Summary
Highlights
Italy fails to qualify for the World Cup for the third successive tournament, a significant blow for the four-time champions. James Horncastle reports from Zenica, detailing the emotional toll on coach Gennaro Gattuso and the team after their penalty shootout loss to Bosnia. The Italian Football Federation President Gabriel Gravina faces calls for resignation, and the future of Gattuso and sporting director Gigi Buffon is uncertain.
Filipe Cardinas discusses the unprecedented nature of Italy missing three consecutive World Cups, questioning the future of its leadership. He reflects on key moments from the Bosnia match, including Aleandro Bastoni's red card and Italy's reliance on a 'suffering' mentality. The conversation shifts to Bosnia's impressive qualification, highlighting their resilience and the standout performance of Wisconsin-born player Esmeir Barak Tarović, who scored the decisive no-look penalty.
The discussion turns to Italy's lack of star players, a stark contrast to previous generations. Sandro Tonali, currently at Newcastle, is highlighted as a key player for Italy, but questions arise about his optimal position and potential transfer interest from top Premier League clubs. Filipe notes Tonali's missed free-kick as emblematic of Italy's struggle to find a player who can deliver in critical moments.
Sweden secures a spot in the World Cup after an 88th-minute winner by Viktor Gyökeres against Poland. Jacob Whitehead reports on the thrilling 3-2 victory. The hosts marvel at Manager Graham Potter's remarkable journey, having been relieved of duties at Chelsea and West Ham, now leading Sweden to the World Cup despite a winless qualifying group, thanks to their Nations League performance. His deep connection with Swedish football and ability to foster a positive environment are lauded.
The DRC Congo qualifies for the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, with Axel Tuanzebe scoring the winner against Jamaica. The joyous celebrations in Kinshasa are noted, while Jamaica's failure to qualify is seen as a significant missed opportunity, especially given their favorable CONCACAF qualifying path and the World Cup being hosted in North America. Filipe expresses disappointment at Jamaica's inconsistency, highlighting their missed chances and popular Adidas kits that won't be seen at the tournament.
England's performances during the international break, including a draw with Uruguay and a loss to Japan, are discussed. Manager Thomas Tuchel points to key players like Harry Kane missing. The hosts analyze Tuchel's approach to squad selection, focusing on 'good tourists' who maintain team morale, even if they don't play. The debate touches on Phil Foden's struggles, James Garner's emergence, and the importance of Jude Bellingham as England's number 10. Filipe shares his initial prediction of England winning the World Cup but acknowledges the team's often uninspiring play.
The United States men's national team faces scrutiny after heavy losses to Belgium (5-2) and Portugal (2-0). Mauricio Pochettino's ambitious rhetoric about reaching the World Cup final is contrasted with the team's evident shortcomings, particularly in defense and goalkeeping. Christian Pulisic, the face of the program, is under pressure due to a scoring drought and missed opportunities, raising questions about his form and mental state. The hosts discuss the pervasive sentiment in the US that the team could 'get grouped' in the World Cup.
The episode concludes with quick-fire predictions for the upcoming World Cup. Carl predicts Egypt will be a shock exit, while Filipe suggests the host nation USA could face an early departure. For underdogs, Carl picks Scotland, and Filipe goes with Bosnia. For the overall winner, Carl initially leans towards Spain but acknowledges the strength of France, while Filipe firmly backs France, highlighting their exceptional talent and potential for multiple World Cup triumphs under Kylian Mbappé.