World Cup Best Teams Head to the Semi-Finals with Brisbane Football Review

0:00 Foreign. Hello and welcome back to the Aussie football passport. I am joined by the Brisbane Football Review, Scott and Adam, to wrap up the knockout stages of the World Cup. G', day, Scott. How are you? I'm good, Alex. We are at the business end of the World cup and it's a bit bittersweet, isn't it? I've really enjoyed watching all the games through the group stage and we are getting to the point where the best teams are playing each other, but the games are running out. What are we supposed to do with ourselves now? There's not four games a day. I know, I know.

0:43 It's really hard. It's. You know, I've got the football withdrawals. You can probably lucky it's only a audio medium. You can't see me shaking with. With my football withdrawals at the moment. Well said, I think, Scott. Adam, how are you? I'm good. And I think FIFA got it right. At least the world rankings allegedly got it right. We got the top four seeds into the semi finals. We'll see if it's up or not. But look, they got what they want. But we should have some very, very good semi finals and final to come in the next week. Definitely. I. There's a sentence we haven't heard in a long time, Alex. FIFA got it right. Yeah, I know. It's. It's.

1:25 I mean, considering everything else that's happened in this tournament that we'll get to later on, it's refreshing to have that sentence. But before we jump into it, Adam, I'll get you to plug your wonderful podcast, the Brisbane Football Review. Yeah, you can find us on a Facebook for review or Brisbane Football Review on Twix at bne football Instagram Threads, Brisbane Football View or lowercase. You can drop us an email brisbane football reviewmail.com and you can find us at all good podcast platforms and some not so good on the likes of Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Brilliant. Thank you, Adam. And of course, Brisbane Football Review is the place to go if you want to know all about the from the NPL all the way down to the more local leagues in Brisbane and Queensland, and of course the Brisbane Raw men's and women's team when the A League season rolls around, which is still a few months away, of course, but it is World cup and the Socceroos even though they are knocked out. We do have some updates for you on the Socceroos. Let's start off with, of course, Jordan Boss, his injury. We have had more or less confirmation that he is out for three months with that knee injury. He had surgery during the week Feyenoord had posted. And Scott, I know we talked about this off air and for course Adam as well. But, but Scott, I'll throw to you Jordan Boss's injury. We, we talked about whether it would hinder

2:59 his potential moves. I think it's pretty fair to say he'll be at Feyenoord this season at least until the winter transfer window. Feels that way doesn't it? It's the not the best time for him in terms of the in a potential transfer to wherever he may have been potentially looked at over the European summer, but does feel like that now is going to have to wait at least six months and hopefully he can put in some good performance after he returns from injury to potentially earn that move in that January transfer window which could be a busy time for him of course because if he does get back on the right timetable he will be available for the soccer. He's at the Asia cup which is from an international perspective the most important thing for us but also to get back to his club as soon as possible and play to the best level because at his best he's a player who's very much capable of playing in a top five league. It's only a matter of time. This is just a minor setback on that path definitely.

3:49 And you know what I'm trying to I was trying to think of a silver lining and it's pretty good because there's a change of coach at Feyenoord. Robin Van Persie is out, Giovanni Van Bronkhorst is coming in and he was a pretty handy left back back in his day so it's a pretty good. It's a pretty good mentor for Jordy Boss. Just hopefully he doesn't bring any of that luck from his assistant roller to let's keep them unnamed English club from last season Slotball. Anyway that's the wrong podcast Adam, Paul Okonengsler looks like he's going to be the first of this Socceroos squad from the World cup to make his move to Cologne in the Bundesliga. What are your thoughts on that?

4:35 I'd say it's a good move for Paul Oconenslo again He. He was he made the move to Sydney FC after playing in Portugal. Look I think it's just just rewards big money move for the A league in Sydney FC but but also as well I think for his development I think a mid level club Cologne let's face it in the in the Bundesliga I think it's Probably a good starting point for him at his age also as well because I think if he performs out well there then the chances are that he will get picked up. If not by one of the bigger German clubs is one in particular that seems to like to drag net the all the talent in hey Munich.

5:21 But also, but also as well potentially other, potentially other sort of clubs in continental Europe. So I think it's a very, very good move for him. Yeah, I tend to agree. I actually think the Bundesliga is almost a perfect place for Paul Oconnexler given the style of football that he, we've seen from him not only in the A league but now at the World Cup. That fast transitional play, it's going to suit him down to a tee and his, you know, tactical sort of gain that he has. So I'm, I'm really happy with that move as well. Now another central midfielder, one that didn't get any minutes. Cameron Devlin is off to Rangers following his coach from, from Edinburgh to Glasgow I should say. What do you make of that move Scott? It's an interesting move isn't it? Again moving from hearts to ranges with the coach does guarantee at least the coach knows him and likes him so that's a positive for him. It is a step up, there's no doubt about that. And also the fact that he's moving to a club playing in European football. Not sure what competition ranges are in next year but they're always generally in one league, European competition. So to have that step up is an important thing for him and he didn't get any game time at the World cup but there's potential opportunities there in that midfield. Jax Nervine isn't getting any younger and as we saw Aiden o' Neill and Paul o' Connor, apart from those two, there's not a lot of options in that midfield. He was on the radar so I think it's an opportunity for him there. Hopefully it goes better than it did for Matt Mackay, the last Australian to play for Rangers.

6:51 That was a short lived and ill fated move for him but hopefully for Cam Devlin who's well adapted to Scottish football now this is a move for him to really step up and he's in the purple spot of his career, isn't he? In terms of that late 20s age point, he's a quality player and this is a great chance for him to really step up and potentially win some things at club level and maybe solidify a spot in the starting lineup for the national team. Definitely. And I think the key thing to that is that Derek McInnes, the coach that's incoming there, of course making the same move as Cameron Devlin, knows and trusts him. You'd think he'd been almost a nailed on starter in that midfield for Rangers because of that. And I think that leans into him getting the game time he needs. And there Scott did categorize it as a step step up. I don't know about that. The Hearts did fish well ahead of Rangers as far as. No, no, no, no, you're right, you're right. But Rangers are probably the second biggest club. They've had a few ordinary seasons.

7:56 So maybe Pammy Devlin will help restore the parody on the blue side of Glasgow because they've got to keep those green ones on check. Yeah, someone does. I guess so. Well, I've got you Adam. Lucas Harrington, he has been spotted at the German consulate in Brisbane getting a German passport. So again maybe if you want to explain to the listeners why that's why he's doing that and why it's probably a good thing and potentially signaling his next club move. Look, it's, it's very simple. In fact, personally I'm looking at doing that myself at the moment. You know, being of Maltese heritage, they're part of the eu. So the advantage of getting, if you're, if you are a citizen or you're eligible to be not just a citizen but eligible to be a passport holder by, by birth or by lineage is that basically you can work anywhere in the European Union which does cover for a professional like Lucas Harrington or a potential professional.

9:00 Being 18 years old he would be able to then basically pick and choose where he plays. It probably doesn't probably bodes more to. The fact is that he is getting a European passport that the next move, big move is off to other continent rather than the UK because as Australian you do have failing and with this with Socceroos being the top 40 team, so work permit issues don't come into it. So he would need to go to these extent, this extent if he was moving to a, to a British club. Therefore I think the more likely move is that he is headed to the continent which. Which does include some very, very big clubs and we hope that Lucas plays for some of the biggest of them all. But I didn't even know he was in Brisbane. So welcome back to our hero and lad.

9:46 Indeed. And yeah potentially one of the semi league finalists. You'd think that he's headed off to. Now let's leave the Socceroos and let's talk about the World Cup. In general, because, Scott, I know you've got a bit of a bone to pick with the TV rights, so I'll let you off the leash for this one. It's not such a bone to pick, it's more just a foreshadowing of something that I think is going to come down the line. Alex, are you enjoying the World cup on sbs? I am indeed. The home of football, Sex before soccer, that's what we love. Sbs. I'm enjoying it as well. It's been fantastic having all the games live and free on their network. I'm not doing an advertorial form, but it has been fantastic.

10:27 I'm just not sure it's going to be continuing because if you look at it, the rights are up after this World cup cycle and they also are up in North America as well. And it's very interesting. So Fox in America paid? 485 million for the English language rights and Telemundo we were talking about before we started recording, the fact they're getting a big boost in our viewership due to the lack of ad breaks during the hydration for them. They paid 600 million for the Spanish language, which writes it's being valued between 1.5 and 2 billion for the next US right cycle combined for them and some of the players, the Disney network, which is ABC newspaper and all the rest of it, they're one of them. Fox is in it, but so are Netflix, Amazon and YouTube.

11:08 YouTubeTV. Now, if those three places are going to start spending 1.5 to $2 billion on our TV rights for the World Cup, I'm not sure they're going to stop at just the US market. So I imagine that they would look at acquiring other rights around the world and making it a global sort of a thing. So potentially SBS may not just be up against the traditional fox to zone 7, 9, 10. They have been previously. I think they paid about 30 million for this most recent one. So they could have some big global competition for the next right here in Australia, which may may see us potentially having some of the World cup behind a paywall. So we'll see what happens. But I did see that story during the week and we are very fortunate in this country to have all the games of the World cup available on free to wear television.

11:55 It's a luxury that the majority of the world does not have and it's one that we've very much enjoyed and I hope it continues selfishly, but I'm just putting that out there. It may not be something that's going to continue for too much longer. Yeah, I think you're probably right, Scott. I'm not 100% sure on the laws. I do think there is something in the Socceroos games in the final has to be on Free to wear everything else you can take behind the thing. They would probably, they have to do some kind of deal with a free to air network and it would be probably a package of games that would be, those would be included. But the majority you would think would go behind the paywall if that were to come up. Yeah, definitely. So you know, you, I didn't want to discredit your point of course, Scott. I just want to make sure that yeah, there will definitely be still some games on Free to Air, let's say. But yes, most of them you like the 2018 thing, the original plan in 2018 when SVs were meant to have one game a day and optism and have the rest of them then we know what happened to them. But that sort of a model like that I would imagine could be back in play again. Yeah, I, I, I think you have absolutely nailed that because let's be honest, if those three are involved, that's exactly what's going to happen. And sorry just also as well. Sorry, just I'm just reading up as well just to Scott's point about the raised value. Conversely as well, I guess the world, the, the world's biggest market in China, they were probably weeks away from being blacked out because FIFA probably tried

13:27 to go too hard and wanted US$300 million for the rights for any of their broadcasts over there. They ended up settling for US$60 million. So maybe again for a market like the US you could probably really maximize your revenue. But some other places like China, obviously a billion people. I believe there's a situation in India as well. I couldn't find how much the rights end up going there. But it could be interesting as well that you know where Australia fits in terms of whether, whether the rights are as valuable here as they will be saying in Europe or North America or whether it's more Asian where you could probably stand up a little bit and end up paying a lot less. Which is probably given that SBS only paid 30 million for those rights. It's actually probably per capita, it's actually probably even worth more than what the Chinese deal is. That was pre hydration break prices as well, Alex. That's going to, that's going to put things through up again. And if you think that they're going to be a one off in the, in the World cup.

14:41 If we're Talking about potentially 1.5 to 2 billion in the US you can guarantee that part of that negotiation will be we want those things and all those ads back in as well. So that's going to be the. The way it's going to be. Unfortunately, we all don't. None of us like them, but I don't think they're going anywhere. I know UEFA, I was gonna say, I know UEFA have already ruled out for Euro 2028, so I don't know if they've seen the light or that they're pretty satisfied with the TV rights feeds that they're getting. But thankfully someone has. Is not on board with the hydration bank. But I agree completely, Scott. I think this is something, you know, for FIFA tournaments that have a commercial value. This is something we're going to see a lot more of, unfortunately. Yeah, definitely. And speaking of the Drip, well, look, the. As Scott said at the start of the pod, the expansion has actually been pretty good.

15:35 But FIFA already looking at expanding to 60 14. So, you know, hydration breaks definitely going to stay. And I even read that the US are going to bid again for the. So where are we? We've got 2030 is all over the globe. And then you've got 2034 in Saudi Arabia. Right. And then the next one, 2038, as you said, Adam. So, yeah, us, unless they change the rules. Alex, again, which FIFA never changed the rules in the bidding process. Never do that. Never. North America or Oceania, and I don't think we count as bidding with Oceania. So it'd be New Zealand and the Islands up against North America. I think we can all see where that's going to go. Yeah, definitely, because.

16:17 Yes, exactly. So there's not really a fight there. So, yes, that's interesting times for the World cup, let's put it that way. But anyway, we should probably have a chat about what has happened since we last did a podcast, ever. Of course, a round of 32 finished up, then it went to the round of 16. And maybe we should start with the team that knocked us out, Egypt, who then went on to face Argentina. So that could have been the fate that awaited us had we got past Egypt, but of course we didn't, and I'm still not salty about that. Egypt went on to lose to Argentina 32 in a come from behind victory. That was tinged with a bit of controversy, wasn't it, Adam? Yeah, Argentina controversy. I don't think it is too far away from everything, but yeah, this Was a get out J the absolute extremes Argentina. But look, credit to credit to Egypt. They really gave everything and yeah, I think they. In the end, I think they're just. Just so fell short. But a lot of controversy in this. In this contest. Yeah, there certainly wasn't there.

17:36 I mean there was, you know, var. Everything involved in this one or not involved in some instances. Scott, I. I don't know what you made of that game. Did. Did you find it as controversial as Adam and I was certainly controversial. There is no doubt about the fact it was controversial. I will say the fact they got the second goal two minutes after the one that was probably unfairly ruled out. He did. Did give the sense that really it wasn't. It was essentially just the way of getting that goal either way. So they were tuning like with what, 20 minutes to go or 25 minutes to go in the game. And at that point it is very much a game management thing. And they played unbelievably, unbelievably well aged in terms of what they did. They were very impressive.

18:16 I will say they did sit back a little bit too much for mine in the last 20 minutes. I know I didn't see any throwing everything at them and that's the natural tendency, but they just were sitting back a little bit too much for me. And I will say the third goal was brilliant, the way they just played it for. It was a sensational bit of play. It was coming. Argentina were running home with the momentum, but for Egypt's sake, it was incredibly cruel. And while I don't have too much sympathy because they knocked us out, I will say it was very harsh on them to lose in normal time. And I'm actually glad that wasn't us, because that was us. I think it would have been even more shattering than the way we went out. So a great effort from Egypt though, and Argentina is too good. Very good point. Very good point. And we should also mention that Argentina were taken to the wire just after our game against Cabo Verde or Cape Verde, if you're. Yeah, if you want to pronounce it the English way, I guess. Three, two, extra time. And there was some cracking goals in that one. However, Argentina progressed, as we said, and they faced Switzerland, who were making their first appearance in the quarterfinal since 1954. Switzerland, of course, they got through. They beat. Oh, God, I've had a.

19:26 They beat Columbia. Columbia. Thank you. On penalties. That's right. I couldn't remember it because I fell asleep. It was that good, that game. You're not the Only one? Yeah, I'm sure there'll be plenty of people. Apologies Colombian and Swiss fans out there, but I'm sure I've got zero of them anyhow. Yes. So Argentina went on to face Switzerland and again, another game that Argentina just seemed to do enough in in that one, didn't they, Adam? Look, they did early, early goal for Argentina. They. They sort of had control of it and then second half come out. Switzerland came out and really sort of, they really supplied well to get back in the game.

20:13 Got the, got the equalizer. But then all hell broke loose. A couple minutes later, Leandro Paredes a judge to get a yellow card and. And then on a VAR review then not only got the card rescinded, but also got Imbolo sent off for Simulation, his second yellow card. And I was stunned, if I'm being honest, when I saw that, not because of the rescinding, I. It was a, it was a clear dive. It was a very, very stupid thing for Imbolo to do. But look, I just think common sense refereeing was suggested where it happened. I know simulation, simulation.

20:58 You. This is the sort of crap we want to get out of the game, but this is just not the timing where you actually want to use VAR for this thing to make an example. And this just really changed the game. And it, it sort of really, it really meant that I thought Switzerland did a great job just to get extra time after that, but. But then in the end, two. Two goals in extra time. Julian Alvarez's goal was sensational. Like, again, look, I know that Argentina to a point, have you gotten so lucky, if you want to say that, but with that luck to show some. Shows an absolute skill as well. And look, of all those great goals, Alvarez skull was just absolutely brilliant, especially the timing of it as well.

21:45 It's got to be one of the goals of the tournament. But Scott, maybe I'll get your thoughts as well on the Imbolo incident. I mean, the first yellow was clearly a yellow. I mean, that was, that was dumb as well, let's be completely honest. But I don't know about the, the var. Did you have similar thoughts to Adam or an alternative view? No, I just find it really interesting that the VAR intervened on that. Clearly they looked at that incident and they said, no, that's not a foul from Paridis, that's a. A dive from Ebola. That's why they're saying mistaken identity. To me, it wasn't really mistaken identity. That would imply a different Argentina player made the foul. It was more they're actually saying, hang on, no, no, that's not a foul, that's actually a dive. So I didn't know the VAR could actually intervene and judge that because I know they're not supposed to get involved in yellow card decisions. I'm not sure. I'm not saying they did anything wrong or anything like that. I'm just saying I didn't know that they could actually do that.

22:37 And it did change the game to Adam's point because they were already without Johan Manzan base through injury. And he's been a revelation for Switzerland in this tournament. You take him out, you take out Briel and Bolo and at that point their attacking weapons are pretty limited in terms of what they had available. So it did make things very difficult. And there is a real what if with that game. Alex at one all with 20 minutes to go, a full 11v11 with a bolo out there, who knows what happens. I'm not saying maybe it's the same result, you never know. But it could have been a very different game and I would love to have seen what that would have ended up looking like because Switzerland had the momentum at that point and it would have been very intriguing to see what happened. But that red card, it was a dive, you have to say. I do think it was a dive, but I didn't think the VAR could intervene on that one. So very unfortunate to Switzerland. To Adam's point as well. Yeah, I would say that Alvarez strike at the goal of the tournament.

23:26 It was a long time coming. It took Argentina forever to get to it, but it was a great way to win the game. Oh, of course. As well. Just one, one point. I just. I missed as well, just before as well. I thought Dan and Doy's goal was absolute cracker as well. That's a brought stadium down almost. I think all the, all the underdog backers as well. And look, we saw Dan and Doy really sort of make. Make Kite Truitt and Lucas Harrington look pretty ordinary in that, in that friendly against Switzerland in San Diego for the World Cup. But look, he, he actually showed on the big stage and he, he's a very, very good player. So. But those boys probably shouldn't feel so bad, but yeah, look, it's, it's unfortunate for Switzerland. I thought they, they were in that game. But look, at the end of the day, Argentina, unfortunately, there seems to be this, this gray cloud that is following them around with controversy.

24:25 So let's just hope the semi final doesn't that great cloud dissipates yeah, that would be good. I'm sure English fans will certainly agree with that, Adam. And just a little side note, the Argentine FA is being investigated by the FBI for off field incidences as well that I was reading about in terms of lots of money changing hands and going different places and in particular in allegedly. Allegedly. Yes, thank you. For legal purposes. Sorry, I've just done the inverted commas as well, just to, you know, legally save myself there. Thank you, Scott. I will use your legal counsel, no doubt again in this, in this podcast. Anyway, moving right along, let's go to another nation. Let's talk about Spain who came through the round of 32 and faced their Iberian neighbors in a, I guess an Iberian derby, if you'd like to call it. They defeated Portugal and ended Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of matching Messi's feats of a World cup victory.

25:30 And I don't know if you agree with me, Scott. I think Spain have flown under the radar a little bit at this World Cup. They certainly haven't hit the heights of teams like a France have through the whole group stage or an Argentina in the group stage where they were playing really well. Other teams who play well, they, Spain have been just kicking along, getting results as well as maybe an old team which might get to later on in the show. But Spain have just been going under the radar quite nicely as well because they are just getting the results and they, they've got the quality. We know they've got that. And the way that they play is also very much harks back to what they did in 2010. So they're very possession based, try and build the ball through the thirds and all the wonderful things. They also don't really have a, a pure center forward here because I'm not sure if arable's the best, best in the world in that regard, but they've got enough quality to be able to make openings and create things for themselves. And Mikel Moreno feels like he's becoming a bit of a super sub for them. So they've got all the, all the attributes for side who can go a long way and get to the the last day, including young Lamin who's well, a lot of other stars have had better tournaments and he has, he's had a pretty good one in his own right and he's been a big part of that Spain side.

26:38 Yeah, definitely. And I think the, the most underrated value of this Spanish side has been their ability to keep clean. She the the first goal they've conceded this tournament was in that quarterfinal against Belgium. We'll get to how Belgium got here shortly. But yeah, Charles de Catalarde was the first man to score against him at this World Cup. And I think, speaking of guys who aren't number nines. Yeah, exactly. Persisting with him over an unfit Lukaku. I mean, it eventually worked. It just took until the quarterfinals for Rudy Garcia there. But yes, Spain, very, very good. Adam, I think you probably will agree in terms of Spain flying under radar and getting the job done with super sub Mikhail Marino.

27:24 Of the. Of the four semifinals, yes, I'd say they're probably the most unheralded. But again, it's been backed by very strong, strong defense of the Cabasi young Kabasi. I think it's been absolutely sensational in center back who very, very. A very similar profile to our own Lucas Harrington. As far as a young, young, very, very solid defender. Probably, with all due respect to Lucas, probably that next level, he's probably one of the world's best young players of mine, alongside Lamina Mal, his teammate, but teammate for club and country. But, yeah, look, Mikel Marino is probably the one that's stolen the headlines as far as being that super sub. But they're just.

28:06 They're just going along and just. Just chipping away, which means they're probably. They're probably due at some point. And again, I don't know if it's going to be against France, but look, I wouldn't write them off against Le Bleu. Yeah, I mean, this will. This will be the real test for both sides. I think, you know, France have had to win a couple of different ways. We'll get to that. But I really wanted to touch on this point, gentlemen, and I'm sure you both will as well, because Belgium had a small matter versing one of the host nations before this in the round of 16. And God thank you, Belgium, for defeating those Yanks, especially Belgium, for a day. I think we were. I think everyone outside the US and probably even some people inside the US who of different heritages.

28:56 That's not really a word, but different heritage than being a Yankee Doodle. So, yes, Belgium defeating usa. What a great day. It was, Scott, wasn't it? Yeah. I'll go to the actual game, then we might get to the other part, which is probably the biggest subplot on the game itself. The US does seem to have a mental block against anybody who's any good out of Europe. They just cannot seem to beat teams from Europe and they they got beaten heavily by Belgium in a pre World cup friendly and that was repeated here. They lost as well to what took here in the group stage. They just can't beat European teams. It's in, it's in their head. Particularly Belgium are in their head. So again I do. I think they were thoroughly outplayed on the day and I think even the most ardent US football or soccer as they call it, experts over there acknowledge that they were thoroughly outplayed. I just want. I'm not sure the availability of Florin Baligan actually had anything to do with the loss. Although we all certainly very much enjoyed Belgium's reaction to that. I think as well, you think back to when we played the US on that field in Seattle. The energy, the intensity that they played at. There was none of that in this game. And they just, they look to me like they, yes, they were created a team that were better than them. They had the mental block. They also look like a side who maybe just run out of a little bit of legs. And the intensity that they played at, maybe they can't do that over a full eight game tournament. They might have to really rethink that because they were very good in the group stage, but in this game they were thoroughly beaten. And yeah, Belgium's reaction to that overturning of the red card was very. It was great to them. Get that. And the

30:29 dancing alerts. It was absolutely brilliant. The decision. I don't know if you get to Alex, it's. It's mind boggling what that can't. I can't believe that actually happened. That the, the president of FIFA made a decision to overturn. Overturn, but suspend a red card penalty for whatever you want to call. I just find it, I find it mind boggling the fact that actually happened and I think it's great for football. The fact that Belgium actually just won the game and did it comfortably. Yeah, it's 100 the best thing. And that's why I think all football fans around the world rejoice at that because of the complete ridiculousness of the overturning of Florian Balogan's red card. Really, it's just, it's, it's nothing short of tampering with the game really, isn't it? And changing. Attempting to change outcomes and yeah, it's a concerning place that we find ourselves in. We gave FIFA a bit of praise at the start, but now it's time to, to get the FIFA bashing in, I think, isn't it, Adam? Look, it is and look there. Look There is precedent for that. But I don't even agree with the president to start with. I, I think at the end of the day the, the red, the red card is a red card.

31:42 Unless, especially unless it was going to get rescinded. There was no reason for. It's like what, what is a suspended sentence? Like the word. Yeah. What are we in juvie hall now? Like, I just, I just think, I just think. Yeah. And, and I think as well as I always like to say the football gods, they, they. They exact karma. And this was the sweetest form of karma there was. And look, I think that hopefully that this draws a line under. Which is a real shame because this will. Let's talk about a lot of things. The football on the pitch has been great and I just think that yeah, it's just unnecessary. It's, it's. It's the excuse and pile on. But it's like FIFA enjoy kicking their own goals because the tournament itself is great. But every time I get involved with some nonsense any but just. And on the USA as well, I do think that a lot of the extra pressure as well, a lot of the hate, a lot of just the absolute ignorance from a lot of their fans as well and not understanding that just because it's a foreign concept in the US that this not, it's not acceptable overseas. And this whole, this whole line I thought was absolutely laughable of. Oh, what don't you want to be to beat the best team possible? No, he did the wrong thing.

32:59 He got a red card, he got sent off. He deserves to miss the match, next match like every other footballer across the planet. Like so again in the end I think, and I think the Scott's point. I don't know if at the end of the day it took. It made a difference to the game because I just think the US just they look like a team that were out of legs. The pressure got to him. But it's certainly all the conjecture about baligun. Would he play, would he not play? Should he be playing? I think also as well that got to him as well. And in the end result, like we all rejoiced because for a while there we all hated the United States. But as a football team it's a shame because look, they did play some good football and while we didn't want to get too far and get too cocky, I thought they, I thought they did play well. Yeah. And I mean the context is Jerome Quanta from England got a red card on VAR review and he had, he was given a Two game suspension. And was that overturned? No.

34:02 Even though King Charles probably, well, he probably just didn't bother because he's like, that's just not going to happen now after that man in the White House did his thing. Anyway, that is again, that's another podcast. Alex. I might have to. I will not be a part of that podcast. Adam might be if he wants to. I won't be a party today. Yeah, no, no, let's, let's not get the tin foil hats out. Anyway, moving right along, France now, they defeated Paraguay 1 nil in what was a, probably fair to say a street fight of football rather than a football game. Killian Mbappe's quote, I really enjoyed that. You know, they expected France to turn up in dinner suits, but they came to play. So probably a pretty apt description of that. Of course he scored a penalty in that game. Rightfully given.

34:55 Unfortunately, didn't have as much luck on the penalty spot in the next game against Morocco where they defeated them 2 nil. But I guess France's road to the final, it looks like it's humming along nicely, doesn't it, Scott? It does. In the para. The Paraguay game, which you mentioned, was the only one of the games they've played so far that has turned into more of a street fight for them. A lot of their games have been very open affairs in the front third have been absolutely brilliant. This was the, the one game that France had to win in a different way and they were able to show they've got that toughness and resilience to stay in the game and not let a team who plays that way get to them. So they did that really well. But that front third, it is absolutely terrifying. Whether it's Barcala or Desiree do A on that left hand side and you've got Dembele, the golden boy, not the world player of the year on the right hand side. You've got a leaf, same behind and then Mbappe up front. It's a ridiculous front four or five, whichever way they want to play it. It is an unbelievable group of options and to me, I don't know if you see it same way, Alex, They've got a, a gear that the other teams this tournament just don't have. If they hit that gear in these last two games, whether it's the semifinal or the end, the final or third place game, which if they hit it in either of those games, I don't think any of the other three teams in the tournament can beat them. And they're just playing absolutely beautifully. They've got quality all through the team. They've got experience as well having been to major tournaments as player and coach. To me they are a team prime to go and win the tournament provided they can have. They just don't freeze in this last week which I. I don't think they will. They look like to me they are playing some unbelievable stuff.

36:27 Yeah, I tend to agree with you Scott. I mean Didier de Trump for me what he. The thing that's really impressed me not only the Paraguay win the way that they played but just. It's just really subtle tweaks that the trompe does. He doesn't go full Tony Popovic and completely Change his starting 11 or his formation or whatever. The subtle change that he made in the group stage is from he had Dembele playing as a number 10 and he was sort of occupying a similar space to what Mbappe and Alise wanted to. So he just. He literally just swaps Elise and Dembele and France look like again they just go into that next gear, don't they? But as. As you said Scott, they've still got a couple of years to go and it's a. It's an incredibly scary thought. And Adam, I'm not sure if you know think pretty similarly. I'm sure you probably do though. I do. I think.

37:24 I think they are out and out the favorites to win the soul and Scott's right. I can't. I can't add more than that. I just think they look. They look the part. The fact that they can win in multiple ways. Again they said they. That's the. The. The I guess the categorization of a street fight against Paraguay but then to so easily almost they never gave Morocco hura very, very good team. They didn't. They. They weren't even the same ballpark. And you're right that. That front four pass that front four of Dembele Mbappe do a Barcola on. On the bench as well is said that they all interchange. It's. That's scary that they all fire.

38:07 Yeah they. They probably the side look the deepest and also as well probably the best informant. It's just a matter of you know whether the other teams will stop them and I don't know if you got much answers. And on top of that defensively we like I said we had a lot of praise and credit to the defense but to the attack but the defense of Kunde and Upper Matano as well. I think they've done a solid job as well as is as A Mike Mendian, the keeper. Can I take 30 seconds on Morocco, Alex? Because everyone thought they were a real sleeper pick to win this tournament, they got as far as I could realistically expect to get to. Running into a team like France, not having Saidari available probably really did cripple their chances of doing something in this game. They just didn't look like a side who believed they could beat France either. And that surprised me. With all the quality they've got, the success they've had in the previous World cup and Junior World Cups, I thought they got a bit more belief and really test themselves against the French side.

39:03 But it just felt like they sat off a little bit too much to me, maybe she had a little bit too much respect. So I found it surprising Morocco didn't give France a better game. So I thought this would be one of the absolute best games of the tournament. France played their part. I'm not sure Morocco quite lived up to this. Yeah, I, I agree. And I do wonder, Scott, if it was a little bit of that, that naivety of youth in that side because it is a very young side. You look at Buadi in the midfield, I think he's 18 years old. He, he. It doesn't look out of place. It's, it's, it's the World cup of 18 year olds, don't get me wrong. But he's in, he's in the final of best young players in the tournament. He's been unbelievable. Oh, he was incredible. And I, I. Lille will have any chance of holding on to him in this European summer transfer window. And it's, yeah, I mean, it's scary what they might do in four years time because they're only going to get better.

39:54 Let's be honest with, with that young side now let's move on to a team that I don't really want to talk about because I predicted them to win the World Cup. What an absolute goose. Brazil. They were knocked out by Norway in the round of 16 and Brazil have some serious concerns, I think. And I don't think Carlo Ancelotti is the man to fix that, I don't think. Well, I think Brazilian football needs a bit of an overhaul because that side, it's probably the worst Brazilian side I reckon I've seen in my lifetime. I don't know about you, Adam. Got any thoughts on that? Look, I've got some very, very good insights as well. I have friends who are Brazilian. I've got a number of people so close to me that are Brazilian. And look, I was Hearing that back ed back when I was overseas in April as well and I met a number of Brazilians on the cruise I was on and we were talking football because football is a universal religion of Brazil and they never rated this team despite the fact that though that we all thought, okay look, they're going to be all right.

41:08 Yeah, Vinnie Jr. Is a very, very good player and whatnot. And a number of the others that are there, they never rated them. Again, that's not just your words. I'd be surprised. Any Brazilian that knows what talked about would actually dispute and saying this is the worst side of a generation yet they got to the round of 16 because there was not much belief. And you're right, the whole thing needs to be blown up. I joke, I. I joke about at times, but I don't think I'm far in the market. Brazilian football jocker Benito, it died that night that Jeremy murdered him in that semi final 2014. Because they have not been the same football nation since. They've been flashes. Like I said, you've got some very, very good young players coming through. I think players like Rayan and Andric I think will be the next generation that's gotta, that's gonna lead that side. But yeah, they, I think they were up there. Probably the biggest disappointments of this tournament. But if you listen to their home fans, no, they're not surprised.

42:07 And the funny thing is that we may see some answers about the rebuilding of Brazilian football in a couple months time on our own shores. Yeah, definitely. Because that is the first opportunity Brazil will get to get together as a national team and of course take on the might of the Socceroos here in Queensland as well. Even better in Townsville and Brisbane in September. But yes, I think if you look at that Brisbane zoo inside, there's a lot of older players, a couple in their sort of mid 20s and then the rest are all sort of 18, 19. And that's a bit of an issue in itself. And that's probably stems from the development and the pathways and the generation of players as well. And it's a bit of a concern for Brazil, but I think it is. But it's been a concern for 25 years really. Yes, they won in 2002, but they only scraped into that World cup, don't forget they had to. They only just got there and then no one in Brazil thought they were going to do anything then of course, and they managed also had the, the great front three at that point were able to get the job done.

43:16 And ever since then you actually think about it for the rest of the century, what have Brazil done? 2006, they got beaten by France and obviously they would beat us in the group stage, whatever, but that was kind of the end of that 2006. In 2002 team, wasn't. It was pretty similar, but then they go to 2010 and got criticized back home for being a bit more defensive than they would have liked in 14. Obviously they played some really good stuff, but ran out of legs and quality against the superior German team. 18, 22 and 26 have all been big disappointments. I think, to Adam's point, they. A big overview is needed in Brazilian football from the top down. I don't think their clubs are doing as well either in South American competitions and even in the club World Cup.

43:59 So I feel like a whole overlook of what is happening in Brazilian football. Because, like it's like you said, when you think about Brazil, you think about the great flamboyant players in the front third. We can all rattle off a whole host of them over the history of the World cup and they have been the most fun side overall to watch in the history of the World cup with what they have done. But these last couple of tournaments, they haven't been that team. And look, I'm a Man United fan. Konya, wearing the number nine shirt feels like a. A violation of Brazilian footballing. That should not be allowed. If I was a Brazilian, I would be saying, hang on, somebody else is wearing that shirt. Because he's not. He's not a Brazilian number nine. He does not compare to the legends who've worn that shirt. He's a good player, don't get me wrong.

44:40 And he wasn't bad in the tournament, but it just. It's symbolic of what Brazil have become, isn't it? They had some iconic legends in that sort of shirt. Now it's Matthias Cunha who's leading the line as the great hope of Brazilian football. They have fallen and I hope they get back because they are a great team to watch at their best. And I've. I've missed not having that sort of Brazilian team in the last few tournaments because when they're not there in that way, the tournament does lack something, doesn't it? It's. It's funny that, like I said, I'm popping more for. When they show the screen these shots in the crowd, you see the great legends, you see Renaldo Nazario, you see Roaldinho Kathu, Roberto Carlos, amongst others in the crowd that the invited guests of FIFA and I'm going to like, oh my God, Stan. You look at the players on the pitch and I can't get excited by them like past Brazilian players.

45:30 And they said that's just four or five of, you know, I'm not even talking about, you know, going back to Pele. I'm just talking about my generation of Brazilian players, you know. And I guess if I said to our generation, you know, they're so far I don't get any excitement. Like Vinnie Vinicius Jr. He has glimpses, but I think a lot of it as well. I think if, and again, I'm just speculating more than anything is I think just the fact is that these young players are going to Europe way too soon. They just, they've got dollars in their eyes and not doing the hard work. Rather than, you know, climbing through the other state leagues, you know, through, through the Syria in, in Brazil now, which is based upon time, one of the toughest leagues in the world. They're just all running off to Europe as well on their, on their European passports. They just don't even get a sense about what it is about being Brazilian and what, what representing that, the select y' all shirt. So I think that, and I think it's a major problem.

46:34 But look, again, that could be another podcast. So just talking about the, the demise of Brazilian football and I'm, I'm with Scott. Yeah, I, I miss, I miss the Brazil, the great Brazil teams as well. I guess in the way we said it, we have to settle for Argentina, but yeah, Brazil. There's something, there's something about that yellow shirt. When you see them play football over generations, world football's poorer for them not being at the top. Yeah. But couldn't have said it better myself with that last line, Adam. Really. Yeah, football's not the same without Brazil being involved. And the pure joy that, that you get from watching someone in that, that world famous, world renowned yellow shirt. And after all, they've won the most World Cups, haven't they? But they still feel a very long way away from beating, from winning one, I should say. Now, talking about the team that beat them, Norway. We know that they have their golden generation and they like a bit of rowing as well. Well, their fans. Anyway, the, the streak continues. Five games against Brazil in the World cup and they remain undefeated, which is a feat in itself, let's be honest. But just fell a bit short when they faced England in the quarterfinals on the weekend.

47:53 What have you made to their tournament, Scott? Norway or England? Norway. Norway. Sorry. All right, we'll get to England a minute. Norway. I thought they were really impressive. Their first real tournament back in the world stage with this team. And look, I think they are going to be a force for the next couple of tournaments. When you've got players like Martin Neutegaard and Erling Holland up front, you're going to be a really good side. There's no doubt about that. Over the course of what he's. They're going to do, they're not sure they're going to win a World cup or European Championships, but I can see them being a real force in those competitions and they were a very good side to what they gave France a real game. They gave England a good game as well. They are certainly a side who have emerged in this tournament, one of the nations who will go away from this World cup with their reputations enhanced. And it's not just those two players. They're the familiar players for all of us. But the other players in that side are also really good players as well. And I think they certainly did do themselves justice in this tournament. And the rowing celebration stuff has become iconic as well.

48:50 Yeah, definitely. The. One of the Norwegian Finns rowing up the escalator was a personal favorite of mine. Now, Adam, I guess, you know, it wasn't just Harland, was it? Norway wasn't just powered by Harland, I should say. I wanted to give a shout out to the. The old boy at the back, the goalkeeper, Nealand he was. I thought he was sensational. And he's off contract. Can you believe? Oh, I think he'll probably. He. He and Bozinha. I think it could be two keepers. Two of the keepers that. Yeah. That may at least get some big money moves to come the. Come the new season. Because I think he was very, very good. And you said short.

49:33 Norway coming short, but almost as short as our new Islands Bar goal kick that collected the. They collected the spider cam table and yes, and it caused a lot of controversy. And look just on that as well. Look, it's a. It's an interesting one because in a way, yes, it's true. It should have been a drop ball. Yes, I think Var may have. Should have caught. But then again, you think the furor is big right now as far as you know that goal being left to stand. You imagine if they. If they. If Bar overturned it and put it and. And not given that just.

50:19 Yeah. You know, our friends in the. In the home, in the motherland, they would have gone absolutely psycho over it. So look, it was One of those instances. So they got it wrong. They should have admit they got it wrong. But yeah, it was, it was a. Yeah, I wouldn't. If you had a bingo card and that bigger controversy. Ball hitting spider can cable. Yeah. Don't think anyone's winning that. Just keep it in the memory about any memory bank, Alex, because they do win the tournament next week, it'll be just like 1966. They can't win a World cup without some sort of a controversial goal involved. But I will say one thing about it from the Norwegian perspective is I was taught two things as a junior in this game. One is you'd never play the ball across goal and the second is you play the whistle.

51:04 And that goal was eminently preventable for their perspective. They could have. Yes, the ball hit the spider cam chord and it should have been called a dead ball at that point in time. But that goal was eminently preventable from a Norwegian perspective beyond that. And they all just stopped and they. If you play on when it's clearly offside until the whistle blows, you should be playing on then as well. And they just clocked off for a second and England made them pay. Jude Bellums goal was actually not bad. But look, you do add a perspective to that, Scott, that. Yeah, it's not easy. It's not hard to run around, you know, step around three or four players when they're. They're already protesting, saying it should have been their board. Probably takes a shine off that. But you look, you're right, that's what it comes down to. And at some point, yeah, you got, you got to play the whistle.

51:49 Even though VAR is there to check those things, which obviously no one I think really sort of saw that until it became viral. Yeah, no one really know what happened then. And Snico apparently denied that it touched the cable. So anyway, tinfoil hats. But before England got there, they played one of D games of the tournament, if not the game of the tournament against one of the co hosts, Mexico. A smashing. No, it's not a smash and grab job. It was a fantastic win to go to Mexico to play in altitude in the kickoff that was delayed due to the weather that was involved.

52:29 I mean, you know, for all the England bashing that's out there, it was a really good. They put on a fantastic performance and it was a. It was a massive win, wasn't it, Scott? It is. I'll be serious about England further at this point in time. That was the game of the tournament to Mexico in. England had absolutely everything you could possibly want in a game of football. England with everything against them. The weather, the humidity, the, the altitude, all the rest of it. The, the full crowd at the Azteca. It was an unbelievable atmosphere and a wonderful performance. Mingle. I was joking that that was going to be elimination day for England, but they really showed something in that game to come through all of those things and play the way they did. They didn't get lucky in this game. They're so defended for their lives at the end. And there was a bit of controversy around some red cards and penalties and all the rest of it, but that all, to me, that all evened out anyway and they just were the better team than Mexico and they played some really good stuff. And we should give Thomas Tuchel real credit here as well, because he did something before the tournament that not many England managers have ever had the guts to do. He picked the squad he wanted to play the way he wanted to play. And he left real talent at home in terms of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and a bunch of other players. He said no. This team's built around Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane and their strengths and Harry Kane's elite in the penalty area. And Jude Bellingham, one of his many great qualities is it's Cahill esque, the way he can make runs into the area and get on the end of things. And he wanted players who would fit around that. And he decided those two players left at home, yep, excellent players, could potentially do something, but they didn't fit what he wanted. And he picked the players he wanted

54:02 who would do the job. And he's got himself into a semi final. And I think they could get even further than a semi final is sickening as it is. The idea of them being in a World cup final, there's a really good chance it happens because they've got a team and a squad here that plays the way they want to play instead of just doing stupid stuff like picking Lampard and Gerard for a fifth tournament in a row. When it doesn't work, he said, no, no, I'm going to mix this up and go with a very particular plan and way of playing and it works. That's what a World cup is about. It's not about all of your best players. It's about a team that can go there and win. And he just decided that's the best way. And he copped a lot of grief before the tournament. He got it right, you got it 100% right. And that's why England are in the semi final. Let's, let's be completely honest.

54:45 And Tuchel is, you know, quite famous for winning cup tournaments at club level, isn't he? This is just a, you know, you know, a small matter of a World cup and he's got his bang on and some big calls. You know, there wasn't only those two that he left out. It was Trent, Alexander, Arnold. There was a lack of right backs as well and he's been lambasted for that. But they've made it work. They've. They've just made it work and he, he's just got. Got it right. I think there's really no other way to put it, is there Adam? And, and now they, now they get to face the might of Messi and Argentina for the first time in Messi's case. Yeah, look there, there's no, it's not a, it's not a fluke that England are still undefeated with Tuchel in charge. And I think it's only been one. I think it might be maybe one draw in that. So is a.

55:35 So waiver ways working? It's not. It's still surprising that he does. I don't think. I think it's died there now because obviously England are going very well in this tournament. But I think, but I do remember the absolute pacing he got for leaving out, you know, players, as you said, Foden, Palmer, Trent, you know, a lot of those players. Jared Bowen's another one that springs to mind that should have been locked in but again it's about his team. But look, just look at that Mexico game. Absolutely agree. Probably the game of tournament had everything we love about the World cup. Even the build up the Jackson Drakes about the kickoff time which by the way was the. Actually the Mexican government. The all the build up 24 hours before all the shenanigans outside, outside in the. In the.

56:24 The build up to the game. The overnight the hotel. But also as well. But also we are we so surprised as well that you know that the, the performance against Norway for them was probably a little bit flat. But again when you have be faced all that adversity in that round of 16 game, you know, I'm not surprised. So that's probably even makes the win against Norway probably that much more better. Going to extra time and getting that win. Given, given that that after everything they went through, I think given seven days prepare ahead or not seven days, I think it's probably four days. Four or five days to prepare Argentina that I think gets four days. I'm told that is A huge game, that semi final. And look, I, I think they're, they're a great chance against Argentina.

57:18 And look, the other thing about Mexico City as well, it probably also, for those old enough that sort of know as well, that probably buries a few demons and ghosts of what happened in that quarterfinal, that famous quarterfinal in 1986 as well, that England finally get a win at the Azteca. And so it's a big line in their history. Underline now buried two ghosts in, in two weeks, Alex. Because they also had the one Adam mentioned, the last World cup they missed was the last one in America. So they could bury both of them. Unfortunately, if it continues this way, it's going. Yeah. Which would be quite incredible, wouldn't it? So anyway, we'll never hear the end of it if they do. That's. That is so true. That's so true. And let's, let's not even entertain that thought for any longer than we need to because there are two semi finals upcoming in midweek. We've got France versus Spain in the first one. The Optus supercomputer, of course, is predicting that the winner will come from that game more likely than the other one. But the next one is England versus Argentina.

58:22 So I'll do that silly old thing that we do where we, we do a semi final prediction and go on to the win. Although I believe both of your team's lads are still in the tournament, so you're not a. You don't have egg on your face like me yet. Anyway. But I want to change my prediction, actually, because I did say before tournament that Spain, I actually think France will go on and win. I think this semi final is going to be absolutely sensational. I don't know if it'll be a 5, 4 thrill like it was in the Nations League when they met last year in the semi final there. So that would be something if it was. But as we, as I said earlier, I feel like France has got a gear in them that other nations simply cannot match.

59:03 And if they hit that in this tour, in this semi final, I think that'd be too good for Spain. But if, if they don't, Spain are eminently capable of beating him. I think it's going to be an unbelievable contest. All four of these games will be great contests from here on out, which is going to be why it's going to be so great to see these teams play. But I feel like this game in particular could be something special. Yeah, hard to disagree with you there, Scott. Now, Adam, do your Best to follow that one up. Look, I think either way, look at any combination I think is going to be great. You've got the top four ranked teams in the world playing off. Look, I think, I think France beats Spain. I think France are just ahead of them at the moment, I think in skill, I think they've been in better form. Spain, as you said, have been under the radar, but I think that French defense probably could almost suffocate them to a point. And then it's Kylian Mbappe and his, and, and his men around him, I think potentially could make, make the difference in the end in the other semifinal.

1:00:01 Wow, what a game this is going to be. I just had this feeling England will, will win this game. I just think that with everything that's going on with Argentina, all the controversy, all the, you know, the extra time games, I know England have been for the ringer as well, but I just think that luck is about to run out for them and it all takes us one bit of luck and England can pounce. And I think, yeah, it's, I, I don't know if it's going home or whether Falklands are going home as well with the winner of this game. But look, I think it's just gonna be a tremendous semi final. France, England final. Oh, geez.

1:00:42 You know what? I still think France, I, I think France are the best team here right now. I think again, I think France will probably have a slightly easier time than England and with that day rest as well, I do think it will be, I think for branch out England and the other game in Miami, that third place game, that could be a wild one, that one between Argentina and Spain, but that's sort of how I predict it from here. I should have done the other semi finals. I just realized I didn't do that. I tend to agree with Adam. I think England unfortunately will actually win that semi final, although both of them are coming in with like huge obstacles to overcome. England, the big emotional win in Mexico City, then playing in the sauna of Miami, and that's not going to do them any favors. Argentina, two knockout games out of three, going all the full distance of 120.

1:01:31 To me it's a real coin toss game. I would love to see the rematch of four years ago because that was unbelievable. I have a feeling England are going to get to another final. Have been really good at getting through tournaments. I think they're going to get to the final here. Unfortunately, we're all going to have to put up with the English for Another, another major final, but I think France will beat them anyway. I think they'll do pretty comfortably. I think they are the best team and I think Argentina will finish third for whatever that's worth. I don't really care about the third place playoff, but I think they'll win that game because it'll be Lionel Messi's final game for Argentina in all likelihood, and I doubt that one. I doubt they'll want to send him out a loser if it is his last game. So I think there'll be France, England, Argentina and Spain will finish in fourth, but that's, that's my prediction. Look, hard to disagree, unfortunately.

1:02:18 I don't think football's coming home, but I think they're going to make the final. I just think Harry Kane's just going to do something, think special or Bellingham. It's. It's going to be one of them, let's be honest. And I just think Argentina, like you said, Adam, I think Argentina's luck's going to run out. I just think he can't keep covering up for Messi walking around the pitch for that long. I think as much as you change that midfield, there's just not quite enough width in that attacking play that Argentina are dishing up so far. And I think that's where their downfall is going to be against England, who've got, got, you know, Saka as a Rogers, Gordon Rashford, I mean, take your pick. They're just gonna, I think they're gonna make mincemeat of the Argentinian fullbacks in that one. That's, that's my little tip for you. And as for France, look, I think Spain's gonna give him a red hot go and I could see another 54 Nations League thriller on the cards in this one.

1:03:15 You heard it here first, so it means it'll probably be a one. All right. One nil snooze fest. Knowing my luck with predictions, but that's, that's what I'll put. And I think that's what we can leave it on because you can cut that one up and, and put it on the social medias and make a, a goose out of me. But Scott, I think you want to add a. I was just going to ask, are we all picking England to beat Argentina because you actually think it's going to happen or are we just trying to reverse jinx the result here? Because for me it's at least 50. 50. I actually think it's going to happen again. Of these four teams as well, I do think that Argentina's defense is probably the weakest and most acceptable as well. And I, I do think that you've got the X factor. Drew Bellingham, you've got, you know, a reliable number nine, Harry Kane, a number of players off the bench.

1:04:02 You could just do Anthony Gordon, I think is sort of. He's had a decent tournament now that I've lost. Lost for him. Freighter. But, but yeah, look, I do, I do actually think give England a good hope. But one question I want to put to you boys without as well two semi final venues, both indoor. The France Spain game played in at and T. Oh sorry, Dallas Stadium and the. And the England Argentina played in Atlanta Stadium and then they go outdoors for the, for the final and the third place pass. Does that any have any sort of bearing as far as sort of the way the games are played? Oh, that's a good call. That's.

1:04:44 That's interesting, Adam. You've, you've put me on notice there and I would love to have done my research Church, but I didn't in relation to this question because it would be good to know if they played at the indoor stadiums. They've been based in that northeast corner the whole, whole World cup. And now they're gonna have to travel to Dallas for the semi final playing indoor. So a lengthy trip. Indoor stadium. That's all new for France. It's not new for Spain. So if I was Spanish I'll be clinging on to that one. It's not going to make. Make any difference to England or to Argentina there. I think they've both played in Atlanta actually already in the tournament, so they're well familiar with it. But that's a good point Adam makes around the indoor stadium for the semi finals because it's new from as far as I can remember. It's new for France. Yeah. Yep. So there you go. That answers my question. So I mean that, that's a potential spanner in the works for, for the. The France machine that goes rolling into town there.

1:05:40 But again, it's hard to see that it's going to. To change things completely. But it might just mean that we do get a. I think I've already a ridiculous scoreline like that 54 Nations League result against Spain or it could be a one nil snooze fest. It's going to be one or the other. I don't know. It'll be anything in between. Which is really strange to say because I think this might be the game that France's defense actually gets properly tested with A different style of attack that Spain have brought with them in this talk tournament. Even though Oya Sabal is Not out now 9 is in red hot form. So it's, it'll be interesting to see what happens there in that one. That's a confirm. France played their group stage games in New York, in Philadelphia and then in in Boston. That was their three group stage games. I'm pretty sure they didn't play any outside the in the knock inside in the knockout Ryan rounds either. They were again in new in New York, Philadelphia and Boston. So I've literally been in those in those three cities the entire way. So from their perspective it is all new.

1:06:46 Yeah. So and a bit of travel as you said. So that should be quite interesting. Well then, gentlemen, thank you very much for your time. I think we've covered just about everything in this episode, which is good. And we'll be back to wrap up the tournament over the coming days as well, which will be quite a sad moment because I've thoroughly enjoyed this. Gentleman, thank you very much for your time this evening. Scott. Yeah, I'm off to file an official appeal as well, by the way. Brilliant. Brilliant indeed. And Adam as well. Thank you for your time. Yeah, thank you and good night. Thank you very much. Thank you for listening to the Aussie football passport. I hope you've enjoyed this episode and we will be back later on to wrap up the World Cup. Goodbye for now,