World Cup Analysis with TDS Soccer Experts Joe Opio & George Gountas

His loved ones one stage intervention. The World Cup has been a top training topic in the world not involving Kanye, and we wanted to quickly drop a bonus podcast episode dissecting all the best action from Qatar. The US men's national team has made it through the group and that one over the entire nation. How do you think they've

been doing so far? Well, First of all, America. I've been imprison by America because when you think about it, America dominates the world in every human indeva you know, from commas to gun violence, you know, pot teaks to manfunctating Kardashians. Uh So, it's great. The best country ever no longer sucks boards at the world's biggest spot. I'm also happy to see that Americans have empressed the World Cup. The USC Run game in particular was the road Acasta

right of emotions. You know, there's so much at stake. On one hand, America wanted to make it to the Sweet sixteen as they call it here. But on the other hand, you Run wanted to knock out the Great Saturn, you know, lest to America. We watched that game, I remember, George, I think at the office and ninety percent of the Daily Show was tuned into the game, like you rarely see Americans that invested in soccer unless it's the ten episode. And so for me, that was very impressive. How fucking

America goal? That's the question upon is asking, because America is playing the Netherlands in the round of sixteen. I'll start with the good news. America has the kind of air tight defense that even I think Fort Knox would be proud of. Um on the tournament. Yes, and that's mostly thanks to the impressive young captain Tyler Adams. You know, he has been forced to be reckoned with He protects

that back line like his life depends on it. So America only one goal, and that one goal I have to point out was a penalty that was caused by Walkers Zimmerman's you know, brain fast. He shouldn't have tackled gl when needed. Now I'll get to the bad news. America can't score goals because only scored two goals. They wouldn't buy a goal if as a friend of mine putty, they wouldn't buy a goal if they had Opera's credit card. They just scored two goals and both have been down

to christ and Perisic, who is their starman. He played the sublime through goal through ball to too much away for the goal against Wales, and then you know, of course he put his balls on the line when he scored against He run. To be honest, I think the Dutch will be slight favorites coming to this. You know, it's not the best Dutch team we've seen at the

World Cup, but they have a pretty strong spine. They have Video van Dyke in defense, they have Frankie Young in midfield, and then of course for what they have the one the kid Cordy gapco who has been scoring goals for fun. For me, the US's fate will depend on only one thing. Can the coach overcome his madness

and played you Ana. That's the only way I see the US making it through, because right now the US is struggling to create goals because it has only one creative outlet, and the scrit purisic Urina can fix America's dependency on politic. I think he's America's gifted player by far in the history of America. I think it's a scandal that actually Urina hasn't played every second of every game. I agree with you in that regard, But the question is tactically. It seems that burr Halter is a good

balance in the team. The pressing well, obviously they're not scoring goals, But where do you fit in? Obviously the number not the lack of a number nine. It seems like the glaring spot to put Rain in and maybe play him as a false nine. But who would you take off in the midfield to put Rain? If you play a minim is more natural position. Now for me, do I see George that a coaches job is to integrate the best player into the team, and so for me,

I think Greg has failed at that. I think some fans have been saying the fact that During is not playing this is the sircup offense I beg to define. I think it's a lot more than that. I think

it's an act of Hyitrizon. This is the best player Americans were produced, and I think, if anything, American playing, American soccer fans should be calling their senators and demanding congressional hearings into Gregg's misuse of rain Now, you know, forget bengers, forget the generality six capital insurrection, Rainer wrotting on the bench is the televised crisis that the faiths

need to investigate. Yeah, yeah, because yeah, Because the thing is, if you're a player like this, if he was playing, you could have played for Gentina, I could have played for because of his ancestry. Yeah, he could have played for another team, and I think you would have been playing. But the fact that he is on the bench for me something that Congress needs to get to the bottom move. And some people will say, oh, come on, Joe, you

know it's not that deep, it's just soccer. But for me, that would be saying that Americans don't so seriously because you know, in other countries, in serious countries, if a court refused to play their best player, fans would be calling for the firing squad. That can imagine if the Brazilian coach somehow failed to put name on the pitch. Can you imagine if the Argentine coach refused to play Mascy, you wouldn't be out back in the country, you notice. And if he was, you know, he would be frog

matching the streets. So for me, it would be like the game of that I feel. I feel like that's what should be happening to Gregg Beralta. It should be like that scene from the Game of Thrones, you know, just matching him through the streets, going like shame, shame, shame. This is the best player. He should be on the peach. Him not being on the pitch is not only robbing American fans of the special magic duringa but so robbing America of the things he brings to the peach. That's fair.

So who do you who do you replace? Who put the squad player? I think for me, I would play him as a false nine. That's what I would do. I'll play much false nine because he has the tools in his kids to actually thrive in that role. The thing is, you just have to find a place for him because also unlike teams now know if you focus on Christian politic, then you nualify the United States men's

national team. But what you need is you need an alternative, and during it gives that alpornative because he's able to carry the ball, He's able to dribble. If you're under pressure the way America was under pressure in the game against Iran, He's able to receive the ball holder to it and act as relief for the defense. I mean for me, having been I was born in America and having fouled the US men's national team in previous World Cups.

I think the biggest difference that you're seeing this year is how the majority of Americans are playing for big clubs in Europe, for example Christian, Polish Chelsea champions Champions like when a Grena Aborigia develpment Western mechanic event is Tyler Adams and Brent Anderson leads. Having gone through a relegation battle has been a big experience for them. Me in the World Cup, Moosa at Valencia, Turners at Arsenal, top of the Premier League, servignior desks previously Barcelona, now

at Milan. All these players now aren't afraid of this big stage. They play against these players weekend, week out in their respective leagues in the top of Europe, and I feel like that's been the biggest um difference to the team's past. And it's a huge difference because there was a time when I think the best American players would be playing at lotty clubs like Full harm Yeah, but that's where during as that was playing, I think that you know, yeah them was there. I think London

Donovan was playing at Bacuisine. These players are playing in the Champions League week in week out, and you can tell the difference that makes when they're playing at the you know, in the because they don't they're not afraid of the world's biggest lights, the brightest lights. They don't shrink from the responsibility. And that's why I think for me, and that's why for me, I've been such a huge

advocate of Urina. If a player like him at his young age can force his way into a Blusha document team that's really briming with tarent, then he should be on the bench just so some player from MLS can take his place for sure, for sure. So now let's get into it. What are your predictions for the game. I want to score US versus the Dutch. I think that that you are going to have a little bit more uh for the U S. I think the Dutch are able to shut the defense down. They're able to

shut the US out. And then you've seen Code he scored three goals in three games, twenty three year older phenomen from PSC PSBN. He's going to be the biggest I think he's going to be one of the most wanted signings after the World Cup. And I think he has what it takes to at least score a goal. And if the US, I think goes one goal down, because we have been seeing the US tasted from being

go down. They have laid in all their games, and I think when you reach the knockout crowns that character their bidge to bounce back from falling behind woo be crucial and unless you have another creative spark besides police, it's going to be very, very very hard for the US to be in a position where they can bounce back. If the Dutch square goal, I'm gonna go zero zero.

U S win on penalties. I think if they can play like they did against England and just kind of keep it tight, keep it compact, take their chances when they can. They're young, they can press, They're very magetic case for the age. At that age, you don't get out. But also I feel like the England game almost prosed my point because they dominated England for long stretches in the second half, but they still lacked that decisive final ball.

And that's where, Yes, that's where Reina comes in because place you can't do it alone because ivery time he gets the board, then all the opponents just swam him. It's almost like it's almost like it's almost like the bulls back in the nineties. If teams knew that the other players can't be them, then they could focus on Michael Jordan's. So what Michael and needed was a Scottie pepen, and I feel like Grainer would be the Scotty peepen

to pull six Michael Jordan. Fair enough, fair enough? Okay, So what have been your biggest takeaways from the World Cup so far? Wow? Where to begin? Uh? Because this has been this has been a bonk as World Cup, you know, for a tournament where there's no alcohol. I could almost say this World Cup has been acting drunk.

I haven't seen so many upsets, and I think you're a group with me since I think the two thousand two World Cup, Germany staying home, all these big countries, you know, suth Arabia shocking Argentina, Japan shocking both Germany and Spain. But for me, the biggest takeaway and I'm going to go back, sorry to go on about Urina is how coaches are struggling to trust their most talented players because they were scoach doesn't trust Orina his most

guited player. The England coach doesn't trust feel for then his most gifted player. Japan's coach has been like tremendous. He has outcoached both Ruis Enrique and Hans Freak, but he still does trust tackle me. I mean, you know who is the most the most guted player and for me, George, and you know it's about when we play, so go together. And I believe it's called the beautiful game for a reason. You need these kinds of players who captivate the imagination.

Our football isn't a beautiful game when your rain now when feel folding our own the bench, And so for me, these people should the teams should be built around these kinds of players, because when you look at the World Cup, the funny thing about the World Cup is the defenses at the World Cup are so disciplined and well drilled that you can try to pass your way through two banks of four. That's going to be hard. What you need are players who can carry the ball and penetrate

and force the defense into some kind of imbalance. And that's where all these players coming because they can carry the ball. So you play defense and I play I mean rather you play striker when we play our pickup games, and I play defense, And I think we both all agree. Every defender's biggest nightmare is having an attacker running at you, of course because you're back pedrolling, but then you can't

see where you're going. And so for me, actually England should even be more ashamed to be solved than the US because food then starts every game, almost every game for man City. And yet when it comes to the national team, we've seen Garrit South to get prefer misson amount to him. Yeah, I agree that it's it is

it's an interesting he's got health. Kate does have his favorites in that regard, and I think that if England is going to go far they need to, you know, he needs to get out of those those habits and otherwise he'll end up like he did at the Euros

or at the previous World. Yeah. And and then the thing is I feel like for me, I feel like this is an English problem what they're doing with for them, because England has always treated gifted players with you know that the same kind of suspicions, say that the t s A reserves for Brownman current the Koran. They think so when you look back, look look back at all England squads from the nineties, you know, Matt Letty, see Steve mcmahman, Joe Cole, they don't trust these kinds of players.

They think this players are poor walker Steve McManaman would idolized at Real Madrid, yet he was struggling to get to the English team because what English players and the English coaches unfortunately want are players who rushed into challenges, who run around the headless chicken. So when you say a player like Mason Mount, he's an energized the banny who run around for ninety minutes. But then when it

comes to technique, you'll give you zero. But when it comes to relentless Cardio you'll give you that for ninety minutes. And we've seen this judge be follow football. We've seen the way the English game treated mess He was idolized in Spain and then when he went to England he

was dismissed as lassie. And for me, that's why I I've been telling my friends I think German Musilla, who was playing for Germany, I think he dodged the bullet by choosing Journey over England, because if he had chosen England, I'm sure he would be on the bench and Jordan Henderson would be starting ahead of him. So for me, I think the coaches are very conservative and they need to trust. And that's the difference between let's say a coach and I think we defer because you support Real

Madrid and I upport Barsona. And for me, this is a difference between a court like Pepola and the court like Jose Mario, because Pepa trusts these kinds of players to go and depict and make a difference. He doesn't prefer runners technically gifted players. Fair enough, My biggest takeaway I think has been um being that's the first time that the World Cup has fallen mid in the winter

mid club season. Agreeing with your point about the conservatism of the coaches, I mean they're almost trying to rotate in the first games where they haven't putting themselves into position to go through yet. For example, Spain heavily rotating their squad in the final game against Japan and now paying the price. Well, do they pay the price because yes, was the second place in the group puts on opposite

side of the bracket of Argentina and Brazil. That's another discussion to be and they still get to face more instead of Croatia for sure, for sure, So again it could turn out better in the for them in that regard. But even even Portugal today rotated heavily. Uh, France obviously also rotated heavily. And the other thing that you're seeing is the amount of injuries, the amount of great players that aren't in the tournament due to playing three days

a week since August. I think this is the first World Cup where the two best players in the world aren't there. Yeah, you know, technically that's kind of bends and my aunts and so it's like but but but the things I will say this about Spain, and I'll say this is about Portugal. The teams which you said rotated, and I will say this about France, their courteous trust. They're technically gifted players, so it played like Pedri and Gavin if they were playing for England, they would be

on the bench. A player like Yallow Felix and maybe even to an extent Bernardo Silva would be on the bench. But they start for Portugal and they start for Spain, and you can see the difference they bring in the game. The beautiful, lovely players to watch. We're gonna take a quick break and we'll be right back after us. What do you think is been the most magical moment of the World Cap so far? I think I'm a bit based,

and you know what I'm going to say. I think Messrs Gold for me against Mexico really took the breath away. If you're watching it as a Nan took ball fund in that way, you would think that goal was ordinary. But then Messie of course has like that's what mrs does. You know? He makes the extraordinary look routine and I'm when I watched that goal, it was very clinical in

his precision and breath taking in its execution. Because Messi had been small at the whole game, right, the Mexicans have been on top of him, and he knew when he received that ball from the Maria, he knew you would never get that much space again, and so he needed to practice basically control and bang. And the past from the Maria was good, but it wasn't great because

the ball was bubbling over the place. You know, it was bubbling over the place, and we placed over both of us and we both know there's nothing hard at control than the ball on the bounce. And so that's what for me made Messy's first touch for that gold magic, because if that first touch was any lighter, that means wouldn't have had enough space to create sufficient momentum to strike the ball. But then if that touch was heavier, he would have been smothered by the battalion of on

rushing Mixican defenders. So he had to make sure that the touch was perfection the first starch and then you make matters worse. Remember, I had to score from that distance against Memocha of all people, and do both know like Ottawa is like when it comes to the World Cup.

The World Cup is like this, like special serum that gives Ochoa superpowers and So for me, the fact that Messy would score from that distance against such a keeper and against such a defense which had smaller than him, all game wrong and he had just taken two touches to do that. For me, that was the magical moment that took my breath away. I could also say it's fitting that the past came from the Maria because he's the only player on the argient A team who I

think is on the same wavelength as Messy. Because you watched the game, and I don't know what you remember, there's a there was, there was. There was a moment when Messi tried to play a one too with Marcos Sakna and Kona was sort of band bozoned. He basically looked at Messy like Messi had invented fire. So um, the only player who is on the same wave length, and that shows I think the other magic moment, if

you ask me, would be Richardson's goal in the opening game. Yes, that was that was pure magic, I thought personally as a soccer player, I thought the first statue was terrible. Of course there the board went higher than he went. Yeah, but then you know you have to give him ten out of ten for improvisation because another player would have failed to add just to the situation. But it was a great goal. It should be ferent, it should be

in the room. That's what I think it should be, you know, just crop of their bismotach and just frame the goal, and frame the goal and hang it in the loop. And I think for me, actually those two goals, Massy's and Richarlson's, proved why a magnetic first stage is the most important tool in soccer, because get it right like Messy did, and you'll score in the brink of an eye. But then get it wrong like Richardson did, and then you need to become a contusionist basically for

you to be able to score. So for me, those two moments, those were two magical. There was an almost magical moment but it didn't happen, and it was when in Acchie Williams. Yeah, yes, that almost become best ever. Yes, if he hadn't just slipped at the wrong time, that would have been I think the most hilarious goal in the of the world. Gap. Yeah, So for me those two and that in Accuriams almost those were magical moments at this world Gap agreed about both I think technically

Richarleson goal was better after the play. But the thing about Messy's goal is He's done that a lot of times in his career, so I don't think it's as special technically. But what you've the magic about that was like the weight of the country coming off. Yeah, that was that was what really was like. And then you saw how much it mental him as he celebrated right into the corner. It was. It was fantastic. Um, So what do you think we can look forward to in

the knockout rounds of the World Cup? The knock on trons are going to be very tight because as you've seen, this World Cup has had so many opposites. I feel like it could almost go the way two thousand two win. Do you remember South Korea making that deep run into the tournament? But I still think the heavyweight's ha. But Brazil, I think for me the fever seeing this World Cup, they I saw a team, they have a deep bench, but without name who has been Indian, I think they

lack imagination. Don't get me wrong, they can't turn to Venicia's junior and I think Vinicia's Junior has shown us or through the champions League that he has road enough shoulders to carry a team, but I think carrying Brazil to the World Cup is such a massive responsibility to place on such young shoulders. Argentina should at least make the semifinal because I think they have a bit of an easy path if they should be able to make quick work of Australia, and then that means they could

face the winner between the Netherlands and the USA. And the good thing about Argentina, I think the thing that saves them, ironical enough, is they're opening. The loss against saud Arabia helped take the pressure off because remember they came into the World Cup on a thirty six match and beaten Run and if you bring that into the World Cup, at some point it can become a cass because you start playing every game like a final. So they were able to lose to saud Arabia and then

they were able to reset. So now they and the thing is, I've watched you Scalona and you can see his tactics. He's growing into the World Cup and that's what I think I get did in the Copper America as well, So they're in good state. He has adjusted tactically Portugal. Of course, you can't never count out Fernaldo and he has a great supporting cast. For once he

hasn't here. I think he has only scored one goal and and then Portugal has had six different scorers this World Cup, which means goals can come from anywhere on the pitch. The only weakness for Portugal for me is their coach. It's almost the state of England. He contend to get two conservative at times. You know he should unlish the weapons that he has. I think Raphael daw should becoming off the bench as quickly as possible. But I think that conservatism might actually turn out to be

a problem for them. When you look at France, they're missing France, I think for me, is one of the most gifted teams pound for pounds because they're missing Benzema, they're missing Papa, they're missing count, they're missing Christopher n c coo. But they still when you look at the their roster, they're still turn into enough. They're also missing personnel Kimpaign baby. But some people will say that's a

blessing in disguise. Um so I think France are looking good, but do they have the ability with all the injuries they're faced to. That's the distance, that's the question. As Pain have Gavi and Pedri exciting. You love watching them play. Enrique. Their coach always Rin loves the false nine, but I think Alberta Mortor's form is making him think that. I think also look yeah, I think they also look good.

But buscuits in that role. We've seen him at Basona exposed every time he pressed hard, and so we just have to wait and see how that will pan out. England England. If England trust ful food In a lot more, and then if if they can get Hurricane firing, because he hasn't scored a single goal this World Cup. He was the top scoreless World Cup. Hasn't found the net this World Cup. So if they can trust fill ford In a bit more and get Hurricane adding, I think

England also make it deeper and they could make the semifinals. Hey, Jo, I'm gonna stop you right there. We gotta take a quick break for ads. We'll be right back after this. What do you think would be the biggest upset in the round and the knockout rounds. I think if the games this evening, if Sabia make it through, they will face Portugal, and Sabia have the ability to show Portugal because they want to think their game in the qualifying rounds and they have a good enough team that they

can pose questions to every other team. But the big issue here is you hate if you're if you're the World Cup, you hate playing you had playing a team from the same confederation because they're very familiar with your style and they have their biggest to spring strokes. So for me, I think it will be Sabriact if they make it through, or Switzerland because the teams that are familiar with Portugal's game. For me, that's I see the

shock coming. I don't see any shock Indiana games. My shock of the of the knockout rounds and I think is Morocco is going to beat Spain. And I'll tell you why. Okay, I don't like Rodrey as a center back. I think Rodrey should be playing in the bousquats role. He hasn't put a foot wrong though so far. Maybe he hasn't been tested yet, hasn't been tested, so Rodrey should be playing in the busquats role. I think that he should be playing report uh. I think he should

be playing laport and tour as as the center backs. Okay, I think I think Torres is a bit fragi exactly. Sure, yeah, but it's it's the same flaws of a Barcelona team last year before they had Lewandowski, right, they had Padrian Gavy, they had Bousquats. They don't have a number nine, they play with a false nine. You got Torres on the front side. Where's Aunt by the way, Yeah, he hasn't been trusted because I think I think he should be.

Look that Nemo has been playing with and uh, I think he deserves this place on the team, but I think should at least becoming going. But remember he's also struggling because he just came off. He's not playing, not playing well. Yeah, he lacks much fitness, hasn't played long enough because he's coming. But I'll tell you one thing, though, there's no chance Luis and Ricky is putting. I think that is the first name on the team sheet. That's

how much Lucien Rickie loves him. But that's the same stubborn as a guarant south Gate with Mason Mount and not playing VHOTO and I think ultimately that's what's going to cost him. And I think that you're correct to say that when they play with the number nine and have you know, the ability not just go sideways and back and have the ability to put across in the box and someone get on the end of it, that's

where they seem the most dangerous. So let's let's let's see I think that Morocco can stay organized that hit them on the counter. It could be like Morocco has another cult who he is trusting his most gifted player, Kim. Look look at what is doing. Yeah, he has been a game changer in every match that Morocov played and the old coach, the coach was fired. Vazi basically missed up by not trusting him because Akims didn't go to

the Nation's Cup because he fell out with him. And for me believe that if you're a coach like you have one road on one road only, it's to make

your best players shine. You can't afford to put your ego before and for me, the Morgan coach has been a revelation in that regarding that he has managed to somehow extract from Akim z H something that the old coach was European, by the way, wasn't able to extract for sure, for sure down as you were saying, I think we can separate teams in the in the knockout rounds into like three groups. Right, There's there's a Brazilian France, who are obviously that the clear pot, right, and then

there's kind of that second tier. You're looking at Spain, England, Portugal, Argentina and then the others. Right, So what the your brain tell you that the final is going to be and what does your heart want the final to be? First of all, I'll be I'll being cut up for the both for both Porta finals and the semifinals, and for my dream matchups barren and upsets, and this is going to upset American funds us you always said these

are my dream matchups I would want to get. Not to face the Netherlands, I think that would be an exciting game. Portugal, I think it's going to face Spain, England. I think we face France, and then Brazil is going to play Croatia. And then the semifinals, I think we'll have Aginternet Brazil a repeat of that Copper Final, and then you're gonna have Portugal France on the other side, which means in shallah in Shalla soccer funds can finally

get a Christiano Ronaldo Messi final. I think it would be the greatest event in the history of the World Cup. Remember the picture of them, uh they lou with it all picture the Yah It's become the biggest memes in on the internet yet, Yes, playing can you imagine if came to life? It would make a dream come true for every football fun But then you know the football guards, you know they never then they don't want to make that would be a dream come to just like Missy

and Ronaldo in the biggest game in the world. Agree, agree, that would be what my heart would want. I'd want to see one of them win the World Cup. And then I think if if that were to happen and one of those teams would win the World Cup, I think that they would retire. I think Ronaldo most certainly would. Okay, so that's what you had to say, is what does your brain say? My brains say based on how the brackets lay out, is I think France Brazil because because

outside the brackets that two top teams. Yes, I think that France can get by England. I think I think Spain's gonna get upset I think it's gonna be France Portugal in the Semis, and I think France gets through. But you know, I'll tell you this, I'll still set for that. That's not a bad final by any stretch of the imagination. France versus Brazil, that would be a repeat correct and to be again as a football fun.

I would love to watch that. I would and messy messy Busses Ronaldo is a great personal battle because of all the subplots and the history and the drama surrounding them. The two best players in their generation. But France versus Brazil also has lots of intrigue and I wouldn't mind

watching them for sure. And again, if you were to say, the other team that I would say has the potential to upset somebody, though I don't think it's going to happen is Japan, because they've shown that they can absorb pressure and not they could have of the ball in the game, get dominated and just in five minutes succer

punch you. So it's like again, even though they're they're likely if they were if they were to get past Croatia, get Brazil, they're the one team that's set up in kind of a Marino style way to kind of just like, yeah, have the ball, pass it sideways the backwards. You know what,

when you make a mistakes, we're gonna punish you. Look, I'll be frunk with you if you can beat Germany and Spain, because that was supposed to be the group of Dave and Japan had absolutely no right imagining from that group, and they didn't just emerge from the group. They topped it. So they and the respect that they have. But I'll say this about Japan. Their coach and again I'm sorry for helping gonna learn about this is in

the same mold as Greg Bell. Uter is in the same mold as Guy's Southgate because he doesn't start, you know, and then he also doesn't start Metoma, who plays for Brighton. Every time Mitoma has come on, because of his pace and his dribbling and his ability to control the ball in small spaces, he has changed the game for Japan. He's the player who actually got that ball the line for Japan to make it through the controversial was the ball of our note. He's the player who made that

player and every time they they brought him on. When they war behind against Germany and he turned it around. They turned it around from from one day to one. They brought him again yesterday against Spain there were one nil down and he again changed the game, and every time he has been repaired with the place on. I

think you should be starting every game. I don't know, want the coach prefers to bring him on when the other team has tiring legs, but I think you should be starting every game because then you start the game in a forward position with your foot on the neck of the opponent as opposed or is chasing the game

from behind. Actually, if I feel I feel if Croatia can beat Japan, which is within the ruins of possibility, then Croatia could also spring a surprise because they have the players who have the experience and they know how to put together a deep run. You know, players that peristage have been there and done that. Prayers like Modrick have been there and done that. I feel like, if they can grow into the tournament, because remember they were finalists at the last World Cup, so if they can

grow into the World Cup. Brosovich they have probably one of the most technically gifted midfields in the entire World Cup. So I feel like if Croatian make it past Japan, then they could be the dark horses, could make life very very difficult for everything they run into. The only problem is they have to run into Brazil in the quarter finals. Agreed. I think that you're spot on to say that h Croatia does have the talent and the experience with the players that you mentioned. I think that

you have questions. The question I have is how can they cope with the pace of ansias, uh, the pace of That's why I said the unfortunately that they are running into Brazil. So either right right, So again that I think that Japan is more suited upset Brazil than Croatia based on the fact that they're a little more youthful and have a little more energy, and they've kind of ship proven that, you know, absorb the pressure to have the ball because Brazil wants to also hit you

quickly on the counter raphenia, you know. And I feel like, again, I don't my head telling me that the Brazil or Japan or Japan or Croatia won't be Brazil, but I think that Japan might be better, better suited to I think speaking of Japan, I think we haven't given the Asian teams enough credit because this has been an absolutely blinding World Cup for them. From South Arabia upsetting Argentina, now you have South Korea and Japan making it into

the letter rounds. It's been a great World Cup for Africa as well Snegon and moroccoa in there and camera rooms stand a chance to also make it. A Gannab almost should have made it, but they're into euro Bayan swarries. But I think that this has been for me. This has been for World Cup held on their continent. This has been an absolutely fantastic World Cup for teams from the Asian Confederation. Totally agreed. I know we've been fixed on all of the all the on the pitch, but

what has been your favorite storyline off the pitch. There are many great candidates off the pitch, and I think the first one that comes to mind is the Japanese fans. Everyone loves them, you know, they clean up after themselves. They do this after every World Cup, but it never see is to make it. That's how, that's how, that's how mind blowing it is. I can't believe that soccer funs because SoC funs are not the most orderly group, and Japanese fans always do this and so for me,

I always love them for that. Of course, South Arabian players beating a and each of them getting a Rolls Royce that was a great story. So because they lost, they didn't make it out of the group, but they really want if I go to the World Cup and come back with the Rods Royce, and I think up one. But for me, if you ask me the great story of the page, it has to be cut up as a country. For me, it has to be the cat

World Cup. And I know some people will say, oh no, your cat up is the controversial and all that, and Catas received loads of flak for everything, and I think they deserved every bit of the criticism. But it also didn't help that the national team stunk the whole joint up, because if you're hosting the World Cup, you hope that your national team at least wins the game. But I became the first host to lose the opening game and

then they proceeded to lose all three games. But for all their criticisms, I think that that has delivered in an area most people didn't expect, and that's because Carter has never been mistaken for a hot bed of feminism right. In fact, there many critics who have said that this World Cup is the most anti women World Cup because women in Carta don't have their full rights. But on the pitch, I feel this is the most pro woman World Cup because it's the first World Cup that has

had female referees. For me, that's something that stood out because in the past, George Men's World Cups have always been notorious sausage best men on the pitch, men officiating, men in the stands. But this World Cup, yes, I think it was just yesterday Stefan Property became the first woman to referre men's World Cup game when she took over the game between German and Costa Rica. And what made it even better was that was overseen by an old woman team because she was joined by assistance from

Brazil and and Chili. And for me, the optics of that it's pretty powerful because you have twenty two test restaurant driven alpha mayor's right submitting, submitting to the authority

of a woman. And the thing that Cat did which made this not just historic but symbolic is Cartter to their credit, they let the women referrece um officiate the games without putting upon them any cultural restrictions, because Carter could have gone like, no, you know what, we need them to put on scarves or jobs because there are women and cutter women need to wear this. But let no, these are women referres. Let them referrey the game that

they would referre it in Europe. And so to see these women work and to see men actually submitting to the thought of a woman because she has a whistle at the world football's grandest stage, for me, that was once more step almost forced female refer is, but one gently before women in Kata and women in the Middle

East and women all over the world. For sure, for sure, he is there, he is there, he is there's something that stood up for you off the beach, off the pitch, I would say, yeah, the feel good story would be definitely be the Japanese, not only the fans, but apparently like the players also cleaned the dressing room and left like origami cranes in like in the dressing room. That

that was kind of that was cool. I think, Um, I'm the kind of person obviously a lot of things like these events like Olympics or or World Cups, tender always have a geopolitical tone to them, and I understand that, and that's fair. I try to kind of avoid all that and be focused on the football. Uh. And I think that this you tried to sit out the art from the attist. Agree. Yeah, so it's like you know, I'm and try to see the see the games for

what for just the sporting elements of it. So again, I I understand all of the controversy, but and all the things and again all the things that you said about the women are free fantastic um. But yeah, I think yeah, but I think my favorite of the pitch story has to be the Japanese. I think I think I would leave. I think I think that my last my last world would be two American fans. I think I think if you're an American fan, you're pretty excited

about the twenty six World Cup. You have a young core players who are twenty twenty one, twenty two at most, and they're going to be nearing their peak in four years. You're going to have had experience from playing at the top clubs in Europe, and this is the World Cup you're going to be hosting. I believe that six is going to be a far, far, far cry from nine

America came in. They had no soccer heritage, they didn't even have a league functionally league back then, and you had players like Alexis being the main coax in the national team. So I think, if I'm an American player, I wouldn't be so down if we lost against the Netherlands. I wouldn't be so down if we didn't make it a deep run in this World Cup, because this World Cup for me, for America in particular, I remember America, by the way, is the only country that made it

out from their confederation, Mexico out, Canada out. So for me, if our an American fan, will be proud of that, uh, and I would be proud to know that this World Cup is almost like a great curtain raiser. It's almost like a great appetizer for six because these players are going to be a totally different proposition when they're hosting at home and you have Americans fans on their back and they're adding them all and the players have grown

four years. You imagine Tyler Adams in four years. So for me, if I an American fan, extremely excited for the future and just hoping that when six comes all our players who have been full health, and then I think, then really really make any ran for sure. I've got a few more questions for you, ChIL Uh kind of kind of quit fire. Who has been the most exciting player for you at the World Cup so far? Most exciting player without doubt, Jamal Musia. It's it's a it's

a title one between Jamal Mausiana and Cody Gapco. But the way the mom Siella plays in really tight spaces. His frame looks slight, but he's very, very very hard to push off the ball. He has incredible balance and I think the only thing missing from his game. I'll give him nine out of ten. And the only reason I don't give him ten out of ten is because he lacks gold. He lacks the final product. And remember

Vinicius Junior his first season at at Real Madrid. Right player, but he just can't combat and then he added that to his rabbert of skills and look what happened Realma did won the Champions League. So I think the Mom's Heirea is still missing that. But for me, he has been the most exciting player at the World Cup. I agree with you and Lucilla. I think the other player that has been exciting to me for different reasons, Jude Bellingham.

I think that it's kind of been a sharp window type, you know, tournament for him, where I think that it's he's going to demand a lot of money to leave Dor in the next year or so. Probably you added a few media on Swiss price for sure, for sure,

for sure okay. And I feel like now that you say that when between Musierra, Judie Barringham, Gavy Pedri and Sufati, I think the one because because all all football or so fans are breading when the moment when Ronaldo and Messy hung up their boots, because they were the first players to really come up during the social media age.

But I feel like when you look at the young crop coming up, the players have mentioned, players like gap Coo, players A two many who might not be as glamorous as the players have mentioned, I think, yeah, but I think the game is in pretty good hands. Absolutely is in good hands. Yes, absolutely, okay. In a hypothetical semifinal Brazil versus Argentina, Argentina is a word of a penalty.

Who takes it? I wouldn't give it to Mezie, he would not give give it to messire the pressure of the occasion and the pressure that Massy as a person has, plus he doesn't have a great record with penalties in defining moments, I wouldn't give it to Messy. I will give it, of course, MESSI will step up because the occasion, He's like Superman. When occasion demands it. You can't share away from your responsibility. But I won't give it to Massy.

I'll give you to another player. I'll give it too, if he's on the pitch, I'll give it to Union Alvarez because they don't carry as much pressure. Yeah, I agree. I think he can't take the penalty in digital not any more penalties as a player who contributes a lot more. Even even with missing the penalty in their last game, he still was the best player on the pitch by a mile. So I would take that kind of pressure and responsibility away from him. But I don't think Massy

will allow agreeing. He's not like Ronaldo. Ronaldo, when the pressure is on, he always converts. Mess will convert a thirty yard screamer, but then put in twelve years away from keep the biggest game. I think, Yeah, I think, I think I would be I wouldn't give him the penalty, I'll give it someone else. Of all the records, Leon Messy holds he has missed the most penalties of any player in the twenty one century, miss the most penalties of the World Cup as well interest in general penalties

club country. Yeah, yes, no, but I mean even when it comes to front miss the most penalties in the Champions League, it's just his one flow. It's almost like you don't talk about Shaquillo and they go like Storry, yes, count shoot free throws. Yeah. It's almost like every player has a chink in their every player has an actor is here. And I think Messi's penalties has compared with

many penalties. But you don't get me wrong, but he has missed so many cruisial penalties, and I feel like every time he steps up in a big moment, all the doubts sit back into his mind and here, you know, it's just like almost piteous d You start remembering all the penalties you missed, and then it becomes like a self fulfilling prophecy that you're going to miss the next one. So for me, I would go like Messy, no more

penalty duties. So you give us a lot more on the pitch and away let someone else handle that particular. It's like it's a Ben Simmons. Ben Simon's can't shooting three, but he gives you a lot more defensively, so let him focus on the defensive side of again, how ye out keep the penalty duties away from massing? Okay? Fair enough? Uh?

And I agree with you by the way, um so killing about Consequently, if Brazil got a penalty out there, Namer to stay out, I'll take out take out the restraining order against Nama, Yeah would, because he's also he's also a bit spot when it comes to penalty. So in the hyperthect CA scenario, or either Brazil or I did not getting a penalty, take out a restraining order against Mascy and name a stepping up. Okay, take even if Ronaldo is injured and is in the hospital, bring

him in the world chair. He'll convert it. Yeah, for sure, who takes it for Brazil in that situation, if that name are I would give it to almost Casameo. Yeah, Ice, Ice in the veins agreed and they're done that. He's yeah, one multiple champion, he knows everything about pressure. Would give

it to Casemeo. So here we are right now currently in the in the Golden Boots standings, Hilly and Baby, Marcus Rashford, Cody Gapco of the players who are still in the tournament are at the top of the Golden Boots standings with three goals, slightly behind Bruno Fernandez, Alvro Maratta.

MESSI fair on tour? Is that too? Who do you see when in the Golden Boot I think great heads that and also when it comes to the knockout trowns, it becomes hard to score multiple goals because the defenses are that much better, the defenses are that much more disciplined. Companies are going to be tight games. But I think Bobby has done enough. It's said that Harry Kane has reduced had no goals so far, and when you look at the players who are vuying who in the running.

I don't think Messy is going to score me. He might score, maybe might start bad against Australia, but I don't see him scoring more goals as the tournament goes on. I don't see Marcus Rushford is not even a startup for England right, so he probably won't score many goals going forward. Cordy Gapco has squad each and every game, but I think he's also still a bit too young, and I think his game is going to get sussed out as he meets a bit out more will drilled opponents.

They're not going to making deep enough run for it to matter, whereas some of these players on the deeper running teams who have the opportunity more opportunity to to so for without it out. Okay, fair enough, I think that we've touched on most of the questions, and I have one last question for you, Joe Opio. Okay, now you're making meetings other than watch, other than watch Barcelona playing the Europa League on Thursdays, what will you do when the World Cup is over with your time? Come on?

That's it. That's that's that's that's a low low bloh, what will look? I'll just you know what I'll do. I'll just watch reruns of my messic games. If I finds of the Office can watch reruns of your Office on Netflix, then I should be jagged for going back and then doing the magic. That's messy. You know YouTube has most of his clips, so for me, yeah, I know that's what I'll be doing. And guess what would happen. Because I'm watching Messy every runs of Messy's best games.

I'm going to watch Massy dunk on your team. Yeah in there, of course, Messy has incredible magical moments against your Madrid. So I'll just put messic lips on a loop. That's what I will do. Nice And then finally, just say it one more time, who is your pick to win the World Cup? My hat says Argentina for obvious reasons, because I think, and I know this can be controversial.

I think football owes Messy World Cup. He has given us so much joy over there as we need to return that joy by giving him the greatest and biggest trophy that we can. But my brain says Brazil, even France. But I wish mess would do it, But I don't think the football that footballing goods are going to grant us that wish. But my hat, which is mystical, which should be a great Swan song, to be a great way for him pride off into the land set. But I think Brazil and France, yeah, we'll be happy to

spoil the putty. Agreed, agreed, uh And one last thing, if you didn't notice, show, because you did mention during the podcast that we do play we do play together sometimes and uh, it might be the first year post COVID that we do the industry tournament. I'm sporting our daily show, our Daily Show, kids, we we we met the diep Ran. But this has been a Daily Show recap of the World Cup. I'm George Guntas and I'm Joe Opio. See you next time. For more on the

World Cup. Listen to Joe opios full conversation with Grant Law at Daily Show dot com, slash beyond What's the Daily Show weeknights and eleven Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount Plus. This is been a Comedy Central podcast.