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Final Group Games: Who Will Progress? | Day 17 Preview | Morning Cupdate, Presented by The Home Depot
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- [00:00]
Roger Bennett
For nearly two decades, almost as long as Tim Ream has been in the U.S. men's National Team, All State has bat the growth of this game in every corner of this great footballing nation, from grassroots pitches to the biggest stages, they've been here believing in it, protecting its future. Because supporting soccer, it's not just about match days. And that's why All State offers affordable coverage at personalised rates, so you can spend less time worrying and and more time watching. Check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. Visit allstate.com or call a local agent today. Allstate. You're in good hands. Potential savings vary subject to terms and availability. Allstate North America Insurance Company and Affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. We are delighted to bring you the Men in Blazers City Guides presented by Visa, a joyously assembled guide to the best places to eat, drink and explore and watch the beautiful game across the country. Enjoyed. Aimed at helping fans experience the city as a local. It's built by you, our listeners, recommending some of the best small businesses in your communities, like the finest Fiat Cajun in Houston. Yes. The best burrito in San Francisco. Yes. Where to save a lemon pepper wet in Atlanta. Yes. Yes. Yes. A massive shout out to our sponsor, Visa, who's made this guide possible. Visa gives local business owners the tools and support to be ready for moments exactly like this one. Welcoming you to enjoy the games this summer. Start planning your journey@meninblazers.com CityGuides lays an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026, is also the official sponsor of all bandwagon fans during this euphoric summer of footballing wonder. And this summer, they're inviting all of us to jump on because come kick off. Hope springs eternal. My cold, dark heart grows three sizes every FIFA world up. The ebullient Moroccans, the splimed Spanish. You can't help but fall in love again and again. So ask Grandma if perhaps your 1/16 French, Brazilian or Japanese. Adopt a new anthem, borrow a new flag. Embrace that bandwagon, because when your team goes home, the party doesn't have to grab a bag of lays, gather some friends and cheer for whoever you damn well like.
- [02:18]
Michael Davies
Hello. Welcome to Morning Cup Day. It is nearly time to turn our attention to the knockout stages of the World cup, but not quite yet. We've still got one day of group games to come, and they're pretty good ones as well. England are in action against Panama and we've got a tasty clash between Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal and Colombia. You will not want to miss that. They're two of six games coming up today. This is your ultimate guide to day 17 of the World Cup. Yep. Welcome to Morning cup date built by the Home Depot coming to you live from la. Now the Home Depot is your winning assist to host the ultimate watch party with fast free delivery to get your backyard matchday ready, subject to availability. Now we're dedicating the start of the show to Cape Verde.
- [03:06]
Roger Bennett
Cabo Verde came to experience the World Cup. They have changed the World Cup. This is not just qualification, it is confirmation of a miracle in motion.
- [03:21]
Michael Davies
Yeah, one place to start. One of the best stories of the tournament. And now their fairy tale continues. They've become the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup. A 00 draw against Saudi Arabia did the job and I admit it wasn't the most exciting game, but the scenes afterwards were absolutely incredible. Also scenes of the players huddled around a mobile phone watching the final minutes of Spain against Uruguay, knowing that a Spain win would confirm them as runners up in the group. It was very, very special. And once the win was confirmed, the celebrations. And just to give you a little bit of context, this is how the news went down in Cape Verde. But really, we shouldn't be that surprised. This is no fluke. They did qualify above Africa's most successful World cup nation, Cameroon, and they made the quarter finals in their debut at Afcon as well. But what a moment for the nation of just half a million people. And lifelong Cape Verde fan, as of just 10 days ago, Rog was just as emotional after the full time whistle.
- [04:44]
Roger Bennett
I'm watching these unbelievable scenes in Cape Verde like you probably are, and it is so emotional. I've been a lifelong fan like you for the last 10 days. It feels like a spiritual home that I've never been to this scattering of islands.
- [04:58]
Michael Davies
Cape Verde's reward is around a 32 clash against none other than the holders Argentina in Miami on Friday. In the other Group H match, as previously mentioned, Spain came out on top against Uruguay. 10 was the final score. Alex Baena was gifted a goal after Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera fumbled a tame effort into his own net. The mistake ultimately led to Uruguay's elimination and poor old Muslera took the decision to substitute himself off at halftime. It was an abysmal tournament for the South Americans, winning just two points and finishing behind Cape Verde as well. And at the full time whistle, manager Marcelo Bielsa couldn't contain his frustration. I've done a lot of post match interviews and I'm pretty sure that would have ended me up next we have Norway against France. Now. This game was one of the most hotly anticipated of the group stages and on yesterday's show we bigged up the potential duel between two of football's biggest stars in Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. But unfortunately for us, we'll just have to wait for that battle as already qualified. Norway made 10 changes for this one, so no Erling Haaland. I think it was even sadder for Channing Tatum who was spotted in the crowd dressed up as his new best friend. Erling Coach Stehl Solbacken opted to rest his players for the round of 32 rather than compete for the top spot in the group and carry on their momentum. Already qualified, France went for the complete opposite approach. They absolutely went for it and included all of their best players like Kylian Mbappe, Ballon d' or winner Ousmane Dembele who scored three after just 32 minutes. He joins Lionel Messi and Canada's Jonathan David in becoming the third player to bag a hat trick in this tournament, which is already the most the World cup has seen in 40 years. Desiree Duret added a late fourth to seal a 41 victory for Les Bleus. So France topped the group and will place Sweden in New Jersey on Tuesday 30 June. Well, Norway finishes runners up and therefore have a trip to Dallas confirmed to face the Ivory coast in the other Group I game. Senegal took on Iraq. Knowing that their knockout hopes hinged on beating Iraq by at least three goals, their fans were well up for it in Toronto. Oh we love the Senegalese fans. They were bringing the energy that is for sure. And their team, well they brought the goods. A thumping five nil victory which included two beautiful goals from substitute Pap Gay. They were also helped along the way by an early red card for Iraq's Rebin Salaka who was sent off for a foul on Sadio Mane. That result was enough to secure a place in the round of 32 for the Afcon champions. Sorry, AFCON runners up finally in Group G Egypt's one all draw with Iran means they're definitely through. Iran thought they had got a last minute winner, though there were some big celebrations until that goal was ruled out for offside. Quite controversially from Var. They finish in third and now have a long wait for their confirmation. Belgium thrash New Zealand 5:1 to top the group if both Belgium and the USMNT win their first knockout games. By the way, they will meet in the round of 16. And speaking of the USMNT, according to the Athletic, U.S. soccer have offered Mauricio Pochettino a contract extension that would see him take charge for a second World cup cycle running until 2030.
- [08:33]
Sponsor/Advertiser Voice
Woo.
- [08:33]
Michael Davies
World cup conversations have been ongoing for several months, but any decisions will be made after this tournament.
- [08:41]
Roger Bennett
And as the world arrives in the United States for the biggest spectacle in sports, we're going coast to coast, host city to host city to meet the world with the men in Blazers Matchday Live tour. These are free college gameday style live events taking place just before kickoff at some of the biggest games of the summer where we'll be taking the stage with celebrity guests in front of thousands of fans. It's going to be amazing. Come and be with us in person or From Afar on YouTube. And let's celebrate this some other way. It's meant to be celebrated. Let's head to the events tab on meninblazers.com for all the details to the football to more together Courage when it's
- [09:22]
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- [09:28]
Michael Davies
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- [09:32]
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- [10:21]
Michael Davies
so it's day 17 of the world cup and that means it is the end of the group stages. Woo.
- [10:27]
Roger Bennett
World cup finally.
- [10:30]
Michael Davies
By the close of play today, nearly 70% of the matches will have been played and only 33% of the teams will have been knocked out. Make that make sense. It all starts with the conclusion of Group L. And this is a group where things are still very much up for grabs. In New Jersey, it's Panama against England. Harry Kane scored a hat trick against them eight years ago in the tournament. And the really bad news for Panama is that Kane's curse has now been lifted.
- [10:55]
Roger Bennett
Have you now lifted the curse on Harry Kane? Harry Kane is free to score. Yes, yes, I did yesterday. Harry Kane is not my enemy.
- [11:03]
Michael Davies
That was Ghanaian witch doctor Nana Kwaku Bonsam telling British radio station LBC that the curse he placed on the England striker in a bid to stop him scoring against Ghana has officially ended. That will strike fear into the hearts of all Panama fans, I am sure around the world who will no doubt still have sleepless nights over that 61 defeat at Russia 2018. Panama have become a force to be reckoned with at CONCACAF level, regularly reaching the latter stages of the Gold cup in recent years, but replicating that on the World cup stage has been very difficult. They know that they're already doomed to last place in Group L, but a first World cup point could be a huge boost for the country. As for England, well, the fans have been brought back down to earth after their drab nil nil draw with Ghana. There's not been much of this recently. Hmm. Producer George, what are you saying? Maybe not as back to earth as I first thought. England's Reece James is confirmed to be out for this one, but Thomas Tuchel has declared that midfield duo Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson are both available despite fitness concerns. Alongside Bukayo Saka, who could be back on the right wing at the same time in Philadelphia is Croatia as they take on Ghana. Let's hope Luka Modric is watching his back because that Ghana witch doctor will be onto Croatia. Fans aren't thinking about that though, because they're too busy gatecrashing a newlywed couple's photo outside of City hall in Philadelphia. They are going to be very good wedding photos for sure. A draw will see both Croatia and Ghana advance to the last 32 by the way. Then at 7:30 Eastern, there's a very tasty game in Miami as Colombia play Portugal in Group K. And that is the subject of today's Drill Day Down. Today's Drill down, brought to you by Makita, is all about one of the most exciting games of the tournament so far. Although I'm pretty sure we did say that about Norway. France. This one was dubbed as the most expensive match of the group stage, with tickets going for over $3,000 a pop. What that deserves a what Both sides are stacked with star power. Portugal's talent needs a little introduction. Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes are the standouts, but pretty much the entire starting 11 is world class. Colombia may not quite have the depth of talent. But any team that can boast Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez in attack should never be underestimated. But in this tournament, Colombia's real strength has been its robust midfield of Jefferson Lerma and Gustavo Puerta. Their sturdy presence has helped this Colombian defence keep two consecutive clean sheets and it will be fascinating to see if they can make that three from three. All eyes will be on this game, not just because of that talent on show, but also because this could determine if we are finally going to get to see the holy Grail of Lionel Messi against Cristiano Ronaldo in a World Cup.
- [14:08]
Sponsor/Advertiser Voice
What?
- [14:11]
Michael Davies
Despite playing at a combined 52 matches, they've never played each other in this tournament before. And although never say never, 2026 is surely, surely the last time that this could happen. With Argentina already confirmed to have topped their group, a quarter final meeting in Kansas City is on the cards if Portugal beat Colombia and top their group. If Portugal failed to win, then the only way that they could play each other would be in the final in New Jersey on July 19th. Now can you imagine how much a ticket to that game is going to cost elsewhere in Group K at 7:30, Dr. Congo play as Becky Uzbekistan in Atlanta. Barring a gigantic win, Uzbekistan's dreams of reaching the last 32 are pretty much over. But a win for DIA Congo would be enough for them. Then finally at 10pm Eastern, it's the conclusion of Group J in Kansas City. It's a dead rubber between Jordan who are guaranteed to finish bottom, against Argentina who are guaranteed to finish top and expected to rest. Lionel Messi and Austria face Algeria who both sit on three points. More on that match at the end of the show after the final full time whistles of the day, tune in as always to Night cup. The guys will be joined by a very special guest, football's chief poet, Mr. Peter Drury. Tune in right here on the men in Blazers YouTube. Anyway, it is now time for my worst bit of the entire day. I dread it. It's time for predictions. Yesterday I took on Carl Beckermann. He went for a France win against Norway. Well I went for the opposite, but thankfully he went for a Kate Verde win against Saudi Arabia, siding with Rodgers second team. While I correctly predicted a draw, which means it's all square, the scores remain 64 to the Nightcup. Today I took on Karl Beckermann once again.
- [16:06]
Roger Bennett
So we've got two predictions for you today. You've got Colombia versus Portugal. Quite a spicy one. What do you reckon it's going to be? The score I'm going to go two 1.
- [16:15]
Michael Davies
Colombia
- [16:17]
Roger Bennett
impressed with what they got so far. Not worried about Ronaldo.
- [16:21]
Michael Davies
Yeah, it's going to be tough game for sure. But I think Colombia's got something right now that maybe they'll take into that game.
- [16:28]
Roger Bennett
And then next one we've got Croatia versus Ghana. Now this is quite interesting. Ghana already through, but they could, you know, it's all about leader place in the. In the group. What do you think is going to happen? Very good against England. Defensively strong.
- [16:42]
Michael Davies
I'm gonna say 10 Croatia.
- [16:46]
Roger Bennett
Thank you very much.
- [16:47]
Michael Davies
Back to back, Kyle. Aren't we lucky? Now? I am saying 3 nil to Portugal. I think it's gotta be, hasn't it? So going against Kyle there and I'm gonna go for a nil nil draw between Croatia and Ghana.
- [17:04]
Sponsor/Advertiser Voice
What?
- [17:06]
Michael Davies
I think I've got that in the bag. Today's finishing touch brought to you by Bear Paint, is about a grudge in today's fixtures that you might not be too familiar with. Now, you might hear Algeria against Austria and think, oh, that's going to be a pretty tame one. But you'd be sorely mistaken. This is a footballing hatred that stretches back almost 44 years. It's all because of the events that took place in the Spanish city of Gijon on June 25, 1982. Second half in Gi Han will be remembered as a shabby disgrace for the good name of football and to the World cup competition. That was the sound of the commentator who was disgusted by what he saw as West Germany beat Austria 1 nil at the 1982 World Cup. This was when the group stages consisted of three teams per group and both teams knew that a one nil win for West Germany would mean both teams advanced at Algeria's expense. As a result, once West Germany went 10 up, neither team tried to attack the other with the ball being passed around aimlessly in the midfield. There were jeers from spectators of both sides, but they were undeterred. Algeria lodged a formal complaint, but FIFA did not charge either team. However, they did modify the group's stages for future tournaments. Since then, there's always been four teams per group and the final round of matches kicked off off simultaneously. The real irony is that when Austria and Algeria play each other later today in Group J, a draw will mean that both advance to the last 32. Surely they wouldn't, would they? That is it for morning cup date today, built by the Home Depot. The Home Depot is your winning assist to host the ultimate watch party with fast free delivery to get your backyard match day ready, subject to availability now. Today is the day. Philadelphia Head on down to Spruce Street Harbour park at 3pm Eastern time, just ahead of Croatia and Ghana for the fourth stop on our Matchday Live Tour. Roger Rory will be taking to the stage with three legends World cup champion Sam Mewes, Italy's iconic striker Super Mario Balotelli and Eagles hall of Famer Jeremiah Trotter. For those in Philly, we'll be live rain or shine. Belt any lightning? Of course. Keep an eye on the men in Blazers socials for any updates pending the weather. As always, the show will be live streamed as well. If you're tuning in from afar, that link is in the notes below. We are going to be back tomorrow, but until then, enjoy the last day of the group stages.
- [19:42]
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