The World Cup resumes tonight as Messi and Argentina prepare to face Croatia - A far smaller footballing nation which has somehow reached back-to-back World Cup semi finals... To explain how they keep doing it and to tell us more about the remarkable personal journeys of the players, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke and host of Nova TV in Croatia, Sasa Lugonjic. Hear about Luka Modric’s backstory of war and personal trauma, to his rise as the best player in the world, ...
Dec 13, 2022•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast With the January transfer window coming into sight, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Adam Crafton in Qatar to discuss which players could be on the move this winter. Following glowing World Cup displays there's growing interest in both England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Portugal striker Gonçalo Ramos, as well as the latest on his compatriot Joao Felix with a number of Premier League clubs interested. Cristiano Ronaldo's future is still yet to be resolved after leaving Mancheste...
Dec 12, 2022•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Adam Leventhal brings you immediate fallout following England's quarter-final defeat to France at the World Cup, following yet more penalty heartbreak at a major tournament. Jack Pitt-Brooke, Oli Kay, David Ornstein, Charlotte Harpur and Abi Paterson are all on hand at the Al Bayt Stadium as England exit the tournament after an evening of penalty drama involving captain Harry Kane. There's also the view of the fans out in Qatar, analysis of what next for the England squad and Gareth Southgate as...
Dec 10, 2022•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Host Adam Leventhal is joined by Jack Pitt-Brooke to look ahead to England’s huge quarter-final against France as the draw opens up for Gareth’s Southgate side. One of the clear favourites to win the World Cup, Brazil, are out after their defeat to Croatia on penalties. A win against the reigning world champions would see England go into a semi-final against Morocco or Portugal, while Argentina scraped through on penalties against the Netherlands. They discuss Kyle Walker vs Kylian Mbappe, and i...
Dec 10, 2022•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Adam Leventhal is joined by Daniel Taylor, Jay Harris and Dutch journalist Sjoerd Mossou for a looking into one of the most fascinating coaches to shape modern football: Louis van Gaal. Ahead of the Netherlands quarter-final tie with Argentina the panel debate and discuss the career of the 71-year-old including his time at Manchester United as well as how he has cultivated a 'loving' atmosphere within the Dutch camp. There's reflections on his personal battle with cancer in the build-up to the t...
Dec 09, 2022•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Qatar has hosted the 'best group stage ever' at a World Cup. But what about all of the issues off the field of play casting a large, looming shadow over the tournament? Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Deputy Editor Laura Williamson and writers Adam Crafton and Matt Slater to dissect all. We hear the tragic story of how a Filipino migrant worker died during the group stage at Saudi Arabia’s training resort in Qatar. The panel also discuss the '...
Dec 08, 2022•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Athletic's Abi Paterson is in Doha, Qatar at the World Cup and has a few burning questions regarding a player who many consider as the greatest footballer of all time: Lionel Messi. The forward has captained his Argentina side to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, which is widely thought to be his last ever World Cup tournament at 35 years of age. With questions ranging from; is Lionel Messi the greatest? To is he better than fellow Argentine Diego Maradona, or his great rival Cristia...
Dec 07, 2022•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Adam Leventhal is joined by James Horncastle, Raphael Honigstein & Jack Pitt-Brooke to debate and analyse the values and importance of a no.9 in international football. With the likes of Olivier Giroud, Richarlison and Harry Kane all playing prominent roles in their nations' hopes of winning the World Cup, yet playing the centre forward role in a differing way: what exactly are the hallmarks of a successful no.9? The role of a false nine, target man and wide forward converted into a striker are ...
Dec 06, 2022•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast As Jude Bellingham played the starring role in England's 3-0 last 16 win over Senegal join Adam Leventhal from the Al Bayt Stadium for all the reaction. Michael Cox gives his tactical breakdown on how the 19-year-old dominated on the biggest stage, David Ornstein catches up with Declan Rice and discusses his midfield partner. Plus there's reaction from England writers Jack Pitt-Brooke on Harry Kane scoring his first goal of the tournament and Oli Kay on England's next opponents France - and Char...
Dec 04, 2022•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's England writers Oli Kay and Jack Pitt-Brooke to discuss England manager Gareth Southgate's starting XI to face Senegal... US soccer correspondent Sam Stejskal reflects on the many positives that USMNT can take from this World Cup and James Horncastle purrs over yet another milestone and masterclass from Leo Messi. Plus, an insight into the mindset of England's opponents from Senegalese journalist Mahmoud Gueye. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
Dec 04, 2022•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Host Adam Leventhal is joined by Athletic writers Jay Harris and Paul Tenorio to discuss the drama on the final day of the group stages and also look ahead to the USA’s huge knockout clash against Netherlands. South Korea scored a late, late goal to beat Portugal and seal their place in the Round of 16 ahead of Uruguay, leaving Luis Suarez in tears. In the other group, Switzerland edged a five-goal thriller against Serbia to progress, while Brazil topped Group G, despite their 1-0 loss to Camero...
Dec 03, 2022•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Adam Leventhal is joined by Oli Kay and Michael Cox following another dramatic night in Qatar with two European heavyweights in Germany and Belgium exiting the World Cup. There's reaction from Japan's dramatic win over Spain which eliminated Germany and also sent Japan through as Group E winners. Raphael Honigstein gives immediate reaction to Germany heading home, while Jack Pitt-Brooke revels in Japan's joy. With Belgium also out coach Roberto Martinez confirmed the end of his time in charge wi...
Dec 02, 2022•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Athletic's Adam Leventhal, James Horncastle and Adam Crafton react to Argentina's 2-0 win over Poland on Wednesday night that saw both teams make it through to the last 16, but it wasn't without its drama as Messi had a penalty saved by Wojciech Szczęsny and Poland came perilously close to exiting the tournament on yellow cards. If this World Cup isn't enough for you, we cast ahead to 2026 as Adam Crafton brings us news that FIFA are considering the possibility of having penalty shoot-outs p...
Dec 01, 2022•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast That’s a wrap for Groups A and B. England sailed past Wales with a resounding 3-0 win, courtesy of a remarkable Marcus Rashford brace and goal from Phil Foden. Gareth Southgate’s side will face Group A runners-up Senegal in the last-16. USA qualify in second place in Group B after their 1-0 win over Iran, and they will go up against Group A winners, the Netherlands. That match was largely overshadowed by the political tension surrounding Iran. Joining Adam Leventhal to bring us the stories of an...
Nov 30, 2022•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ahead of the finale of Group B, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Matt Slater on Day 10 of the Qatar World Cup. Matt reflects on attending all four games on the final day of four separate kick-off times before Michael Cox and Dermot Corrigan reflect on Andre Onana being suspended from the Cameroon squad by coach Rigobert Song. James Horncastle reacts to Brazil's 1-0 win over Switzerland while Laura Williamson and Felipe Cardenas watched Portugal's 2-0 win over Uruguay with Bruno Fer...
Nov 29, 2022•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Adam Leventhal is joined by Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oli Kay following a day of shocks in Qatar with Costa Rica and Morocco two of the noteworthy winners, while German's draw with Spain keeps their hopes of qualification alive. Abi Paterson reports from Al Bayt Stadium along with Michael Cox, Raphael Honigstein and David Ornstein, who spoke with Ilkay Gundogan post-match, on Germany's draw with Spain. Plus there's the latest from the England camp as Marcus Rashford speaks ahead of the Three Lions ta...
Nov 28, 2022•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's Sunday morning and host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Felipe Cardenas and Charlotte Harpur to reflect on Lionel Messi handing Argentina a World Cup lifeline in typical style... James Horncastle offers his thoughts on Messi's moments of brilliance, was Enzo Fernandez' goal an even sweeter strike and why Mexico fans are frustrated with coach Gerardo Martino. Then, following a 'prickly' Deschamps post-match press conference - and despite France's 2-1 win over Denmark - our panel a...
Nov 27, 2022•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join Adam Leventhal for immediate reaction from England's goalless draw with USA in Group B from the Al Bayt Stadium. With comprehensive post-match analysis and reaction, tactics writer Michael Cox discusses where England failed to capitalise, USMNT writers Paul Tenorio and Alex Abnos dissect the US performance before heading to the mixed zone. David Ornstein and Sam Stejskal give their thoughts on the game with Abi Paterson along with hearing from Kieran Trippier, Jordan Henderson and US midfie...
Nov 25, 2022•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ahead of Day Six of the World Cup, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's England writer Jack Pitt-Brooke and Sam Stejskal to preview England v USA this evening. They discuss the historic context of the fixtures and development of the USMNT before debating where the game will be won or lost. David Ornstein speaks with Bruno Fernandes following Portugal's 3-2 win over Ghana with Abi Paterson and Michael Cox reacting to Cristiano Ronaldo becoming the first player to score in five World Cups. J...
Nov 25, 2022•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Athletic's Adam Leventhal joins Raphael Honigstein and James Horncastle to reflect on day four of the World Cup, a day which saw Germany lose 2-1 to Japan after a disjointed performance but they took the headlines pre-match with their show of defiance against FIFA in the ongoing armband row. We discuss both the on and off field issues from that game, plus reflect on Spain's 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica, Belgium's underwhelming win over an unlucky Canada, and we have an update from the England...
Nov 24, 2022•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day three of the World Cup started with Saudi Arabia beating Argentina 2-1, and ended with the news that Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United, the Glazers have put Man Utd up for sale, oh and England captain Harry Kane is having a scan on his ankle ahead of Friday's game vs USA. Here to reflect on all of that is the Athletic's Adam Leventhal, who is joined by Matt Slater following his trip to the Saudi/Qatar border to look at that shock result amid the backdrop of Messi's commercial rela...
Nov 23, 2022•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast As Day 3 of the World Cup dawns, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oliver Kay to reflect on England's 6-2 win over Iran... They discuss Saka's joy, Kane's influence, why no one's talking about Maguire or Sterling's club form this morning, as well as, which former German international Jude Bellingham reminds Jack of. Plus, Producer Abi spoke to Iranian fan Sahir, about why she is protesting at the World Cup and USMNT writer Paul Tenorio checks in after the 1-1 draw w...
Nov 22, 2022•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Laurie Whitwell on day two of the World Cup to discuss England's World Cup opener against Iran... The panel reflect on Qatar's opening day defeat, empty seats in the stadium, choreographed support and relations between Qatar and former hosts Russia. Plus, whether England and other nations should risk punishment for their 'OneLove' armbands in support of LGBT rights, comedian Omid Djalili's message to Rashford and co, as well as, Am...
Nov 21, 2022•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us for the first of our daily World Cup podcasts throughout the tournament as Adam Leventhal brings you the latest news, views and reaction from Qatar. Ahead of the start of the tournament, Matt Slater reacts to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's speech on the eve of the tournament, before Simon Hughes shares his thoughts having returned from an eight-day trip to Nepal to hear from the migrant families and their families who have prepared Qatar for hosting the World Cup. Plus David Ornstein ...
Nov 20, 2022•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's dedicated England writers Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oliver Kay to look ahead to how England could get on out in Qatar, as well as USMNT writer Paul Tenorio. The panel look at England's standing and form under Gareth Southgate having led the Three Lions to the semi-final in Russia in 2018 prior to reach the Euro 2020 Final last year at Wembley. Plus, in a group containing USA, Iran and Wales how far are England expected to progress and what does the potential...
Nov 18, 2022•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus, Rafa Honignstein & Adam Leventhal to debate whether managing at international level is an attractive proposition for the very best managers like Jurgen Klopp & Pep Guardiola? On the flip side are national teams managers in the conversation to be the head coach at elite clubs that expect Champions League glory? Plus we’ll hear Mauricio Pochettino’s thoughts on whether he’d take the England job.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
Nov 17, 2022•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Mark Chapman is joined by Carl Anka, Andy Mitten and Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan to debate whether either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo can finally claim FIFA World Cup glory, in Qatar. The panel look back through the international careers of both Messi and Ronaldo debating and analysing their impact on their national sides' fortunes and the struggle for both to perform to their highest on the international scene. Who is better set for glory in Qatar is also discussed as well as ...
Nov 16, 2022•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Editor-in-Chief Alex Kay-Jelski, Deputy Editor Laura Williamson and Investigations writer Matt Slater, to pause and reflect, just days before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar... How Qatar retained the World Cup following the controversy surrounding their bid to host. The moral dilemmas of covering and even sending reporters to the tournament, how much Doha has changed in the intervening years and what visiting fans from all over the world can expect....
Nov 15, 2022•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo's interview where he criticised the club & his manager. Is this the end for him at Old Trafford? Greg O'Keefe then tells us the challenges Frank Lampard faces in turning round Everton who seem to be slipping into another crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 14, 2022•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Athletic has a brand new documentary series following Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk. Here is an introduction to the series In this episode, The Athletic’s Adam Crafton speaks to Taras Stepanenko, the captain of Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk, as he and his young family take refuge in an underground shelter when war breaks out in Ukraine. Adam also meets with Shakhtar's Croatian head coach, Igor Jovicevic, who was separated from his family when Russia invaded. Meanwhile, ...
Nov 12, 2022•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
