversation with this bracket could look a million different ways, and we don't know how it's going to shake out. But I don't think the French win this World Cup. I don't think they get that close, would be how I frame this. I just think there's too many cooks. Too many cooks, tight kitchen. We'll see. But I that's where I've gone for that one. Brainon, why don't you kick us off with your breakout stars from the tournament?

SPEAKER_02 1:00:04

Sure, sure. So I have a few different guys, some of which may not make it out of the group stage, but I'll just go through them. First and foremost, I'll start off. I saw him last night, Jan Diamande from Ivory Coast, the Ivory Coast swinger. He has all the eyes on him. It's pretty certain he's gonna go to Liverpool and basically be Mosala's replacement. He's 19 years old, spent some time in Florida. I know you covered this, Sean, in the preview. He looked great last night. Granted, he was playing second-team professionals, but he did draw a penalty kick. He he's he's a guy I'm definitely marked marking as someone I want to keep an eye on. I think he can really have a breakout World Cup. I have Takafusi Kubo from Japan, the societad star, the Japanese Messi, as they like to call him. I think the team can do well as we went through in the preview, but I really think they go as he goes. And I think if he has a good World Cup, uh some more eyes will come on him and some more opportunities will come into his fold. One guy that you you definitely know, Sean, and I think most listeners will know too is Kobe Mainu, uh in England. I think he was pretty much written off under Amarim at Manchester United, and then under Michael Carrick. Basically turned his whole season around, gets the England call-up. I think he could have a really big World Cup, and it'll be interesting to see how he plays. And then my last one, Sean, I don't know if you know this guy. His name is Lucas Harrington. He is the center back of uh Australia. He actually plays in the MLS at the Colorado Rapids. He's 18 years old, and he probably will start for them at centre back. Um they have a couple guys, he's he's definitely in the mix to start, and they're they're projecting a pretty big transfer for him to Europe this summer, uh, following the World Cup. So I'm I'm excited to see him, you know, an MLS guy playing at the World Cup, playing for Australia. So I I think those are my what's that four? Those are my four guys I'm I I kind of want to look out for that are maybe a little off the traditional path.

SPEAKER_01 1:02:08

I love that. We always see guys have good World Cups and then tie them into big moves to European clubs. So I'm glad you went that direction where one of those guys could get that exact shout. I have gone for four guys who we've talked about in our previews, but I really just wanted to hammer them home because I think they could actually be guys that take over the tournament in some aspects. So I'll start with Hilberto Mora. He is the youngest player in the World Cup, 17 years, seven months. I think that's cool in and of itself. He's a projected starter for one of the host nations in Mexico, central attacking midfielder. I mentioned him during my preview of Mexico. He will be moving to Europe as soon as he turns 18. He's going to be at a big club, potentially around Madrid. He is a super talent, but he's also doing it at the professional level already. So a lot of times you see these kids and they're just really playing academy football or maybe getting a cup of coffee. He's playing with the first team of Mexico and playing really well. This is a huge stage for him with all of the Mexican eyes on him as a host country. I think he's going to shine pretty brightly. Also, a fun fact of my four guys that I put as breakout stars, they are all from the Americas. So I'm keeping it, I'm keeping it on this continent and South America. I'm not venturing to Europe. We have next, I've gone for Kendri Paez, who he is really creative. Unfortunately, he's on the books at Chelsea, which they just gobble up all this young talent, them and another club around Madrid. They feature most of the guys on my list. Kendry is, I will say, a very creative spark in the Ecuador setup where the rest of the team kind of lacks creativity. I talk about how good their defensive record is, and they're phenomenal defensively, but they sometimes struggle to score goals. I think in this World Cup, he will be the one pulling the strings and eventually create several chances for them, and I think that will not go unnoticed. I think his efforts and making sure they get good chances will be paramount for Ecuador. My second to last one, I have to have an Argentinian on the list. I drafted Julian Alvarez in my player draft, but I am actually going to shout out Nico Paz because I think Julian has already arrived on the worldwide scene. Nico Paas plays for Como, but he's owned by Real Madrid. I believe he's going to be heading back to Real Madrid this summer after the World Cup. He is another central attacking midfielder. He could do it all. He is so the way he strikes a ball is insane. His first touch is great. He's fun. He's so much fun to watch. He is part of that generation for Argentina behind Messi that gives me optimism for their future, too, because I think the level that they're producing is still very, very high. And then lastly, it's Endric, the Brazilian striker. I think he is super special. I think he will be one of the world's best players in the next five years, is my full stop prediction. And my quote I wrote down is why not start now? This is a Brazilian side that outside of Vinicius and Rafinha, they're looking for another member to join that attack. They're looking for the out and out striker. It could be Igor Tiago, it could be Endrick. They're gonna line up fluidly, they'll try different people. He's not a nailed-on starter in this tournament, but I think he's going to get opportunities and he's gonna take his opportunities because he is a cut above, in my opinion. I'm just hoping he breaks out now as opposed to later.

SPEAKER_02 1:05:26

I love that, Sean. Thank you for bringing in those guys, bringing those guys up. And I feel like, you know, breakout, there's there can be a lot in breakout performances. So this was cool to get to pick a few guys just that to keep an extra eye on. We'll be watching it all, but a few to really look at. Now, turning to uh another little fun segment here dark horses. And now people define dark horses different ways. I think you did well, Sean, when you described uh we're gonna pick some dark horses to potentially win the tournament, maybe some to make the quarterfinal. Finals and then some to make a little bit of noise. I'll start with my dark horses to make a little bit of noise. I think South Korea could make some noise in this tournament. I think they're very disciplined side. I think Sonny, if he gets in his form, if he if he plays the way we've seen Sonny play, I think they could make some noise. And making noise doesn't need to be anything too too drastic, but I think maybe it's a little bit of out kicking their competition, if you will. So I put them as one a team to make noise. And then Mexico. Home field advantage. You know, a lot of these European teams, as you mentioned earlier, Sean are complaining about the altitude and the key and this, that, and the other. Mexico's like, we're born for this. So I think that uh Mora is a stud. 17 doing his thing. But I also think a little sleeper pick in here is Ochoa. I I mean this man, maybe we've talked about him in the previews. We could not tell you what he does for the other three and a half years in between World Cups, but when World Cup season comes around, it is prime Ochoa time. And I think him in good form for this Mexican team, hey, maybe they make a little noise, maybe they make a little quarterfinal run, get a couple games on home soil. Those are my teams to make noise. What are you what are you thinking about making noise?

SPEAKER_01 1:07:22

I like, yeah, I like that we broke them down because listen, this is our final preview. Like we said, everybody throws around the term dark horses loosely. So we're gonna join them. We've got a stable full of horses. We're gonna talk, we're gonna throw out several names. We might cover every team in this segment, but in terms of the make a little bit of noise, maybe get a noise complaint, maybe, maybe that sort of vibe, I've gone for two, and their fans are gonna be on the beers, and that is a prerequisite for a team that has to make some noise. So I've got Scotland. I I think both these teams might finish third in their group, but I think both will pull off an upset in the knockout rounds, is what'll how I'll frame it. So Scotland, if you've ever hung out with a Scottish guy, I I mean it's just a delight. So find some Scots, watch some games with them, drink some beers. They're an absolute delight. And then also Cote d'Ivoire. I've talked about them a bunch. I can't, in good faith, put them in a tier above this. I think they might just be here to make a little noise, but they will make noise. An elephant doesn't move quietly, Brandon.

SPEAKER_02 1:08:23

Wow.

SPEAKER_01 1:08:24

I don't even know how to follow up on that one. I love that. I just thought of it. Now, now what about that next year? What are some dark horses that you think can maybe make a quarter final?

SPEAKER_02 1:08:32

Yeah, I I picked two for this. Um, one was Norway. We mentioned before Erling Holland, having him in the team, I think you're in every game. Plain and simple. The other team I picked, which I'm not super confident about, but I think group B's uh Switzerland could make the quarterfinal. I think they could win that group, which would then give them an easier round of 32 to 32 game, and then really only have to kind of shock one team. And like you've mentioned, Sean, we don't know how this bracket's gonna line up depending on everything. So I I think they're a very disciplined team. Uh they're very hard to break down, and I think in a knockout stage game, that's hard to beat. Now, will they win a penalty shootout? Maybe, maybe not, but you're talking about hey, you have a chance to win a game down to five kicks rather than 90 or 120 minutes of football. Why not? You know, anybody could beat anybody at that point. So I that's maybe a little bit of a dark horse uh and and maybe won't come true, but I I I think Switzerland can make could possibly make a quarterfinal uh as well as Norway. So those are my two uh dark horse quarterfinal teams.

SPEAKER_01 1:09:42

What about you? I'm glad we're on the same page with Norway, and actually we're on the same page with Mexico. I've lumped Mexico as a team that can make a quarterfinal. I have them upgraded from a team that can make some noise. I think because of the hosts and playing at altitude and just that heat that teams are gonna have to face against Mexico, I think they're gonna be used to it and other teams won't be. And also, I kind of like how they're flying a bit under the radar in terms of everybody saying, oh, this isn't as good of a Mexican side as it used to be. And they're probably right on paper, but I just think vibes sometimes in these are more important than actual what you have on paper or talent-wise. So give me the Mexicans, give me Norway. And then I had a hard time deciding between could this team actually win it or make a semifinal, or are they just like a dark horse to make the final? And I've actually gone for Japan. I think Japan make the quarterfinals. I have them winning that group with the Dutch, and I just think they are. I'm glad you mentioned Takafuse Kubo, absolute baller, stud, and he is one of many. And this team is actually playing without Kyor Matoma and Minamino, so they're they've lost a couple key components, but I think they have strength and numbers, they have a deep base of attacking talent. They have Dizen Maida, who plays at Celtic, maybe the best pressing forward in all football. The guy's an absolute energizer bunny, just sprints around the whole match, doesn't tire. He might not even start for them. So to bring somebody like that off the bench, I think Japan's dangerous. And I've seen some people start to tout them as a potential dark horse, but I'm really, really in on this Japanese side.

SPEAKER_02 1:11:15

I like those. I like those picks. I like that you upgraded Mexico. That I don't think I had the guts to do it, but you're right. Like, there's so many things that are falling in the right place for Mexico. It's like it's just up to them to actually make it happen. Now, what about Sean? Give me a dark horse or two that you think could win this whole thing.

SPEAKER_01 1:11:37

My theme for this tournament, and I could be wrong, but my theme that I'm choosing to believe in is that I mentioned it earlier that the Americas are going to show out better than they would if this was a World Cup being played in Europe. And part of that's the weather, part of it's the travel, part of it's the fans are just gonna have an easier way making their way over here or more live in the United States than other countries. So I think my two dark horses, and I've I've picked one over the other, I think Ecuador is my dark horse that could actually win this tournament. Now, it would take an absolute feat for any team to win this tournament. I believe, Brandon, since I want to say 1970, only six countries have won a World Cup. Wow. So it's been Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France, Spain, and 1966 was England, but we really haven't had anybody else. So it's really hard to win one of these if you're not an elite footballing nation. I just think of all the teams I would consider a quote unquote dark horse, Ecuador has the chance to make the deepest run. The team who I was comparing them to and thought I just fell short of was Colombia. I think Colombia is dangerous as well. But I prefer rooting for Ecuador, I guess. I really I'm hoping Enervalencia has just an absolute time in this tournament, bags some goals. I hope the vibes are good. And I think defensively it's going to take them a long way. So that's where I've gone. I want to know where you went.

SPEAKER_02 1:12:56

Yeah, maybe my dark horses aren't as dark as your horses, but but I put the two I had that I think could do it were the Netherlands and Portugal. I think the Netherlands defensively are so, so strong, and their midfield is solid as well. But again, kind of like I mentioned with uh Switzerland making the quarterfinals, it it's hard to lose a game when you don't get scored on. And yeah, if you want to go down to a shootout, fine. Like we'll take five kicks, you take five kicks, and we'll see what happens. I think their defensive strength can really and experience. Yeah, defense and experience can really take them deep in this tournament. And then the other one was Portugal. And I know Portugal is kind of in that B tier of teams, so it's not really a dark horse, but I think maybe Ronaldo has a revelation and he realizes this is it for me, and says, Hey, coach, what do you need from me? I'll do whatever it takes. And he takes that backseat to some of the younger guys, he he mentors them, he guides them. And if he does that with that midfield that they have, they're gonna score a lot of goals. And at the end of the day, goals win soccer games, and I think having that then put all that together, I think it will take everybody getting on board and buying in, which may or may not happen, and then some luck and some draw and and you know how how it all breaks out. But I I think they could be a potential dark horse winner.

SPEAKER_01 1:14:19

I like it. I like it. I I did consider them slightly differently to you in terms of where I think of Dark Horse, but honestly, they're not in that big four, so I think they're fair game to predict as a team that could win it. And I agree with you. I think the Dutch are a good shout too. They've never won a World Cup, but they're constantly associated as one of those premier soccer countries, and it would be interesting for them to win their first win. They're not really getting a lot of the conversation as they have in years past. And I think their their spine of that team is as strong as any. It's just what can we get up top from for from the Dutch. But before we get to our actual winning pick, Brandon, it's time for some bold predictions. Uh I uh will lead off with one that I've teased. This is my strongest bold prediction, I would say. Because it was my first, so it was the one I believe the most, I guess. But I said that all three host countries will win their groups and two of them will make the quarterfinals. So basically what I'm saying is Canada, Mexico, and the United States all win their groups. Canada, unfortunately, that's the end of their road. They don't win a knockout game. But uh it's a successful World Cup for them nonetheless, and then I have Mexico and the United States both making a run to the quarterfinals. So I'm hoping that comes true. That that would be great for this country if that were to if that were to come about. I'm interested to see what you have in the bold prediction category.

SPEAKER_02 1:15:48

Yeah, I I like your bold prediction. I think that's it's an interesting one. The one I went with was I don't think there will be a team from outside of Europe in the final four that make the semifinal. I think it will be all European teams in the final four. So between Spain, France, England, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, I think it will be some combination of those four teams, maybe a Switzerland or somebody else. But I only think that European teams will be in the final four.

SPEAKER_01 1:16:21

It kind of goes against my thing that the mere the Americas are gonna dominate this. But it is interesting, and honestly, if you just are looking at the level of those teams, if this was gonna be played in a bubble, I think I might agree. I'm kind of factoring in the the elements a bit in the heat. The heat's gonna be a big storyline for me. We'll see how much it actually matters, but in my head it matters a lot.

SPEAKER_02 1:16:42

It will be, Sean. I I think it will be a big factor. I mean, but uh you gotta remember a few of these stadiums are gonna be indoors and we're gonna have water breaks at all the games. And I think, yes, I think it will affect some football, but by the time the teams are in the knockout stages, they should be a little bit more accustomed to it. I I think early on we'll see some shocks where teams are like, wow, it's hot. But by the end, I think that will kind of sort itself out, and I think true talent will show.

SPEAKER_01 1:17:10

So, Brandon, all the previews have led to this now. Tell the listeners who you have winning the 2026 World Cup.

SPEAKER_02 1:17:19

Yeah, unsurprising to the listeners. I picked England to win the World Cup, and I am staying with England to win the World Cup. I will die on that hill if they don't win the World Cup, but I feel like football's coming home. I feel like the boys are ready, and I'm excited to see them kick off this week. I don't know that I've tipped my pick yet.

SPEAKER_01 1:17:37

I don't even know if you know where I'm going with my pick. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 1:17:40

It's funny, it's funny when you asked me to go first. I was like, I know what I'm doing. But I was like, I don't know what Sean's doing. So yeah, let it let me know and and let the listeners know what you're thinking, Sean. Yeah, I tried to build some drama there.

SPEAKER_01 1:17:52

You like that? I I am going with Jogo Bonito. I'm going with Brazil to win this World Cup. Yes. It surprised me too. But I was just kind of like, you know what, what are we doing here if not having fun? And the team I think would be the most fun to win this World Cup would be Brazil. I don't know how the bracket's gonna look. I don't know how these guys are gonna turn up, but I do love Carlo Encelati. I think this squad is another one where a lot of times we talk about the elite level of talent and oh, this isn't a generation for Brazil to win the World Cup, kind of like how we saw Germany and things like that. And I think sometimes gets lost in the sauce that maybe they're more they're a more practical side than they were in yesteryear. Maybe some of those teams that were full of flair and attacking talent but lacked a bit of substance and defense, maybe there's a reason they were early exits from the tournament the last 20 years. I think Brazil has enough, and with this man leading the charge, I think they're my pick to get it done. I would love to see either Brazil or Argentina win it. They would be if I had to pick with my heart. But I'm gonna go with Brazil. I think it's their time. Also, I was thinking about Argentina again. I just can't do it in good faith pick the back-to-back champion, and I just don't see it happening. So, and similar with the French, maybe one of the reasons I had them flopping early, they didn't win it last time, but they've made a final and won it, the last two World Cups, at a certain point. They have to have some bad luck their way, I think, but I I just don't know because they're so good. So that's how I stumbled on the Brazil. I think that will leave our general preview in the dust, Brandon. Is there anything else you wanted to add?

SPEAKER_02 1:19:27

No, this has been a fantastic experience. From starting researching these teams to breaking them down to doing everything in between, it's been it's been really fun to do the uh World Cup team preview.

SPEAKER_01 1:19:41

I couldn't agree more. Now we have one final game to talk about. As you all know, we will be previewing, we will be recapping all United States men's national team action throughout this World Cup. The United States play Paraguay to start their run on Friday in Los Angeles. I am excited for this one, Brandon, but I'm also pretty scared. So why don't we start with what are you expecting from the lineup? Is it what we saw on the friendly, except we get Chris Richards in there instead of your guy, Miles Robinson? Not my guy, stop, don't do that.

SPEAKER_02 1:20:12

But uh, I did have that as the lineup. I noted today that Chris Richards was a full participant in training, so that's definitely a positive sign for the U.S. Uh, but everything else, yes, exactly the same as the uh Germany match.

SPEAKER_01 1:20:25

I love that. So we're looking at a lineup. I'll quickly go through it for the listeners because it's worth mentioning. We'll have Matt Fries in goal. Across the back line, we'll have Anthony Robinson, Tim Reim, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman, Serginho Dest. We'll have a midfield pairing of Malik Tillman and Tyler Adams. Above them, we will have Weston McKenney, Christian Pulisic, and Fuller and Balogun. So that is how the United States will likely line up. I think we could put that in Sharpie. The next question is, Brandon, how do you think this game is going to look? Do you think it's going to be an entertaining watch? What are your thoughts on how this game will play out?

SPEAKER_02 1:21:01

I I do think so. I think the US will try to come out on the front foot, similar to how they did in the Germany game, minus the first kind of two, three minutes. I think the US have more talent than Paraguay on the field. They're going to be backed since their first game on home soil. The crowd's going to be into it. I think it will be fun. I think it'll be entertaining. They'll take some chances, they'll take some risks, knowing that Paraguay outside of El Moran don't have a ton of scoring threats. Uh, we mentioned the injury to their other forward in the last episode. So I think they'll have some fun. I think they'll really try to get up, get high up the field, make some things happen in the final third early, and then, you know, hopefully go up two, three goals and then can sit back and enjoy their football a little bit more. But I'd expect them very much so to kind of be on the front foot attacking from the start.

SPEAKER_01 1:21:56

I do agree that the United States is going to have more of the ball. We'll be in good attacking positions throughout much of this game. I think, unfortunately, though, I think Paraguay are just going to try to make this game as ugly as possible. This is what they did in the friendly against us at the end of last year. It's how they're going to play, and you have to give them credit because they're good at it. It's a skill. The dark arts are a skill, and the dark arts in football are basically playing as little football as possible. They want the clock to be running, but not a ton of things actually happening in the game. And I think Paraguay are going to do just that. I like to use the term, they want to roll around in the mud, and these guys are just fine getting muddy. So I think it's so important for the United States to know that that's the challenge, know that that's what they want to do and rise above it, but also don't get suckered into playing that way. You need to take the game to them. You assert yourselves as the more athletic, as the more dominant team. I think those are some of the keys to the United States. But yeah, I think set pieces could play a big role in this Paraguay side too, because we saw that with the United States against Germany. I was a little worried about that. So I'm hoping that we don't roll around in the mud with them. I'd like to stay clean. But I I'm interested to see how it actually plays out.

SPEAKER_02 1:23:13

Yeah, the roll around in the mud is definitely gonna be how Paraguay wanted to go. But Paraguay to me, Sean, reminds me of a CONCACAF team that's just a little bit more talented. Where the CONCACAF teams that when the US plays the Costa Ricas and the Panamas and the Haities, you know, Christians getting two-footed from the back and this, that, and the other, and yellow cards are flying. I think the U the US is so used to playing those games in my mind that this won't look different. And I think if, like I mentioned earlier, I think if they can get on the front foot early and get a goal or two in early, you can't play that way for 90 minutes if you're losing. So they're gonna have to come out of their shell and start to actually try to play football and not this dirty sort of foul every two seconds and you know, whistle, whistle, whistle kind of game where you're gonna have to actually start playing. So I think I think the US, as long I think the start of the game is so important, and and I know I've harped on it multiple times, but if they can get off on the right foot, I think that this will be a 2-0, 3-0 win if they can if they can do that. I think if they let Paraguay hang, we could have we could have some issues. It could be it could take a late goal, it could take a set piece goal, maybe we fall asleep once or twice and they get one in or two. So yeah, I think it's gonna be key to get off on the right foot and get this game started early.

SPEAKER_01 1:24:36

I think that's the point I wanted to hammer home to was just the start of this match. It looks so much different if you score the first goal instead of Paraguay scoring the first goal. Yep. Like you said, if we make them come out and play actual football because they're trailing in the match, we're a better team. We can exploit them and we could run the score up a little bit. We could get three, like you said. I don't see us getting more than three. I think that'd be an amazing performance, but I think three-nil is in the cards. If you come out and from minute one, say we're playing on our terms. This is our home World Cup. We are the better team, we are playing how we want to play, and we give that intensity for the first 20 minutes and it leads to a goal. I love the vibes for the United States. I think we're gonna be really good front runners in that aspect. Score first, add on a couple more, they try to come out of their shell a little bit, all of a sudden they know they can't, they're just hanging on so their goal differential doesn't get crushed. I think it could be as simple as that. On the flip side, they're not a team that's just gonna roll over and let you pet their belly when the match starts. They're up for it almost as much as we are, and nobody would rather play spoiler to the United States than another CONCACAF team in this World Cup that's been talked about for so long. So they're certainly not gonna be an easy opponent for the United States, but it's a perfect challenge for the first game of the World Cup on home soil. It's a game you should win. It's a game I'm confident we will win. Some players I think we should just talk about for Paraguay. You mentioned Miguel Almiron, he is the focal point of their attack now with Julio and CISO out. Next to him in the attack will probably be Antonio Sanabria, who he's absolute dog shit for a club usually, but for Paraguay, he's not horrible. And then also Diego Gomez in the middle of the park. He's probably their best midfielder. Plays in the Premier League at Brighton, former intermiami, really good player. And then another Premier League, Omar Aldorete, plays at center back, good passer of the ball with his feet. I would take him on the U.S. team at center back, to be quite honest. But he he's a he's a really good player. So aside from that though, those are the real like bright spots for Paraguay. I don't see a ton of other things that scare me. So I don't think we could ask for much more when we're talking about who do you want to play in your first matchup. This is a perfect test for me.

SPEAKER_02 1:26:51

Yeah, I think the one little wrinkle in all of this, and I don't disagree with anything you said, is just that they did play seven months ago. It was a friendly, and you know, it didn't mean much, but just odd how the cards fell that way where they played this sort of meaningless, quote unquote, friendly, and now they're playing them first game of the World Cup. So there is a little bit of familiarity there, but I don't think that doesn't worry me too much, Sean. I I think the US will be okay, and I think as long as they uh start start correct, I think they'll they'll continue. And we saw it in the first, really the first two friendlies. Uh the Senegal game, they they came out pretty hot. Germany, besides you know, that exact literal second minute mess up, the rest of the first half, they came out pretty strong. So I I think that might be something that Pachatino is preaching to them, and it seems to be working. Of course, Tyler Adams slips up and makes that foul and they get the free kick goal, but that's soccer. I think I think as long as they do come out on that front foot, I think this this will this should be a solid result for us.

SPEAKER_01 1:27:55

So before we get to our official prediction on the match, and we'll ask for who who You think we'll score the goals and what you think the result will be. I do just want to have a quick conversation in the trust tree. What happens if we don't win? How bad is it if we don't win? Is a draw the end of the world? Is a loss the end of the world? How how bad do your vibes shift if we don't get the win in this one?

SPEAKER_02 1:28:21

No, I a tie definitely not. A loss, obviously a little bit more, but loss hurts. Yeah, a loss definitely hurts. But again, like we've harped on this since day one. This format is very forgiving. And I think I mean USA Turkey, I would say if they're gonna draw a match, I think that would be the one to draw or lose. Because I think Turkey's just much better than Paraguay and Australia. So you definitely want three from this. You'd expect three from this. One you can live with, there are gonna be people in the newspapers, the writers, yeah, USA sucks, they're horrible, blah, blah, blah. Soccer doesn't matter in this country. We've heard it all. We we know that that's coming, Sean. But I think it's not necessarily the end of the world because you can get through still. However, you get through as a third place team, you might play France in the round of 32, and it's like all the best. So you you wanna you wanna take care of business, you wanna, you know, finish your plate, eat your food, but it's not you know the end of the world if they don't get three points from this, is is how I feel.

SPEAKER_01 1:29:28

I'm with you. The sky's not falling, yeah if if you if you draw this one. I think some objects might be falling from the sky if you lose. I will say that. I don't love the the scenario in my head of us losing this one, because like you said, the the game that should be the tightest in this group is the Turkey game, and then you have no wiggle room if you lose this one, and then all of a sudden you draw Australia, you're all of a sudden in a must-win against Turkey or vice versa. So it's you just don't want to put yourself in that behind the eight ball in a situation like this. You don't want the national media to have things to run wild with and add to the pressure that they're already experiencing as hosts and the quote unquote golden generation. So I'm confident they'll get the job done. I think you're confident they'll get the job done. What do you think the final score is gonna be, and who do you think is gonna score the goals for the United States?

SPEAKER_02 1:30:17

I think if all goes well, I think the USA went 3-0. I can see Christian scoring one, I can see Balogun scoring one, and then my guy off the bench, Ricardo Pepe scoring the third. From a Sebastian Berholter set piece, who's also coming off the bench. I think Christian I think Christian gets the first one. It just feels right, it just feels right for that to happen to me. I think Balogun will be working super hard. I think it'll be maybe a cross or a uh a diagonal from Dest or Jedi to set him up for his the second. And then yeah, I think the third is like a corner kick from Burrhalter, and Peppy gets the scraff and scores or something, or a header. But I think if all goes well, 3-0 is my prediction.

SPEAKER_01 1:31:10

Brandon, I was gonna make the same exact prediction. So instead of doing that, I was gonna have different goal scores. I was gonna have Serginho get one, but I had Balo and Christian getting the others, so I'm gonna zigzag a little bit. Okay. I like and agree with what you said. For the listeners, I'm gonna add a little bit of a playful scenario. I think the United States win 3-1. I think Paraguay score first, and the sky starts to fall online. People are, oh no, it's over. And then the United States responds in such a way that they score three unanswered. Give me Pulisic, give me Serginho, give me Wes. Have to have my guy Wes get on the end of a header. If there's a if there's a ball coming in that box, the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore himself, will be on the end of it. I love, love, love Wes. He's my guy. So I think we're both in lockstep. The United States will get the job done. The manner of which they win is yet to be seen, but it's an important first step in this World Cup journey. And it's crazy how much pressure goes into each match. We talk about how yes, it is still easy to get out of the group in this World Cup, but you don't want to finish third. And really, if you had to finish second either, because your path does get easier if you win the group. So the step to the the journey to winning the group starts now, the journey to reaching the quarterfinal starts now. I'm excited for it, Brandon.

SPEAKER_02 1:32:34

Sean, I'm excited too. This is what we've been building for, and now it's finally here. So Friday night, 9 p.m. Eastern, US Paraguay, Fox has the has the broadcast. It's it's gonna be a good one.

SPEAKER_01 1:32:49

Cannot wait. It's like Bart Scott gif can't wait for the Jets. That's that's my mood right now. Brandon, any parting thoughts as our World Cup previews come to an end?

SPEAKER_02 1:33:01

Yeah, a little bit of a a little uh outside one for you, Sean. So, like you said, we we we follow the media, we see what they say, we see what's going on. I have been alerted of this guy on Twitter X, whatever you want to call it. His username is Freddie LA7, the number seven, and he is a German fan following Germany here in the US. So he went to the the friendly and he's been following the team. Uh, they play their first game in Atlanta next week, so he's been kind of doing a tour of the southeastern United States, and this guy's going to Waffle House, he's going to Walmart and talking about how amazing it is. His social media has been fantastic. He's just such an innocent guy, and you can see the joy in every tweet that he makes. And it's it's just this is the beauty of the World Cup, Sean. We're exposing people to a world that maybe you've never seen before. And I'm sure they have some of some very similar things in Germany. But for him to see this and and be amazed by it, by things that we see and do every day, it's great to see. It's almost like you're in the the eyes of like a baby, where a baby's like, oh my gosh, this, that, the other. Uh, but this guy's great on Twitter. I gave him a follow earlier. But definitely encourage others to. He's he's been funny, so I'm I'm excited to see his content as the tournament goes on.

SPEAKER_01 1:34:23

If Buddy is in love with the Walmart, I I can only imagine what introducing him to a Target will look like. My god, it's a whole new world. It's a whole new world, my guy. But that that is that is cool stuff. I agree with you completely that this is what the story of the World Cup is all about. I can't get enough of all the different countries making their potentially first trip to the United States and taking in the culture and all the different cities. And it's also crazy because depending on what city you get drawn in, the experience you're going to have is super unique. It's such a drastic difference from playing games in Philadelphia compared to Kansas City. So there's just a wide array of things you'll experience. I hope everybody that comes over has the time of their lives, except maybe the Germans had to pick because I did pick them to flop. So I did I do have to root against the Germans, unfortunately, for our guy Freddie.

SPEAKER_02 1:35:13

That's that's I mean, that's fine. We can't all be Freddy, we can't all be happy like Freddie. Germany has has like raised a level in my book just because of Freddie. So so shout out to him. Maybe we gotta get him on the pod. We'll find him, we'll DM him. Not a bad idea.

SPEAKER_01 1:35:29

Not a bad idea. We we we're not that big in Germany yet, so he could help us do some numbies over there. Brandon, this was a pleasure. I had a ton of fun getting ready for this World Cup with you. We're both ready for the games to begin. I simply cannot wait, but I think we did a good job of covering almost every inch of this thing before kickoff actually happens.

SPEAKER_02 1:35:49

Yeah, Sean, big shout out to you. I know you've been really the architect of this, so I'm I'm thankful and grateful that I've been able to do it with you because this is something that we want to be normal. We all talk about the Super Bowl, the NBA finals, and everyone knows what that's about. But the World Cup, I feel like there's a little bit of mystery in it, especially as an American. So if we can make it a little bit easier for you, that's all we want to do. We want to bring people into the beautiful game. It's it's gonna be incredible. It's gonna be a great summer. I have goosebumps, I'm ready to go. I feel like I could Pachatino could throw me on for 15. I could give him 15. And I trust you over Miles Robinson. I'll give Pachatino 15 because that's how that's how excited I am. So it's gonna be a great summer, Sean. Thankful to do this with you and excited, excited to keep covering this.

SPEAKER_01 1:36:40

Brandon, the pleasure is all mine. It has been a lot of fun and it will continue to be fun. There's so much in the world of football, and the World Cup is the best of the best. So we're lucky we started this at a very fortunate time. It was a little bit strategic as well. But it's a it's a fun endeavor and only more to come. So stick around. We'll be with you every step of the way throughout this tournament. Listeners, we appreciate you tuning in. It's been a lot in the way of previews, but hopefully everything is a bit more palatable now that you've heard us talk about it in a semi-educated fashion. We will be back with you after the United States game. We'll probably record at some point over the weekend and get an episode to you early next week. I thank you all for tuning in, and until next time, take care.