Reliving the magic and nostalgia of the best Cup finals in football history. World Cups, Euros, Champions League, FA Cup, we cover the stories, the build ups, connecting the main characters to the moments that made football history. Come and join Adam and Lewis as they inform you with irreverence the best matches in football folklore!
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
A World Cup semi-final haunted by memories that refused to fade. Four years on from the chaos and heartbreak of Seville, France finally had their chance again. Same opponents. Same stage. Same dream of reaching a World Cup final. But hanging over everything was the shadow of 1982 — Battiston lying unconscious on the turf, Schumacher unpunished, and a French side left feeling football had robbed them. In this episode, we revisit France vs West Germany in 1986, a semi-final charged with revenge, r...
A World Cup semi-final where beauty met brutality… and football was never quite the same again. It’s 1982, and this is a clash of styles in its purest form. France — fluid, elegant, orchestrated by Michel Platini — playing football that feels like art. West Germany — relentless, efficient, unshakeable — playing football that gets results. In this episode, we revisit West Germany vs France, a semi-final that had everything: drama, chaos, genius… and one moment that would cast a shadow over it all...
A World Cup semi-final where a story flipped… and never flipped back. It’s 1982, and not long ago Italy looked flat, cautious, and on the brink of an early exit. Now? They’re something else entirely — organised, ruthless, and riding a wave that feels impossible to stop. In this episode, we revisit Italy vs Poland, a semi-final that cemented one of the great turnarounds in World Cup history. We break down how Italy, built on control and defensive steel led by Dino Zoff, suddenly found their cutti...
A World Cup semi-final shaped as much by who wasn’t there as by what happened on the pitch. It’s 1978, and the Netherlands arrive once again at the business end of a World Cup — but this time, without their talisman. No Johan Cruyff, no guiding force of Total Football… and yet, somehow, they’re still here. In this episode, we revisit Netherlands vs Italy, a semi-final where the Dutch had to prove they were more than just one man — even if that man was one of the greatest the game has ever seen. ...
A World Cup semi-final surrounded by questions that have never really gone away. It’s 1978, Argentina are hosting, the pressure is immense… and what unfolds against Peru is one of the most debated matches in football history. In this episode, we revisit Argentina vs Peru — a game that should have been about Mario Kempes and Teófilo Cubillas, about a place in the World Cup final… but instead became something far more complicated. We break down how Argentina produced a stunning performance when th...
A World Cup semi-final played in conditions that barely resembled football. It’s 1974, the rain is relentless, the pitch is waterlogged, and what should have been a showcase of two brilliant sides turns into a test of endurance, patience… and sheer willpower. In this episode, we revisit West Germany vs Poland, a semi-final shaped as much by the weather as the players — and by one man in particular: Jan Tomaszewski, Poland’s unpredictable, often unorthodox goalkeeper. We break down how the condit...
A World Cup semi-final where one era ended… and another took over. It’s 1974, and Brazil arrive as defending champions, still carrying the aura of 1970 — but maybe without the same quality. But waiting for them is something entirely new: a Dutch side redefining football itself. In this episode, we revisit Brazil vs the Netherlands, a semi-final that saw Pelé’s Brazil replaced by a new kind of revolution — Johan Cruyff’s Total Football. We break down how the Dutch overwhelmed Brazil with movement...
A World Cup semi-final that completely lost its mind. It’s 1970, the heat of Mexico, and what unfolds between West Germany and Italy is less a football match and more a full-blown endurance test — a game that would go down forever as The Match of the Century . In this episode, we revisit Italy vs West Germany, a semi-final defined by chaos, courage, and one of the most iconic periods of extra time football has ever seen. We break down how Franz Beckenbauer, playing on with a dislocated shoulder ...
Twenty years on from one of the most painful defeats football has ever seen, Brazil arrived at the 1970 World Cup still carrying the weight of 1950 — the day Uruguay silenced the Maracanã and shattered a nation’s dream. In this episode, we revisit Brazil vs Uruguay, a semi-final that felt like more than just a game — it was a chance for redemption. We break down how this dazzling Brazil side, led by Pelé at the height of his powers, tried to finally exorcise the ghosts of the past, how Uruguay l...
A World Cup semi-final that had just about everything — drama, physical battles, and more than a little controversy. By the summer of 1966, West Germany had built a reputation as one of the tournament’s most theatrical sides — already involved in multiple fiery matches that had seen no fewer than four players sent off along the way. But beneath the drama, a new star was quietly emerging: a young Franz Beckenbauer, beginning to show the elegance and intelligence that would soon make him one of th...
A World Cup semi-final built on one brave decision. In the summer of 1966, England stood just one game away from a World Cup final on home soil — but manager Alf Ramsey faced a dilemma that could define his legacy. With star striker Jimmy Greaves finally fit again, Ramsey made the bold call to stick with Geoff Hurst, the man who had stepped in during the quarter-final. In this episode, we revisit England vs Portugal, a clash shaped by Ramsey’s nerve, by England’s discipline, and by a meeting of ...
One of the most dramatic FA Cup Finals of the modern era. Played in front of a limited Wembley crowd as England slowly emerged from lockdown, the 2021 final felt like football’s grand return — tense, emotional, and balanced on a single moment of magic. In this episode, we revisit Leicester City vs Chelsea, a game defined by one thunderbolt from Youri Tielemans, a Foxes side refusing to be overawed, and a Chelsea team left stunned despite their recent European swagger. We break down how Leicester...
The strangest FA Cup Final you’ll ever see. Played in an empty Wembley in the middle of August, the 2020 final felt less like a showpiece and more like a very serious, very tense behind-closed-doors league game — all thanks to Covid. In this episode, we revisit Arsenal vs Chelsea, a game shaped by one long ball, one calm captain in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and a Chelsea side sent into chaos by cat-botherer Kurt Zouma! We break down how the match unfolded on the pitch, how both teams’ league se...
Manchester City didn’t just win the 2019 FA Cup Final — they dismantled Watford. In this episode, we revisit the most one-sided FA Cup Final of the modern era, as Pep Guardiola’s City completed the domestic treble with a ruthless 6–0 victory at Wembley. We break down how Watford’s dream day turned into a nightmare, why City gave absolutely no quarter, and how this final came to feel like a mismatch almost from kick-off. From early goals and Pep’s City going full ‘no mercy’, to Raheem Sterling ru...
Two massive clubs. Two deeply unhappy managers. One very joyless FA Cup Final. Chelsea and Manchester United arrived at Wembley like it was a chore rather than a final. Eden Hazard provided the only spark, while United dominated the ball but did absolutely nothing with it. Pogba missed the moment, Chelsea shut the door, Conte clung on, and Mourinho grew steadily more furious. And somewhere in the middle of it all, Lewis briefly merged Tim Cahill and Gary Cahill into one player , which somehow fe...
It’s Christmas, the fixtures are piling up, and it’s time to see who actually knew what they were talking about. In this festive special, we revisit our pre-season predictions to see which ones still have legs… and which ones are already wrapped up and thrown in the bin. Then it’s time for TENSION! — our nerve-shredding quiz where confidence disappears, pressure builds, and festive goodwill goes straight out the window. Football chat, questionable takes, rising stress levels and plenty of laughs...
Arsenal arrived at Wembley bruised, written off, and supposedly in decline. Chelsea arrived as newly crowned champions, dominant, confident, and strong favourites. What followed was a final that flipped the script. Arsenal court controversy, Aaron Ramsey arrived right on cue once again, and Arsène Wenger outmanoeuvred Antonio Conte to deliver one last Wembley masterclass. This episode revisits a final fuelled by tension, rivalry, and defiance. A Cup final that felt like a statement as well as a ...
Adam and Lewis dive into the chaotic 2016 FA Cup final between Manchester United and Crystal Palace. They recount United's shaky season under Louis Van Gaal and Palace's late-season slump, leading to a tense match filled with controversial refereeing, Alan Pardew's memorable dance, and a dramatic red card for Chris Smalling. Ultimately, Jesse Lingard's stunning extra-time goal secured the trophy for 10-man United, sealing Van Gaal's fate just two days later.
Arsenal returned to Wembley looking to defend their crown — and turned the 2015 FA Cup Final into a masterclass. Walcott opened the scoring, Sánchez unleashed thunder, and Wenger’s men ran riot under the arch. Aston Villa were simply swept aside. A performance of control, flair and pure red-and-white ruthlessness. Join us as we relive the goals, the dominance, and the day Arsenal made it look effortless. This is The Final Countdown. A podcast dedicated to all the great finals from the annals of ...
Arsenal show up dreaming of ending nine years of trophy-less pain. Hull City show up… and immediately turn Arsenal’s dream into a nightmare. Alex Bruce is desperate to make his dad proud, Santi Cazorla puts on a free-kick masterclass and Aaron Ramsey writes his name into North London folklore with a 109th-minute winner. This is The Final Countdown. A podcast dedicated to all the great finals from the annals of football. Each week your hosts, Adam and Lewis, will do a deep dive (with a generous h...
Manchester City arrive expecting a parade. Wigan Athletic turn up hoping for mercy. 90 minutes later? Ben Watson, a man with a broken leg and a dream, headbutts football history into existence. City’s billionaires are stunned and Dave Whelan is crying. Join us as we rewind to the FA Cup Final that made everyone believe in magic again — except Roberto Mancini, who lost his job two days later. This is The Final Countdown. A podcast dedicated to all the great finals from the annals of football. Eac...
It’s Wembley, it’s 2012, and somehow Andy Carroll is about to have the game of his Liverpool career. Chelsea, meanwhile, are busy juggling an FA Cup final with the small matter of a Champions League final in Munich. Didier Drogba does what Didier Drogba always does in a cup final, while Liverpool discover that leaving it late isn’t always a great strategy. We look back at the goals, the drama, and the bizarre moment where Carroll briefly looked like a £35 million bargain. This is The Final Count...
A classic David vs Goliath final as the newly rejuvenated Man City take on Tony Pulis' "old school" Stoke. We talk about Yaya Toure's status amongst the legends of this new look Manchester City team as well as the Stoke players that may well be the cast of walking with dinosaurs. This is The Final Countdown. A podcast dedicated to all the great finals from the annals of football. Each week your hosts, Adam and Lewis, will do a deep dive (with a generous helping of nostalgia and humour) into one ...
We jump headlong into the new season with some outrageous and (maybe) ill-informed predictions. We're talking top scorer, relegation candidates, title-winners, first manager to get the sack and some astonishingly bold "left-field" shouts. So come and have a laugh AT us or join in with your predictions in the comments! This is The Final Countdown. A podcast dedicated to all the great finals from the annals of football. Each week your hosts, Adam and Lewis, will do a deep dive (with a generous hel...
It's a jam-packed episode this week as we catch up on the biggest talking points of the summer! We're talking transfers, MOTD controversy, the torture that was Man Utd vs Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, the pleasant surprise of Crystal Palace's FA Cup Victory and of course, the tragedy of Diogo Jota's passing. This is The Final Countdown. A podcast dedicated to all the great finals from the annals of football. Each week your hosts, Adam and Lewis, will do a deep dive (with a genero...
What's better than winning the Euro's? Winning it twice and keeping football at home!!! What a tournament and what a final, join us as we recap the Women's Euro 2025 final between England and favorites Spain. We discuss the heroes of St George - Agymang, Hampton, Bronze and who else but Chloe Kelly and what next for Sarina Weigman's Lionesses! This is The Final Countdown. A podcast dedicated to all the great finals from the annals of football. Each week your hosts, Adam and Lewis, will do a deep...
It's a record-breaking final for numerous reasons as Premier League champions, Chelsea, look to complete their first-ever domestic double under Carlo Ancelotti's management and Portsmouth look for a silver lining in the storm clouds overhead. We also chat about Avram Grant and what counts as a successful season for a club! This is The Final Countdown. A podcast dedicated to all the great finals from the annals of football. Each week your hosts, Adam and Lewis, will do a deep dive (with a generou...
This week's episode pays homage to the genuine brilliance of David Moyes' Everton and the relative heights he brought them to in his first spell at the club, but don't worry - we also make time to discuss Tony Hibbert's dreams being haunted by Florent Malouda and Nicky Butt's mysterious missing eyebrows! This is The Final Countdown. A podcast dedicated to all the great finals from the annals of football. Each week your hosts, Adam and Lewis, will do a deep dive (with a generous helping of nostal...
It's a real underdog story for the FA Cup as the finalists beat the odds - and the best teams in the country - to contest for their first taste of silverware in their modern history. It's a great pod for nostalgia as we discuss Kanu, Hasselbaink, Harry Redknapp and his 'adopted' son, Niko Kranjcar! This is The Final Countdown. A podcast dedicated to all the great finals from the annals of football. Each week your hosts, Adam and Lewis, will do a deep dive (with a generous helping of nostalgia an...
The two best teams in England squared off in the oldest cup competition in the world. Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United took on José Mourinho's Chelsea for the first time at the new Wembley Stadium. We talk about how devastating Didier Drogba was at Wembley (and big games in general!) and we also turn detectives as we try to find out, "Who is Chris Waddle?" This is The Final Countdown. A podcast dedicated to all the great finals from the annals of football. Each week your hosts, Adam and Lew...
