S1 Ep20 | BRAD ON THE ROAD

The Guuuz Crew catches up with Brad as he continues his World Cup media tour into the quarterfinals! Fitted out in Home Depot World Cup merch, the crew and Brad talk about the recent matchups of the World Cup, the astonishing last minute turn around for many of the teams, and the joys of the fan-fest across the country (Atlanta's was the best btw)

Transcript

SPEAKER_03 0:00

Welcome to the Goo's An show. And uh you got a little makeshift goose show here with our the behind the scenes crew of the Goose An Show. Hello, Brad. How are we doing?

SPEAKER_02 0:16

What's happening, guys? Welcome back to the show. Glad to be able to chat with you guys. All things World Cup, all things Atlanta United. I know the city of Atlanta. It's been so exciting to see the watch parties from afar, to see the interest, the fandom that's going on within the city. It's been amazing to see. I'm bummed that I've not been able to get back to Atlanta. Uh, this travel schedule has certainly kept me on the go, but unfortunately, not been able to stop off in Atlanta. So uh I certainly miss you guys, uh, but it's been an unbelievable summer so far. How are you guys holding up?

SPEAKER_03 0:55

We miss you too, and as you can see, uh people send you stuff. So we told Home Depot we were doing the mailbag by Home Depot, and they sent a care package care of Brad Gazan. So we opened it and we're wearing all of it right now. And the Home Depot mailbag can be done in the bucket today.

SPEAKER_02 1:16

So big shout out, Home Depot. Appreciate all the love. Can't wait to get back into the studio and try it all on, see what it's all about. Uh, you guys have played a massive part in this World Cup as well as just supporting Atlanta United, supporting the Goose An show. So thank you very much.

SPEAKER_03 1:37

Well, thank you to Home Depot, of course. But how are you holding up, Brad? Are you this is the first, this is an off day, first day without soccer since the World Cup started. And then we made you come on the show on your off day. So no place I'd rather be, guys. We figured how but how are you holding up? But we figured that you've all you would not want to go a day without talking about soccer.

SPEAKER_02 2:03

And listen, and I get to talk to you guys, it's a win-win. Uh you know, no place I'd rather be than than here chat with you guys. As you mentioned, Matt, it's uh it's been a whirlwind. We've been on the go, going from city to city. I can't complain too much because we've been to unbelievable matchups, unbelievable atmospheres. Um and so a little tired. Um, needed need to at some point catch up on some sleep, but I'll I'll do that after the tournament's finished. Uh, and so right now, just being able to soak it all in, be in the moment, and and like I said, it it's uh if you're not gonna be on the field playing, this is the the next best thing.

SPEAKER_03 2:43

Other than your family, which is the obvious answer of what you miss, because I know how much you love your family. What do you miss most about home? Like what is it? Is it the bed? Is it uh exactly you hit you no, you hit the nail on the head.

SPEAKER_02 2:59

It is sleeping laying down as opposed to sat in an airplane seat and just trying to catch some catch some Z uh as as I'm going between cities. Um I will say the one the one bonus is because of the flight times and when we arrive in the different cities, whether it's first thing in the morning, whether it's late at night, we tend more times than not to be able to miss rush hour. And obviously, we've been in and out of LA quite a bit being in the the Fox studio. And so with getting to and from that studio, LA traffic, as you guys, I'm sure know it's it can be quite uh quite daunting. And so we've been able to, for the most part, knock on wood, avoid rush hour, and so that that part's been nice, but I'm certainly looking forward to laying down and and getting uh a few nights in a row of good sleep in a bed.

SPEAKER_00 4:02

That's fair. Um, I know that you're also going on a cruise, so that'll be a nice recovery for you, too.

SPEAKER_02 4:08

You know, exactly, exactly. So I'm I'm looking forward to that. You have a finish line, it's almost like a nice little surprise. That that's gonna be after obviously the the tournament finishes, and you know, after I've had a few days to get back into the office and see all you guys and and make sure everything's good, and then off again for a few days of RR. But with four kids, I don't know how much RR will be taken place.

SPEAKER_03 4:35

That's gonna be good. You get another plane ride. You'll get like two days here and there, like, oh, I'm going back to the airport.

SPEAKER_01 4:39

Brad, do you know how many flights you've taken?

SPEAKER_02 4:44

I don't. Uh I Robbie, I don't know how many flights I've taken. Uh I think at some point I should probably sit down and we need to buy the numbers, please.

SPEAKER_03 4:53

Sky miles are crazy. Braggazan travel by the numbers, number of miles, number planes.

SPEAKER_02 4:58

Big shout out, Delta. Uh big shout out, Delta. I'm I'm putting in the request every single time. Hey, listen, get me on that delta flight. Okay. You know, even if the time, you know what? Not a problem. Get me on that delta flight.

SPEAKER_00 5:13

Speaking of some of the matches, uh, the US loss, a little bit of a bummer, but you were there and you were riding the high. How was it feeling? Um, coming out of it with such an abrupt end, but also just like a pretty great run for them as well.

SPEAKER_02 5:29

Yeah, I mean, everyone was on such a high going into the game, you know, filled with positivity. Everyone was was buzzing. The the city, every time the U.S. played, the the city was just electric, whether it was in LA, in San Francisco, or or Seattle, um, it was unbelievable. And to see the fandom, to see the watch parties um in Seattle and San Francisco, I was able to get down to the U.S. soccer kind of you know, watch party, the night, or not a watch party, but like the the fan party the night before the game, and to see all the support and the fans turn up for that, that was exciting. So to be a part of that and and see it was was unbelievable. And then obviously the the match happened, and that wasn't unbelievable. That that was the opposite. And so we know the result wasn't what we wanted. Um, the the performance ultimately it wasn't good enough, and and the players uh I'm sure will feel disappointed, and especially how the game played out. It it's it's not what they would have expected, and and certainly not what us as fans expected. And I think the reason is because they set the bar so high throughout the the group stage. Their performances, um, starting with with Paraby, and you know, just throughout the the entire group stage, you can take Turkey in that match, I think, out of the equation just because of all of the changes that Mauricio Pochettino had made to the team. But the the performances uh were unbelievable. And then what they did against Bosnia and Herzegovina and being bound a man when Balogun was sent off. Um, you know, it was it was inspiring. It was inspiring to see how they battled. There were a lot of questions being asked about this team. Are they are they you know strong enough mentally? Are are they willing to suffer and can they face adversity and come through it? And I think that the that 30-minute spell against Bosnia and Herzegovina when they were down a man showed just that. And then as I touched on earlier, the the game against Belgium in Seattle, it wasn't it wasn't a performance that they would have expected, and and nor did we. And you know, we were second best on the day in in almost every facet of the game, um, individual mistakes, uh bit of sloppy play, and you know, ultimately at that at that level against a a top 10 Belgium team, you you have to perform really well. And and we didn't do that, and we were ultimately we were punished for it. And uh, you know, we found ourselves knocked out of the World Cup. And so it's it's disappointing and it was frustrating, it was sad how it all ended. But at the same time, I think when you look at the the bigger picture, you know, the sport of soccer, the sport of football is growing in this country, and and that is extremely encouraging. That's a testament to the the way the players approached the summer. It's a testament to how they carried themselves off the field, on the field. Um, you know, there's obviously a lot of talk happening from uh a lot of people um sat behind computers and and sat behind keyboards and venting their frustration, and you know, to a certain extent, rightfully so. Um, but I I still think when you look at this tournament, when you look at this team, it certainly is a success uh in what they've been able to do in galvanizing the fan base, galvanizing the the US supporters. And so I think that part has been absolutely tremendous.

SPEAKER_03 9:14

Yeah, but well said, I I think you you said that perfectly. Like, we're not gonna pretend that didn't suck that uh that that result in that game, and like it was just you went to bed really, really sad that night and woke up really, really sad uh because of the result, but it doesn't change the fact that man, it was an awesome experience. Like the TV numbers and just the the lines to get in the bars and restaurants to watch it, and everyone wanted to know where you're going to watch it was something I've never seen before. And as someone who has been trying to make soccer popular for the last 10 years in this marketplace, uh it was really fun for me to see it be popular and and and people enjoy the game and enjoy watching, and not just the US game, but the the World Cup in general, but the US especially. And I'll tell you a quick story is I was at an American football, American flag football project. So we're supposed to go till eight o'clock. That's coach man, I was helping coach and I kind of told the guy, I was like, hey, uh you do realize you're you're you're going right up against to the to the World Cup, the head coach help it. And he's like, Oh, yeah, yeah, I realize that. And I he's he's like, he kind of joked, you know, he's he's a football coach, right? He's like, What's soccer? You know, what's this? And he's like, I'm kidding. I'm kind of gotten into the fever of it a little bit. And he's like, uh, and then he he called everyone over and he's like, I'll tell you what, we're gonna end 15 minutes early, so we can all go watch USA. And I was like, that would not have happened a while ago. And this we have done something here, and the US has done something for, and everyone had the fever, and so yes, that sucked. And I'm so mad that we're not having a quarterfinal matchup with the US in it, but it was a heck of a run, too, and it's and the buzz has been awesome. And all the stuff you did out there, Brad, it's it's been fun to watch, and we were jealous of what you got to do with the U.S. team. So congrats, and I know you put all the effort into the U.S. team, but um, yeah, it was it was a good run.

SPEAKER_00 11:17

And your and your fits were fitting, you had nice polos going on.

SPEAKER_02 11:21

Look at you, you know, just just just trying to just trying to stay in the game, just trying to stay in the game, as they said, you know. No, what I'll what I'll add to that, Matt, is you know, I it it's also it shows how far we've come, right? As as uh a soccer culture and how much the the sport has grown. And I remember in South Africa, uh, you know, I've told this numerous times, but watching the the fandom and the watch parties back home in the United States while we're in South Africa competing in in the the midst of the 2010 World Cup, that was that was awesome to see. And I I think what we've witnessed over the last few weeks, that is multiplied by you know hundreds, right? In terms of the the popularity, the notoriety, um, the attention that that the team was getting, the attention that the World Cup is getting, that the sport is getting. And so, you know, I I think we wake up, you know, we went to bed sad and disappointed and frustrated, and we wake up feeling the same way, but that's also because uh, you know, we're growing with with the sport. And when you do that, then the expectation continues to rise. And, you know, this this team is extremely talented with individuals collectively, they've they've shown that. And you know, when it doesn't work out the way you thought it was, that that then leaves a a bit of a sour taste in your mouth. And it's it's frustrating, and and it gives you all the feels that we've all experienced over the last couple of days. And so um, yeah, I think it's a testament of how much the sport is growing and continues to grow. And, you know, as they say, the the show must go on. And so there's there's there's still a few more rounds, some unbelievable matchups um that are gonna be taking place in the quarterfinals and then the semis and and ultimately the the final up in New York and New Jersey. And so, you know, the the work doesn't stop. Um, you know, a few a few hours here here at home and seeing the family, but then it's it's straight back to business. And for me, it's it's back to back to LA. And you know, we'll be we'll be in the stadium for Belgium-Spain, which is going to be an unbelievable matchup. Um, I know the at the same time, England, Norway is is gonna be a great one, and and that's on the East Coast. And, you know, to see Erlen Holland and how well he's played throughout the tournament going up against Harry Kane and just the matchups that that game is is going to offer, right? You've you've got Erlen Holland going up against his Man City teammates. Um you've got you know Declan Rice and Odegaard going together, going up against each other in the midfield. So those little 1v1 matchups uh are pretty exciting to see and watch how it all unfolds. And certainly the weather conditions will play a part. I I was in Miami, I think, three different times. I can I can tell you guys right now, it is hot and very, very humid down there. And so um, you know, but the the Eng, the the English team's effort against Mexico in Azteca, Downa Man as well, uh such a valiant effort to to hang on and and grind through that result. Um but I mean that's what the World Cup is all about right now. It's these these fantastic matchups that we're able to watch, great games of of soccer, great games of football. It's it's it's awesome to see. What games are you guys excited for?

SPEAKER_03 14:58

Well, we Cam and I were blessed. We were both in the stadium yesterday for Argentina, um Egypt, and that was incredible. And uh I feel like Argentina is kind of like those 90s Bulls teams, you know. You think you count them out and they think they're gonna lose, and they just turn it up a notch. And the the crowd in Atlanta Stadium yesterday was something I'd never seen before. It was it was crazy. So I think I'm excited. Uh yeah, I think France Morocco too, right? That could be a fun one, right? France looks unbeatable, but really are they?

SPEAKER_00 15:35

I love Holland. He's gained a fan out of me.

SPEAKER_01 15:38

Did you guys see the when they played in Dallas? Um, him and like half a team went and got cowboy hats and dits and everything.

SPEAKER_00 15:46

It's incredible. Like his Instagram is so good.

SPEAKER_02 15:50

All the all the little side stories that are coming from off the field, it's been amazing to see. It's been absolutely amazing. See, I was Cam going back to to Holland, I was at the Netherlands Japan game early, early on in the tournament, and and we were sandwiched between the the Japanese fans, the the Dutch fans were on the other side of the stadium. I mean, it was it was such a great atmosphere. And you know, you guys touched on Argentina and a certain someone Lino Messi and his ability. Um you know, I I was fortunate. We are again, we are in Dallas for when he he broke the record and continues to add to that record. Um at this point, you you just you you can't count him out. You can't count him out, you can't count Argentina out. The way they they fought back the other day against Egypt is tremendous. Um I worry that uh are there enough players that are able to help Lino Messi, especially as as these games carry on. Um but in the same breath, I don't know if he needs the help because he just finds a way to pop up and come up with a big moment for Argentina. But that fan base has been tremendous. Um that's the beauty of this. I think that for me is one of the most exciting parts of the of the tournament so far is just seeing all the fandom and how different cultures and nationalities are coming together outside of the stadiums and and celebrating, win and lose. You know, they're they're out there having a drink, having uh a good time, dancing, listening to just different stories, music, and and just enjoying the the the World Cup fever. And so have you guys been able to get to get down to some of the watch parties outside of the stadium and and whatnot?

SPEAKER_00 17:41

Yeah, I mean, I I was just gonna say, like, even being in the stadium yesterday, but also at the watch parties, there's just something about how happy everyone is, right? Like nothing matters other than like what's going on on the pitch, and like that's so cool how it just brought everyone together. Like it just it made me a little emotional.

SPEAKER_01 18:01

Yeah, same yeah. I was up in uh uh like Roswell Afareria area and drove past at like 10 p.m. last week, and the bars were still packed, yeah. Like everybody was still out watching all the matches.

SPEAKER_00 18:14

Yeah. I mean, I was staked out on Tuesday. When's that one? No, yeah, like Monday, I don't know. Um for like four hours.

SPEAKER_03 18:24

I took the Famda Fan Fest uh a couple weekends ago, and it was so fun that there was a group of Spain fans that like painted one of my daughter's face like full in Spain, and then I was like these Mexican fans, Mexico fans that were like taking selfies and like printing pictures and everything. It was just like same with game, like I was like sometimes you kind of turn your phone on and go on some of the different social channels. You're like, does everyone hate each other? And uh I I I quickly realized that like the world is pretty awesome sometimes when everyone gets together and like it's it this is what it's all about. And it was just it made me really happy for for just that in general. Like, wow, look at all the different uh people from different places getting along, people welcoming them in, and just like everyone was just happy to watch soccer, drink beer, drink Coca-Cola. It was it was fun, it was great.

SPEAKER_00 19:20

And too, I know, and don't quote me on this, might be wrong, but Atlanta's fanfest has been like the most like the best performing attendance all throughout. Yeah, and they like keep having to open it up again and again on days that they didn't think so because of just like the need and the want for people to come. So that's pretty awesome, too.

SPEAKER_02 19:39

Well, Brad, it's because our our very old Kev Kev E. Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 19:43

Oh, also shout out to the Irish exact X, his bar's been killing it, he's been killing it. The FanFest. Yeah, no, it's been fun. But hey, listen, we've taken enough of your time uh on your day off. Go back and give Bree and the kids a big hug from us. We miss you a lot. We're excited to have you back. We were wondering, uh, we we hope we're gonna be like your your second family here, you know, because I you know the question the kids ask is did you get us uh any souvenirs? So we're excited for the souvenirs you're gonna bring us.

SPEAKER_02 20:15

Well, I tell you what, I've I've I'm running out of time here. I gotta make sure I'm able to pop into one of these one of these official FIFA stores and find something for you guys, you know. Just make sure when I'm I'm I'm doing find your gifts. I gotta make sure I pick up some of the kids as well. It's not gonna go over well. Yeah, um, but I appreciate the reminder, and uh I will see what I can come back with. I got you guys.

SPEAKER_03 20:42

Well, this has been the home depot.

SPEAKER_02 20:44

And uh glad it's just been an unbelievable summer. Like I said, few few more games, it's gonna be great. Yep.

SPEAKER_03 20:51

Well, this has been a fun Home Depot mailbag, and we will see you soon, Brad. And we'll safe travel. Uh talk to you soon.

SPEAKER_02 20:58

Thank you, guys. Thank you, Home Depot.

SPEAKER_00 21:00

Have fun.