Episode 20: Pochettino's Folly, Spain Deep Dive and Sweet Sweet Music

Episode 26: The Stars and Stripes, The Pharaohs and Los Cafeteros

On Episode 26 of The Away End, “To lose is to win a little bit.” As all the host countries have now been eliminated, there are lessons to be learned on how not to gain a tactical advantage. Daniel and John start with their thoughts on the USMNT’s performance against a fired-up Belgian side in the midst of unwelcome interference. Daniel talks about his experience in Bogotá as Colombia was eliminated by Switzerland in an agonizing round of penalty kicks and Egypt couldn't escape the GOAT doing GOAT-like things. Daniel and John preview the quarterfinals and say goodbye to some of the players that they are going to miss. And as always, listener questions and stories bring the spirit of the World Cup into focus.  If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review wherever you listen, tell your friends about The Away End, and email us at awayendpod@gmail.com [awayendpod@gmail.com].  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Episode 25: The Guts and Glory of Cape Verde, Those Who Must Tip the Scales and Other Revelations of Truth and Consequence

On Episode 25 of The Away End, the full spectrum of the World Cup is on display. We begin with everyone’s favorite Cape Verdean, Janine de Novais as she joins Daniel and John to talk about how a small country stole the spotlight during this World Cup with their stirring performance in the Round of 32 against Messi and Argentina. She adds some context to help us better understand the “Cabo Verdean Way” and how it now feels be Cape Verdean in light of this performance. Daniel and John then discuss how, once again, corruption was on display for everyone to see as the rules were bent to allow Flo Balogun to play for the USMNT against Belgium. And in an episode full of contradictions, they discuss the ugly Paraguay vs. France, the majesty of the Mexico vs. England and the misery of Spain vs. Portugal. Then a new segment for those of you who are here for the stories, an ode to the players that have made an impact on us that we’ll miss due to elimination. And as always, some listener questions.   If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review wherever you listen, tell your friends about The Away End, and email us at awayendpod@gmail.com [awayendpod@gmail.com].  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Episode 24: We Were Wrong About Everything Part 2, USMNT Outlook and the Vozinha Rule

On Episode 24 of The Away End, Daniel and John recap what we’ve seen so far and preview what’s to come including the USMNT’s prospects of making it to the Round of 16. They talk about surprises like the South American teams’ performances, Europe looking less dominant than usual, and how the African teams had nine out of ten teams advance to the Knockout Rounds. They discuss their brackets, of course, as well as their best player of the tournament so far, best performances, most disappointing teams, what they’ve loved so much that it shocked them and EVERYTHING they have been wrong about since the last time they were wrong about everything. Finally, we dip into the listener mailbag. If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review wherever you listen, tell your friends about The Away End, and email us at awayendpod@gmail.com [awayendpod@gmail.com].  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Episode 23: Even When You’re Wrong, You Can Still Be Right, Americana Culture with an Achy Breaky Heart Vibe, and Unforgettable Moments

On Episode 23 of The Away End, Daniel and John begin with a discussion of the differences between Messi and Ronaldo, "The Peru Rule", and the things that have made this Tournament brilliant so far. They reveal the wonders of watching teams that are lacking something competing against each other, older goalkeepers and the USMNT! From “class” chants to regretful praise for Mauricio Pochettino and with a little Colombian affection, there are pats on the back all-around for how wrong our predictions have been. Daniel expresses concern and sadness about the performance shift in international football between South America and Europe that this World Cup is revealing, and John offers a case for South American, African and North American teams. Daniel and John end with the things that FIFA can’t take away from us and the guys dive into some listener questions hosted by Daniel’s son, Eliseo.  If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review wherever you listen, tell your friends about The Away End, and email us at awayendpod@gmail.com [awayendpod@gmail.com].      See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Episode 22: Pochettino's Redemption, Alarcón vs. Jordan and the First Days of the World Cup

On Episode 22 of The Away End, The World Cup brings people together, and that includes Daniel, John and Sean who, after many years or maybe just a year apart, find themselves reunited together again! John was watching the USMNT from Norway at 3 AM. Daniel was in Philadelphia's Fan Zone for Cape Verde's already legendary draw against Spain that may be the best defense yet for expanding the tournament even more in the future! And listener questions highlight the remarkable dives of the tournament, the age-old Alarcón vs. Jordan debate and what numbering the players means.  If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review wherever you listen, tell your friends about The Away End, and email us at awayendpod@gmail.com [awayendpod@gmail.com].  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.