Clint Dempsey on USMNT 4-1 Paraguay: The Deuce, Presented by Allstate 06/13/26

Summary

Men In Blazers – “Clint Dempsey on USMNT 4-1 Paraguay: The Deuce, Presented by Allstate”
Episode Date: June 13, 2026

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Episode Overview

This special emergency episode of Men in Blazers celebrates the United States Men's National Team's (USMNT) emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hosts Roger Bennett and Michael Davies (joined by USMNT legend Clint Dempsey) break down the narrative, tactical elements, and emotional impact of the match, reflecting both on-field brilliance and the larger cultural moment for American soccer.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dream Start for the USMNT (02:30–03:22)

• Atmosphere & Significance

  • “You couldn't have asked for a better scenario. You think about a checklist of what you want. Being a host country, starting the game, getting three points, being top of the table, your stars showing up, the stadiums being packed and now the US finally got that 12th man.” – Michael Davies (02:30)

• Clint grades the team performance as a 9.5/10—only losing the clean sheet and Tyler Adams’ yellow card hold it back slightly.

2. Early Breakthrough: The Opening Own Goal (03:57–05:42)

• Pulisic’s Brilliance

  • Praise for Christian Pulisic’s creative spark on the opening goal, conjuring memories of Dempsey’s iconic 2014 World Cup run.
  • “The entire squad scream collectively. You don’t know where we’re from, dog. For the entire 90 minutes.” – Roger Bennett (03:22)

• Weston McKennie’s Movement

  • Highlighted for combining telepathic movement with Pulisic—a relationship built “since they were U14s.” (04:43)

• Pulisic’s Celebration

  • “You saw hunger. We saw focus, we saw confidence, honestly. Reminded me of you running away after scoring inside 29 seconds in 2014.” – Roger Bennett (04:43)

3. Tactical Evolution Under Pochettino (06:05–07:17)

• Press & Counter-Press
  • “They did a great job of how they pressed. It made difficult for Paraguay to try to build out of the back, which helped them retain possession. … The different movements that they had you talk about from their outside backs, but also the deep runs for their midfield into the channels and creating those mismatches and getting into space and being able to cut back for other players.” – Michael Davies (06:05)
• Mentality and Joy
  • Pochettino encouraged “the joy of children” on the pitch—a philosophy reflected in the players’ swagger and creativity.

4. Folarin Balogun’s Breakthrough – The Reliable No. 9 (07:58–11:16)

• Second Goal & Balogun’s Integration (08:54–09:50)

  • “I've always said, I think it's Flo Baligan, I think he's just the complete striker.” – Michael Davies (08:54)
  • Emphasis on Balogun’s chemistry with Pulisic and his clinical finishing showing why he chose the USMNT.

• Historic First Half Performance

  • Balogun’s second goal (10:27) praised for strength, technical ability, and “top bins” finish.
  • “He’s the first American to score, you know, multiple goals since 1930, which is incredible.” – Michael Davies (11:04)

5. The Gio Reyna Redemption Arc (13:13–15:52)

• Iconic Team Goal

  • “An incredible spell of possession. It was 26 passes by the United States ending with the ball at Gio Reyna’s feet for a late cameo.” – Roger Bennett (13:13)

• Gio’s Audacity and Skill

  • “To do a travella outside of his foot, use a defender, bend it far post and just say, hey, Pochettino, like, I want more minutes. That’s what you do.” – Michael Davies (14:38)

• Team Competition Elevates Quality

  • Theme of players “fighting for spots,” driving excellence across the squad.

6. Choosing the Best Goal: A Striker’s Perspective (15:52–17:41)

• Debate: Balogun’s Second vs Gio Reyna’s Finish
  • Dempsey ultimately selects Balogun’s goal for difficulty, physicality, and two-footed skill: “He still had to body off a defender. He still had to shake and beat another defender and push it to his left foot and to finish. So that one just is a little bit... if one was a 9.5, then the other would be a 10.” – Michael Davies (16:39)

7. Standout Performers Across the XI (17:45–19:26)

• One-Word Match Report (18:52–19:16)
  • Christian Pulisic: “Dangerous”
  • Folarin Balogun: “Lethal”
  • Sergiño Dest: “Creative”
  • Gio Reyna: “Difference maker”
• Praise for Midfield & Defense
  • McKennie, Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, Chris Richards all described as essential to the dominant display.

8. Did Paraguay Underperform or Did the USMNT Overwhelm? (19:16–21:42)

• Contextualizing the Result

  • “The way in which the US Played Paraguay was not expecting it. I think the press was something that they struggled to deal with.” – Michael Davies (19:24)
  • Paraguay conceded 10 goals in 18 qualifiers; the US put 4 past them.

• Call for Cautious Optimism

  • “It’s one game. Let’s—the job’s not done. Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.” – Michael Davies (20:39)
  • Emphasis on needing results vs Australia and European opposition to validate hype.

9. Cultural Impact & Momentum (22:25–24:32)

• USMNT Re-Energizing the Fanbase

  • “People are believing again. People wanted to believe again. Now they have a reason to pump their chest out and be proud of how their team performed.” – Michael Davies (23:35)

• Comparison to Past World Cups

  • Echoes of the magical 2002 & 2014 runs, and the unique potential of a “home” World Cup.

10. The Bigger Picture: Inspiring the Next Generation (27:52–29:28)

• Youth Development & Inspiration
  • “I really didn’t believe that I could be in a World Cup until I saw the ‘94 World Cup … seeing our national team doing well … Like I remember those moments and thinking, hey, I want to play for my country. I want to be in a World Cup. And it made me start believing again.” – Michael Davies (28:18)
  • Hopes that USWNT-style excitement can transfer to the men’s side year-round.

11. Clint Dempsey’s Emotional Reflections (29:44–31:09)

• Fan Appreciation & Passing the Torch

  • “It did feel amazing. You know, it’s always good to be remembered, but this is the next generation’s moment. I don’t want to take anything away from what they’re doing.” – Michael Davies (30:25)

• Advice to the Team

  • “Stay hungry, keep your foot on the gas, and keep doing what y'all are doing. But I’m sure it’s a huge weight lifted off their shoulders.” – Michael Davies (31:52)

12. Final Reflections & Perspective Heading into Next Match (31:09–33:44)

• Perspective

  • “These World Cups are marathons, not sprints. ... This was just one game. It’s got to be kept slightly in perspective. ... but this was the easiest game of the group stage.” – Roger Bennett (31:09)

• Optimism and Unity

  • “We do not ... have to fear anybody anymore. As long as we keep that focus onto the next.” – Roger Bennett (33:26)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You don’t know where we’re from, dog.”
  – Roger Bennett (03:22)

• “It was like the closest I’ve come to watching a biblical miracle.”
  – Roger Bennett (05:42)

• “He’s the first American to score, you know, multiple goals since 1930, which is incredible.”
  – Michael Davies (11:04)

• “Gio can do things that no other American male can do. And he showed us that last night.”
  – Roger Bennett (15:52)

• “America loves winners. ... If they can keep doing that, America loves winners. They love getting behind people that will give their all.”
  – Michael Davies (24:32)

• “You have to put every performance in, like, what you saw against Paraguay … and, you know, you’re going to have some situations where things are not going to go your way ... but if they go out and have that same mentality ... the sky’s the limit.”
  – Michael Davies (23:35)

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Important Timestamps

• Dreamland Vibe Check & Grading the Performance: 02:30–03:22
• Opening Goal Analysis (Pulisic & McKennie): 03:57–05:42
• Balogun’s Double & American Striker Discourse: 08:54–11:16
• Gio Reyna’s Redeeming Goal: 13:13–15:52
• Best Goal Debate: 15:52–17:41
• One Word Match Report: 18:52–19:16
• Cautious Optimism on the Win: 20:39–21:42
• Cultural Impact of the Victory: 22:25–24:32
• Youth Dreams & Next Generation Inspiration: 27:52–29:28
• Dempsey on Being Cheered as a Legend: 30:25–31:09
• Clint’s Advice for the Next Match: 31:52–33:13

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Conclusion

The episode captures a historical night for U.S. Soccer—balancing technical breakdown, individual brilliance, and the powerful emotional and cultural reverberations. The hosts and Dempsey emphasize both savoring the moment and the importance of staying grounded as the tournament continues. With hope rekindled nationwide, the podcast looks ahead to tougher group matches, but with a clear sense that something special may just be brewing for the USMNT in 2026.

Transcript

[Roger Bennett]

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[Michael Davies]

Hey, we're in dreamland. I mean, this is. You couldn't have asked for a better scenario. You think about a checklist of what you want. Being a host country, starting the game, getting three points, being top of the table, your stars showing up, the stadiums being packed and now the US finally got that 12th man. And I'm excited about the next game and us making a historical run.

[Roger Bennett]

I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little hungover. Let's just say I had a number of rog lobes last night. But Clint, you look lively, you look vivacious, you look energized. Can you grade that performance out of 10? What would you give it?

[Michael Davies]

10. I mean, we'll say the only thing that would make that better is we kept a clean sheet and Tyler Adams didn't pick up a yellow card, so. 9.5. We'll give it a 9.5.

[Roger Bennett]

We gotta heal that calf muscle, Christian. I'll give you my entire calves to save the nation. But it was as if in this performance, the entire squad scream collectively. You don't know where we're from, dog. For the entire 90 minutes.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, I mean, everybody stepped up. I mean, you know, it's a situation where, you know, you think maybe one or two guys need to have a great game, but I don't know if I've ever seen a starting 11 with so many players stepped up. It was. It was great to see the energy from the crowd. They fed off of it and they just stayed on Paraguay the whole time. It was. It was a great performance.

[Roger Bennett]

Let's dig in. 7th minute, the own goal, the open. A perfect opener. Pulisic, that chopped back in midfield to start the move. That was the kind of chop and cut back that honestly, it reminded me of you speeding down that flank against Ghana in 2014. Those vibes.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah. I mean, you start. You see the playhouse. It started the. The run from Weston, McKinney and him chopping it behind his leg. Keep dribbling and find Christian. Then Christian setting up those two players that were marking them to split inside. And like you said, having that cut back, looking to find somebody. We talked about his link up play and being, you know, more involved in giving it and trying to get it back. And what a what, What a play created by both of those players who

[Roger Bennett]

played together since they were under 14s. That's what I loved about this goal. That telepathy, that joy, that relationship between them being lived out on the greatest stage in. In the biggest moment, the own goal. I also loved, I've got to be candid, Pulisic's rule that they showed as he celebrated that. I mean, you've been there. That's the face of a man who is on all of the commercials, all of the billboards, all of the pressure, all of the scrutiny during this back half season of doubt and in that second, what did you see? We saw hunger. We saw focus, we saw confidence, honestly. Reminded me of you running away after scoring inside 29 seconds in 2014. What did you see? Did you relate in that moment? Yeah.

[Michael Davies]

I mean, look at the send off game, especially against Senegal with him getting the goal, getting the assist, feeling that weight lifted off of his shoulders, that monkey off his back, not scoring since 2024 and then it's like he's almost just free now.

[Roger Bennett]

Clinty, what was it though? I mean, you texted me in that moment. You wrote finally the good stuff. I mean, you and I have been watching this team in this cycle together, game after game after game. We have seen nothing like this under Potch. We have watched honestly some truly tough performances at times. How do you understand what happened last night? I don't like to be hyperbolic, but it was like the closest I've come to watching a biblical miracle.

[Michael Davies]

It was such a great performance from so many different people. They did a great job of how they pressed. It made difficult for Paraguay to try to build out of the back, which helped them retain possession. And when they were in the attack and lost the ball, how they counter pressed to get it back. The different movements that they had you talk about from their outside backs, but also the deep runs for their midfield into the channels and creating those mismatches and getting into space and being able to cut back for other players. And then defensively they were just solid. They kept a high back line and their defense was really their, their press. Paraguay could not get in the rhythm and we just never let our foot off the gas. I mean, second half, obviously we conceded that goal is what you didn't want to have to see. You wanted to keep that clean sheet because we talked about 11 goals in the last four games, but there's so many positives to take away. We're not even going to talk about anything that's negative.

[Roger Bennett]

You just laid out the tactical game plan. But there was also one of mentality. I mean, it is a fascinating part of this early story for the US Potch saying he wanted his players to take the field and play with the joy of children. Those were his words. I mean, that was an important element that we saw, right? No pressure, just nutmegs, cutbacks. It was like swaggy street ball.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, flicks, you know, I mean, before the game I saw the players walk out. I was, I was pitch side covering it and I was able to, you know, see some of the players dap them up, you know, say hello to them. And you could see there was no stress, Nobody was worried, everybody was focused, everybody was in good spirits. And that continued throughout the game. You saw them take that energy before the game, into the game, confident and hey, this team is dangerous. I don't think any team wants to play against them because of the 12th man that we have and the way in which they're playing. They the creativity that we're seeing and also the way that they work hard for each other. You know, it could be scary in terms of how far we could go.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah, I mean, I want to ask you that question, but I want to celebrate another human being who showed up and then some. I love by the way, the attitude. You score an early goal, you can often lose focus. But the U.S. kept coming. Pulisic set up that second goal, as you say, the clinicality of the moment by following Baligan. You know, last World cup, we talked a lot together. 2022 cycle, our team cried out for many things, but most of all a confident goal scorer, someone we could rely on. Three years ago, Flo Baligan, a gent who, and I love this detail, was born almost accidentally in Brooklyn. Beautiful fate in life. His mother came over when she was heavily pregnant. He was delivered there. They moved back to London when I think he was just a couple of months old. Could have played for Nigeria, could have played for England. Was it England youth international. But he chose ultimately to ride with us. That 31st minute finish, it showed why. Yeah, for sure.

[Michael Davies]

I mean, we've been talking about it for a while. You've asked me, who do you think our main number nine is? And I've always said, I think it's Flo Ball again, I think he's just the complete striker. But let's not take away the other people that help, you know, facilitate that. And you talk about that first goal, what a great ball in from Anthony Robinson, in a deep run from midfield from Christian. Because sometimes you got to make mix up who is the person that's going to stretch the field. And when, when he played that ball into the channel. Christian making the run and then the ability to get his head up and find Baligun. And then Baligan does a great job of using the defender to shield his shot into the far post. And two, nothing. And now you can see we're starting to fly. You're starting to see that connection between Christian and Baligan that we also talked about. Because if they have that, we're going to see fireworks. And Bolligan needs to get more touches to get in A rhythm. And you saw that in the Paraguay game.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah, the second goal was. Was really pure potch ball ripped from old. And then Baligan's second goal on the cusp of half time, the way Flo turned Alderete, who's been excellent this season in the Premier League, turned him inside out, flicked him away, then smacked that ball with just emphatic roar into the corner. God, that must have felt good. But it felt so bloody good. As a fan, we needed that one moment. We've talked about this the whole bloody time, Clint. We needed that one moment to make TikTok explode, to make whatever sports center is now just scream usa. And this was the moment.

[Michael Davies]

No, for sure. I mean, you got to mix up how you stretch the field. And this time it was. It was Baligan who stretched the field, who you normally would see doing that. But what a great ball in from Tillman. And you talk about the strength Baligan showed to put pressure on the defender, cut the ball back, shake the defender, push it to his left. Like I said, he's good with both feet. His first one with his right, second one cuts to his left, top bends. I mean, then we're flying three. Nothing going into halftime. You couldn't ask for a better result in the first World cup match. And he's the first American to score, you know, multiple goals since 1930, which is incredible.

[Roger Bennett]

It was Tim Ream's debut game, wasn't it? 1930. I mean, Flo Baligan, that statistic, mind blowing. I do think in that moment, from an American cultural perspective, a star is born.

[Michael Davies]

I think so. I mean, look, he's always had the talent. I think if we'd have gone further in Copa America. You've got to see more of that. He had a really good goal in that tournament as well. So we're just seeing the evolution of this team and them finding more chemistry, and I just want to see more. Right. It's one of those things you want to see, can they keep doing it right? And we talked about the attendance leading into some of these friendly games. And, you know, now you finally got that 12th man. You finally inspired this country. That's what you needed to do to get off to a great start, to put yourself in a position to win the group, which is then going to give you the best chance to go further in the tournament.

[Roger Bennett]

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[Michael Davies]

Yeah, I mean, I think people question whether or not his selection. I think you could see that in his celebration, covering his ears. I've always said that he's just someone who's different. When he puts on the national team jersey, he seems to take it to another level. And, you know, the goals and assists that he's done in big games speaks for itself. I also was surprised on the pitch side seeing how actually big he was. Always from afar, kind of looked like he was a smaller guy, but the closer you get up to him, he's kind of a big guy, athletic. And look, he took the goal really well. To do a travella outside of his foot, use a defender, bend it far post and just say, hey, Pochettino, like, I want more minutes. That's what you do and that's what you. I think you're starting to see with this team is people fighting for spots. Everything is just not given. And he's chomping at the bit to try to replace Tillman in that midfield. But I would say Tillman put in another great performance. You have Pepe chopping up the bit he got in. He has some good opportunities. It had been nice to see him put one in the back of the net. But Gio, you know, really showing why he was selected. And you need people in games that maybe that can do something different. And that's what, that's what he showed you.

[Roger Bennett]

Every single US player I've spent time with in the last four months, Clint, you know, I've asked them about G, like, how do they feel, you know, that he's not getting minutes, but he looks like he's in. Every single one of them would just say, Gio can do things that no other American male can do. And he showed us that last night. You're a striker. The goals were beautiful to witness. Let me ask you this. Which US Goal did you look at and think was the best goal of the night? Was it Baligan goal number two or was it Gio's finish?

[Michael Davies]

Oh, that is.

[Roger Bennett]

That.

[Michael Davies]

That is a tough one. I mean, it's definitely between those two.

[Roger Bennett]

Sophie's choice, baby.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah. I mean, I can't choose between those.

[Roger Bennett]

You can.

[Michael Davies]

Come on.

[Roger Bennett]

Which would you rather have in the Clint highlight reel?

[Michael Davies]

I mean, honestly, I think the Ball Balligan goal is just a little bit more impressive to me because his ability to, to. To fight off that first offender and then be able to beat another man and then to put it top corner with the island, his left foot. That. That is truly amazing goal. Take nothing away from the, you know, 20 something pass build up and the Travella from Geo with the outside of the right foot. But in terms of the difficulty and and effort that went into scoring the goal, it has to go towards Baligan in my opinion, because it showed another level. He scored one with his right, he scored one with his left. But also he showed that he could create goals for himself. I know that Tillman put him into a dangerous position, but the work wasn't done. He still had to body off a defender. He still had to shake and beat another defender and push it to his left foot and to finish. So that one just is a little bit. If one was a 9.5, then the other would be a 10.

[Roger Bennett]

We're choosing between best and bester is what you're saying.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah.

[Roger Bennett]

You know, in terms of the players, Tyler Adams, yellow card notwithstanding, Magnificent. I thought Malik Tillman was excellent. He was swarming all over the field, everywhere. Who else caught your eye on this team? Performance wise?

[Michael Davies]

McKinney was awesome all over the field. Just a great job defensively and in the tag. I mean there's so many players that you could just. That's played at a high level. Chris Richards, great to see him fit back, bolstering the back line.

[Roger Bennett]

83 passes out of 83 passes. Incredible.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, it is credible. So yeah, I mean it's just too many names to count, man. But definitely that midfield. Tyler Adams, Tillman and McKinney, if you, if they play like that, every game will be all right. Christian and Baligan, that connection that they had was, was, was great to see. Des on the right, Anthony on the left. I mean, there's just so many positives to take away from this game. It's. Most of the time we're like searching for positives to like talk about after games. This. Have your pick. You know, it's like looking at a globe spinning and picking a country you want to travel. That's that. That's how this situation is.

[Roger Bennett]

So many players to choose from. So it's time for Juice's one word match report. I'm going to say a player's name. Just react. Tell us how you describe them in one word. Are you ready for this?

[Michael Davies]

Okay.

[Roger Bennett]

Christian Pulisic.

[Michael Davies]

Dangerous.

[Roger Bennett]

You're underselling him there. Balakith.

[Michael Davies]

Lethal.

[Roger Bennett]

Sergino. Dest.

[Michael Davies]

Creative.

[Roger Bennett]

Giorina.

[Michael Davies]

Difference maker.

[Roger Bennett]

Let's pull this together. I've got to ask. As good as a US Worm with swag filled. We were sizzling. How much of this was that? Paraguay were truly terrible.

[Michael Davies]

The way in which the US Played Paraguay was not expecting It I think the press was something that they struggled to deal with. They couldn't play out of it. And when the US Lost the ball, the way that they counter pressed, they never got in a rhythm they couldn't get going. So I think that threw them off with the speed of some of our players and the energy that they played the game with because of the crowd. It was one of those situations where in a fight they couldn't get going because of how the US started.

[Roger Bennett]

So that's it. Ultimately we enforced our will. There was a great comment on our YouTube last night from Pronouncedty who commented, I think quite presciently on YouTube, don't fill up on the breadbasket people. We will see. But we have to say Paraguay conceded, I think it was 10 goals in 18 qualifiers. The U.S. blasted four in one game. Our team looked well drilled, synchronized burst passing, seamless movement. Mauricio Pochettino has told us all the time, trust the process, trust the process. Are we just saying yes, that's warranted or do we need to see more evidence before we declare? Like, let's lose our mind. The US 2026 are what Morocco 2022 could be.

[Michael Davies]

Look, it's one game. Let's the job's not done. Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. I'm someone who's always don't get too high, don't get too low, but you need to celebrate your victories and that's what we're doing. We're enjoying the moment, we're enjoying the energy that we're getting from the crowd and, and the belief from, from our fan base. But still like there's a lot of work to be done and you need to make sure that you put yourself in a position to win the group. And we're in a great position now, but we still have two big games to go. Australia is not going to be easy. It was a hard fought match last time we played each other. We're going to need to be like what we were against Paraguay and then we're going to need to change the stat of how we play against European competition. Rod, you're the one who told me we've not been able to win in our last nine meetings versus European side. So that is a stat we're going to need to change. And if you want to give yourself the easiest route through the way it was set up in terms of a first place team playing a third place team in the knockout stages, you need to win the group.

[Roger Bennett]

I'm going to get to The Australia game in just one second. But where does this match rank for you in terms of the greatest US Group stage performances?

[Michael Davies]

I think it's right up there with how they played against Portugal in 2002. The way that they started that tournament is very similar to the way that this team is done yesterday. So, look, I hope we talked about what we wanted to see. We wanted to see a deep run like what we saw in 2002 get into the quarterfinals. And maybe that's a sign of things to come in terms of how we started. Because that, to me, along with Portugal, is the two best performances I've seen in an opening match.

[Roger Bennett]

We got to the semifinals in 1930. We do not talk about that enough as a nation. Look, I found the scenes across America incredibly moving last night. Massive crowds in the streets in San Jose, California, in Connecticut, in Hartford, Columbus, Ohio. You've lived similar scenes. 2010, 2014. What does it do for players in the locker room coming off that field at the incredible performance? Dreamcut. And then looking at their phones after being in the shadows for so long, knowing suddenly a nation is waking up to their play, loving them, just surfing behind them?

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, I mean, they're riding the wave right now. I mean, you think of where we were after not qualifying in 2018, then they do a great job of qualifying in 2022. A lot of these guys, first World Cup. Then you see us kind of take a step back, being the first host country to not get out of the group in Copa America. Then you see us getting knocked out of the semifinal against Panama and CONCACAF Nations League. And then you see the attendance not really being there, and they're not being that buzz and knowing what that feels like to play in empty stadiums or, you know, stadiums that are not at full capacity.

[Roger Bennett]

They talked about it.

[Michael Davies]

That has completely changed. Like, people are believing again. People wanted to believe again. Now they have a reason to pump their chest out and be proud of how their team performed, because they gave them everything they want. They gave them excitement. They show creativity. They showed fight. If they can keep doing that. America loves winners. They love getting behind people that will give their all. And I think the potential is there to do something that we've never done before. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. You have to put every performance in, like, what you saw against Paraguay. And, you know, you're going to have some situations where things are not going to go your way. You're not going to score own goal and you're not going to, you know, get on top of Teams early, but if they go out and have that same mentality, press the way that they press, keep that high energy and play with no fear, and still stay compact defensively, I mean, the sky's the limit.

[Roger Bennett]

I mean, I love what you've just said. America loves winners. This was Nick's energy, right?

[Michael Davies]

Yeah. I mean, it was. I mean, in the sense of big stars are coming out to watch the games and you're seeing the fan base finally get back to the heights that they had, you know, in 2014 or 2002. And it's one of those things, like when you have a home World cup, there's nothing bigger. You think back to 94 and the buzz around that, and we're having that again. But to start the competition the way in which we did, I mean, that was a message sent to the world. That was a message sent to our fans. And Seattle's going to take it to another level. I know what it's like to be in Washington State. I know what it's like to watch the march to the match. And Seattle has their work cut out for them to stay with what we saw from la. But, hey, they're more than up to the task. I look forward to going out there and seeing the energy that they provide. And hopefully it'll be another memorable night.

[Roger Bennett]

You and me both, you beautiful human being. I mean, this is Nick's Energy USA in eighth. Chalamet is going to be courtside very soon. We're going to get Spike Lee out. Nothing can stop them. It was a massive night for U.S. soccer Club. We've talked about how this team has plummeted into the shadows. You know, Liverpool, massive. Arsenal, massive. Real Madrid, massive. US Men's national team fallen off. If they can do this again and again, this is a moment when the men's team can really reclaim their spot in the pantheon.

[Michael Davies]

I mean, I think it's a moment that we're not going to wait every four years to see the needle move for the game of soccer in the States. I think it's only going to create more money to be dumped into our professional and domestic leagues, also into our youth development, but also every year being more excited about watching this team play, like what we've seen from the women's side. So I'm looking forward to it. And it's so nice to be talking with you, Raj, and us being so hopeful again because we got some dark days where we jumped on this podcast and we've been trying to build each other up, being each other's therapists. And now we don't have to do that anymore. We get to sit back, enjoy and cheer this team on.

[Roger Bennett]

Oh, if we're out of rehab now, Clinty, we are living. We are living the good stuff.

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[Roger Bennett]

By the way, I love what you said, Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the broadcast, he said last night, I don't know if it will become better than this, but you do. You think about the kids watching, being inspired. The thing you just said, the youth development, getting that right, that's it. We didn't fix youth development in America last night with that 41 win. But this is a moment, the inspiration across the nation. You project that forward. If we can correct that strategy, it can get better than this, can't it? Really can.

[Michael Davies]

It's all about being inspired. Like I, I really didn't believe that I could be in a World cup until I saw the 94 World cup, went to a game, saw Germany versus South Korea at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, and then seeing our national team doing well and then having a team, your own country, being able to be confident and root for them. The way in which they got out of the group, they beat Colombia, they only lost to Brazil, won nothing. Like I remember those moments and thinking, hey, I want to play for my country. I want to be in a World Cup. And it made me start believing again. So like we talked about, I think the boys and girls watching are going to be so inspired and that's going to drive you in how you develop. Right. That's going to drive you and how you work every day to get better. Because you got to always be thinking about what is people around the world doing. I got to make sure that I don't get left behind. I got to stay on my grind. And I think that's what you're going to see. And then also you're going to see what is the level that these players are at. I got to get to another level. I got to take it further. You know, there was people before me cross so I could walk. Hopefully I walk so others could run, and then they're running so others can sprint. So we'll see how it goes.

[Roger Bennett]

Amen. Amen. Kids watching, you know, 8, 9, 10 year old boys and girls grind, dream work. And by the 2042 World cup, inspired by these performances, you may be able to play alongside Tim Reap. Yeah. Still be going.

[Michael Davies]

You never know, man. Hey, that guy's. He's. He's. He's knocking out Father Time. I have to give it to him, man. That is. That is impressive.

[Roger Bennett]

Respect to cryogenics, by the way you talk about walk and run and what you've done. I want to say to you, Clint, to pull this together. One of the loveliest scenes for me last night. It was a night of joy and passion. Many, many rog lobes on that broadcast late night, you outside the stadium on the set, surrounded by us stars, but the fans were cheering your name. Dempsey, Dempsey, Dempsey. Tying you to this moment. And I was like, man, I know, Clint. That must have felt amazing.

[Michael Davies]

It did feel amazing. You know, it's always good to be remembered, but this is the next generation's moment. I don't want to take anything away from what they're doing. I'm happy to be a fan and to witness what I saw in that first game. Like we talked about, the job's not done. May we see many more nights like this in this World Cup. And thank you to them. They're the ones that created that moment. From the way in which they played, they created that 12th man. And I look forward to being a fan, sitting back and hopefully having more podcasts with you that we're just over the moon, you know, we're just harmonizing

[Roger Bennett]

on and we support the US. The US, the. And that's the way.

[Michael Davies]

That's the way we like it. We like it. Let's go.

[Roger Bennett]

Oh, Dempsey. Dempsey forever. Chant that one, bub. Rationally, we know these World Cups are marathons, not sprints. In fact, this one's an ultra marathon. We have to tell ourselves this was just one game. It's got to be kept slightly in perspective. Yeah, we can lose our minds, but this was the easiest game of the group stage. We know we got to withhold judgment till we complete the group stage. Have a bit of a body of work. We can love this. The style of play, the pace, the confidence, the crowd, the energy, the scenes. But I'm going to leave you with the last word. Clint, can you put this into perspective? Give us a word about what as we head to Seattle together. I can't wait to be there. We're going to be Marshawn Lynch. It's going to be absolutely bonkers. What will this team think and feel as we approach a very different challenge in Australia?

[Michael Davies]

I think they'll feel a weight off their shoulders. Whether you're the coach, whether you're this team, you knew that there was a lot riding on how you do in this tournament. They put themselves in a position to get, you know, I would say, on a wave, right, you're on top of the surfboard, but you got to stay on it for as long as you can do it right? And the only way you do that is you keep putting in top performances. And if they put in the same type of performance, same type of energy in terms of how they press, how they move the ball, how they are creative, how they are dangerous in terms of running at players, I see us doing something truly special in this World Cup. You can't get too full on the Kool Aid and think that you've done more than what you needed to do, right? Like, there's still so much more to go and stay hungry. And every time you get to a level, you got to take it to another one. So that would be my advice. Just stay hungry, keep your foot on the gas, and keep doing what y' all are doing. But I'm sure it's a huge weight lifted off their shoulders. And the way I would compare it is how Christian felt getting the goal and assist versus Senegal. That's how this team feels getting this win. And the first, you know, in the first round in their opening match is a new weight that's lifted, a confidence that comes with that. And then now it's continuing that wave and taking into the next games. And I'm looking forward to watching that.

[Roger Bennett]

Amen. So, yeah, I mean, perfect. All man. It was just joyful. It was just happy, right?

[Michael Davies]

It's good to be happy again. It's been too long. It's been too long since we've been this happy. Made many more podcasts be like this.

[Roger Bennett]

Oh man, I love you Clint Dempsey. Listen to that man. Kelly Slater it be the wave usmnt to me. I've got to say we do not and I heard you say this have to fear anybody anymore. As long as we keep that focus onto the next Clint, you're a beautiful human being.

[Michael Davies]

Yes, sir. Good to see you brother.

[Roger Bennett]

Dempsey. Dempsey Courage.

[Michael Davies]

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