Messi and Argentina pull off a miracle over Mo Salah's Egypt: Night Cup 07/07/26

Summary

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Men In Blazers Podcast: Messi and Argentina Pull Off a Miracle Over Mo Salah's Egypt (Night Cup 07/07/26)

Date: July 8, 2026
Hosts: Roger Bennett, Michael Davies
Guests: James Horncastle (The Athletic), Rory Smith (The Athletic, referenced)
Main Theme:
A lively, emotional deep dive into Argentina’s astonishing late comeback against Egypt at the 2026 World Cup, the shifting energy and identity in American soccer post-USMNT exit, debates about VAR and FIFA’s integrity, and the wild communal catharsis of knockout football.

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Episode Overview

This episode captures the global energy, heartbreak, and elation of Day 27 of the World Cup—centered around Argentina’s miraculous remontada against Egypt. The hosts plunge into the stadium’s atmosphere, the emotional states of fans and players, the cultural aftershocks for American soccer, and wider questions for world football. They also ponder the fate of Mo Salah, FIFA’s reputation, and the loss of beloved footballing icons. The conversation careens between humor, soul-searching, and the almost religious essence of international football.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Argentina’s Miraculous Comeback vs. Egypt

• Scene-Setting: Argentina comes back from 2-0 down after 83 minutes, winning 3-2. The stadium feels spiritually "transformed", Atlanta awash with frenzied Argentinian supporters. ([01:00–14:08])
  • Michael: "This took place at the cathedral of soccer."
• The Game in Detail:
  • Egypt goes ahead—6' Yasser Ibrahim heads in; Hasan wins a penalty, Messi misses it.
  • Messi’s penalty miss is described as a humanizing moment, likened to a “drum machine built to be imperfect.” ([20:24–21:25])
    • Roger: "My sense is... I'm not sure he's brilliant at penalties."
    • James Horncastle: "It's refreshing to see that he's mortal... Penalties serve us for that reason."
  • Egyptian keeper Mustafa Shobeir's saves (heritage from his 1990 WC keeper father) are lauded as among the best of the tournament. ([21:47–24:22])
    • Michael: “He is the child of modern football... Set record 13 consecutive clean sheets in the African Champions League.”
  • VAR controversies as Egypt has a crucial second goal ruled out—a “biblical lineage” of delays and debate, evoking conspiratorial murmurs about FIFA bias. ([26:55–29:38])
    • Roger: "...there will be millions... thinking that’s a bit fishy."
• Argentina’s Response:
  • Stadium atmosphere becomes “religious, a church of football.” Argentinian belief is “contagious,” indomitable in the face of doom.
  • Romero heads in first comeback goal (79'), Messi equalizes (84'), and Enzo Fernández wins it in stoppage time. ([36:50–43:36])
    • Roger: "What you're watching is a team that believes so fervently in its own destiny that it's contagious." ([36:54])
    • James Horncastle: "Just when you think they're out, they always pull themselves back in." ([33:16])
• Aftermath:
  • Emotional catharsis—“grown men weeping, hugging, tumbling;” Messi breaks down crying.
    • Roger: “When Messi cries, it’s like I hear ‘this is what it sounds like when doves cry’...” ([44:29])
  • Egyptian outrage, accusations of FIFA bias. Salah and McAllister’s shirt swap as a closing moment for this generation’s greats. ([48:08–49:17])
    • Michael: “Salah... led really well in that moment.”

2. Broader World Cup Narratives

• USMNT Exit, FIFA’s Relief, and American Soccer’s Identity Crisis
  • Hosts reflect on America’s round-of-16 exits, media apathy, and what football “vision” should look like for the U.S. ([06:39–08:27])
    • Roger: “What is the vision? What is the plan? What are the lessons learned?... We do not know what the U.S. project is.”
  • Discussion about American fans increasingly identifying with Premier League clubs and, in this tournament, even Argentina, rather than the USMNT. ([08:27–11:34])
    • Roger: “Premier League connection... Identity is flipping.”
• The Unique Power of Football Fandom
  • Tributes to the traveling, singing Argentine, Egyptian, and Colombian fans. Host compares the stadium to “La Boca,” and evokes collective effervescence. ([13:30–18:05; 52:17–54:16])
    • Michael: “City awash with beers and song and their unique, pulsating sense of frenzied optimism and energy.”
• Goalkeeper Lineage Lore
  • Egyptian keeper Mustafa Shobeir’s play linked back to his father’s infamous ball-holding exploits and the historic creation of the back-pass rule. ([22:00–23:21])

3. VAR, FIFA Trust, and Geopolitics

• Ongoing unease with VAR decisions, whispers of “deep state football” post-Baligan & Miami/Ronaldo controversies, and a sense that FIFA must be beyond reproach.
  • Roger: “You need trust... that things are on the up and up, that everything is under control and is honest and orderly. Because if it's not, you get an incident like this…” ([28:10–29:38])

4. Closing a Generation: Mo Salah, Icons, and the World Post-Messi

• Egypt’s (and Salah’s) World Cup exit seen as part of a broader generational handover. Only Messi’s left amongst Ronaldo, Neymar, Salah, Tim Ream, etc. ([49:01–49:17])
  • Michael Davies: "The greatest of them all... The goat of goats."
• Fan mourning at the prospect of “football post-Messi.” ([49:03])

5. Other World Cup Results and Tournament State

• Brief summary & banter over Switzerland–Colombia, a dull match settled on penalties. Switzerland advances; hosts poke fun at their lack of excitement. ([52:17–56:10])
  • Roger: “It was only against Uzbekistan… they scored more than one goal. So they're kind of like a national version of Cristiano Ronaldo…”

6. Personal Football Memories & Listener Letters

• Moving letter from listener Walker Stevens puts triumphs and heartbreaks in perspective, weaving family, loss, and joy into the World Cup narrative. ([67:54–70:06])
  • Roger: “Soccer is great and it sucks sometimes all at once, but it pales in comparison to the relationships we make along the way.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Roger Bennett on Argentina's Comeback:
  • "What you're watching is a team that believes so fervently in its own destiny that it's contagious." ([36:54])
• Michael Davies on Messi's Missed Penalty and Humanity:
  • "...drum machines... built-in imperfection so they sounded more human. Is Messi a rolling drum machine, missing penalties intentionally to make himself seem more human?" ([21:09])
• James Horncastle on Faith and Football:
  • "There's a transfiguration of defeat into victory, which is... And I think what was great in that first half, it looked like nothing was going for Messi... Yet he was still able to look at the destiny that people had in mind for him and said, not for me." ([40:12])
• On Stadium Euphoria:
  • Michael Davies: "There was such relief. There was such ecstasy... I can only decide it as like a religious ecstasy." ([39:07])
• VAR Controversy/Disbelief:
  • Roger: "...it did look an awful lot like they wanted to rule the goal out. Deep state football." ([28:58])
• Listener Letter:
  • Walker Stevens: "Soccer is great and it sucks sometimes all at once, but it pales in comparison to the relationships we make along the way." ([69:21])

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Argentina vs Egypt: Match Recap & Stadium Atmosphere: [01:00–18:05]
• Messi’s Penalty Miss and Mortality: [20:24–21:25]
• Egypt’s Second Goal Disallowed & VAR/Trust in FIFA: [26:55–29:38]
• Emotional Comeback & Stadium Ecstasy: [36:50–44:29]
• Egyptian Bitterness, Farewell to Mo Salah: [48:08–49:17]
• USMNT Exit, American Soccer Identity: [06:39–11:34]
• Listener Letter: Personal Football Memories: [67:54–70:06]

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Language & Tone

The tone is passionate, irreverent, and warm, with humor, deep football insight, and confessional vulnerability. The hosts oscillate between banter (“suck it, Erewhon!”), philosophical musings on fandom and identity, and deeply felt moments ("when Messi cries... this is what it sounds like when doves cry").

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Summary Table: Argentina’s Remontada Snapshot

| Minute | Event/Emotion | Notable Quote | |---------------|----------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | 00:01:00 | Setting the miracle scene at "the cathedral of soccer" | "Vamos. Oh. A day dominated by Argentinian comeback..." - Michael | | 00:19:21 | Egypt take 1-0 lead (Ibrahim header) | | | 00:20:24 | Messi’s penalty miss | "He missed. Because Lionel Messi at World cups is a 5050 shot..." - Roger | | 00:27:14 | Egypt’s 2nd goal chalked off by VAR | "I don't mean to be a conspiracy theorist, it looked like they... wanted to rule the goal out." - Michael | | 00:29:38 | Egypt actually get a 2-0 lead (Zico score) | | | 00:36:50 | Romero starts Argentina’s comeback (2-1, 79’) | | | 00:38:50 | Messi equalizes (2-2, 84’) | | | 00:42:22 | Fernández wins it (3-2, stoppage time) | "In the stadium, it was like a bomb detonated." - Michael | | 00:44:29 | Messi breaks down crying, crowd rapture | "...like I hear 'this is what it sounds like when doves cry.'" - Roger |

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For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode is a pilgrimage through the heights and depths of World Cup feeling. You’ll get granular, vibrant analysis of a miracle comeback, wander through stadiums teeming with transcendent fandom, hear about the state of American soccer’s soul, and come away both exhausted and exhilarated by the global, human, and almost religious magic of the game. Expect laughs, tears, and the authentic voice of the beautiful game in all its pain and ecstasy.

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To experience the church of Messi, the agony of Mo Salah, and the wit and wisdom of Men in Blazers—don't miss this one.

Transcript

[Roger Bennett]

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[Michael Davies]

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[Roger Bennett]

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[Michael Davies]

You're listening to the Men in Blazers Media Network Suboptimal Radio. Day 27 of the world Cup. Vamos. Oh. A day dominated by Argentinian comeback from 2 nil down to Egypt after like 80. Whatever was it 3 minutes to a 32 victory? We were all there to pay witness to the peach tree remontada. Ah. What's it rank as one of the most unbelievable comebacks you've seen with your own eyes?

[Roger Bennett]

Oh, that's a good question. I was at noted's comeback. Liverpool for Barcelona nil. That would still be top.

[Michael Davies]

Lesser than this. Lesser than this.

[Roger Bennett]

It was. Well, come on. Come on.

[Michael Davies]

This took place at the cathedral of soccer.

[Roger Bennett]

Famous cathedral of soccer. The heartbeat of soccer. The Bentons. We went around the Benton. The. It was amazing. I mean, it's hard to say how amazing it was because Colombia, Switzerland has ruined it, but it was genuinely amazing.

[Michael Davies]

Vamos. Oh, my God. That was a lot. Colombia, Switzerland played a game that felt like a punishment. Like you can't have your France Morocco until you finish your Switzerland. Colombia, Swiss went on penalties and now have the honor of leading Argentina 1 nil into the 83rd minute before being absolutely gutted. Quarterfinals are set. We've done 96 games.

[James Horncastle]

Whoa. What?

[Michael Davies]

We just have eight left to play.

[James Horncastle]

Nah.

[Michael Davies]

Yes. It's the end. Walk towards the light. I'm here with my World cup rife. Rory Smith,

[Roger Bennett]

soccer dudes.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah. And his butler for the Athletic. Mr. James. I thought you're gonna say I'm your

[James Horncastle]

World cup side piece.

[Roger Bennett]

Oh, World cup mistress.

[Michael Davies]

I don't like. I don't like that kind of combo. It's one of those jokes. It's a bit. It's too close to the truth. And of course, all of you here in the chat, Aaron Smith. Yo, 6568. Hope Rogers soul is healed. My soul is blistered and will always be. I'm a lord of darkness. Dan Lenson 4936 says that Argentinian cave

[Roger Bennett]

shawing, it was she win worthy.

[Michael Davies]

It was showing worthy. We're going to talk about it in depth. It was honestly, it was religious. And I am a man who's dead inside. I love, love, loved, and I can't wait to talk about it. But first, for the last time, we gotta say soccer dudes. Soccer dudes. Oh, the saddest, saddest soccer dudes thing of all time. We should give that a Viking funeral. That sting, I think, man.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah.

[Michael Davies]

Today, I'm not gonna lie, it's been one of darkness in which everyone has been dunking on America. The Belgian team doing their Trump dances in the locker room too, in case we didn't get the joke. Everyone beating us, everyone laughing at us. Iran's soccer federation, with its country still at war with us, tweeted this. Now the whole world is dancing to

[Roger Bennett]

celebrate politics humiliating defeat by football.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, I mean, God bless America. This is the football. I mean, this is it. When the Chicago Bears lose a game, it's just Sports. When the U.S. lose at a World cup contains multitudes. I do want to ask you very quickly because I want to get beyond this from your outside pov, James. What is Christian Pulisic's future?

[James Horncastle]

Well, I can't help but think that he will be on the second desk of Fox's coverage at the next World Cup.

[Michael Davies]

My God. Getting. Getting mauled by Zlatan. Pretty much, yeah.

[James Horncastle]

He's not good enough to be on Zlatan's desk.

[Michael Davies]

Although, of course, Zlatan kind of.

[James Horncastle]

He doesn't employ him. But of course, you know, they work in the same organization.

[Roger Bennett]

They're colleagues.

[Michael Davies]

He is employee of the month. That is a bit dark. I've got to be candid. That is not the answer we were looking for. But one thing we didn't talk about. And I realized this on the way home last night. I think I texted it to you. You did. I bet you FIFA is so relieved in a way that the US are out because the story about Article 27 and the whys and all the geopolitical, you know, chaos. If The US had won and advance that decision, the arbitrariness of it would have picked up so much noise with that trajectory through the tournament as every team they beat, the US Would have just screamed rigged, injustice. But now they just sunk without trace. And the story becomes like a sad, dirty little stain, like a weird stain on U.S. soccer and their brand. Almost a footnote in history.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah, I think there is a tale to it. And when we talk about the Argentina game, I think we will touch on the long tail of the Baladan decision. But, yeah, from a FIFA point of view, if you were FIFA's comms people, their marketing people, you'd probably be quite relieved that that story now lives in a little box of its own. It's not a conversation point for the rest of the tournament. For another few days, it's done. Belgium swatted it aside and you can kind of try and move on for it. But I agree with you. I do think that it's one of those things that, and I don't say this with any great pleasure at all, it is one of those things that will be the 2026 World Cup. Do you remember the weird thing that happened with Baligan? That will be a thing.

[James Horncastle]

And also, how messed up and backward is that? That it's, let's say, good for FIFA that the US Go out now, it's the hosts. You think of the energy that we've had over the last four weeks and this is the right outcome or the good outcome for FIFA, it should be that the US Keep going and they're still in this competition.

[Michael Davies]

We're living in the post host world. Yeah, A post host World cup and probably a lot of relief for that. The last one from a FIFA pov. One quick note for me, to all us football fans, I would love to know what questions you're asking yourselves at the moment. I will say this is where I am. I do think this is a moment, fourth exit in the last four World Cups that we've qualified for in the round of 16. It's something that, like in a fully fledged football nation, there'd be an outcry, there'd be a lot of media scrutiny, a lot of calling for account. There'd be an inquest, the demand for change. We don't have that here. We do a little bit in the football bubble, but in wider America, it's just moved on. You know, we've got a very, a couple of very funny tweets saying today, you know, just, who cares? NFL season, preseason starts in two weeks. We move on. But the reality is I would love to see in this moment a proper vision in terms of the lessons learned. These are the two questions I've got. I'll put them out. You tell us where you are meninblazersmail.com if you want to write a real response or our discord. I mean, these are the two questions I got. It feels like we just delegated the idea of vision to hiring Potch and let him do Potch things from a distance in Barcelona. Sincere question is, what is the vision? What is the plan? What are the lessons learned? And we laugh about it, but what is the project? We do not know what the US project. The other real question I've got, and this is one that your insights will be brilliant to. We've been to England games this World Cup. We're all struck by just how many Americans are wearing England jerseys and feeling it like crying with Wonderwall, which I'm not mocking. Like they're feeling something. The Premier League connection, like Identity is flipping.

[James Horncastle]

250th anniversary of independence as well. You want us to take you back, don't you?

[Roger Bennett]

Come back into our loving arms.

[Michael Davies]

You know I can't speak for the whole of America, but I'm pretty candid. No, but I want you back. Be honest. We're not coming. Get over us. But. Get over us. Boys. I've joined the line. I mean, we were at the Argentina game. Same again. I met so many Americans who turned up today and wept wearing Argentina jerseys. Knowing England, they're going to plan to build a North American fan club and try and build up their following here commercially. US men now going to have to wait four years where they got very little to make noise with. As the Euros go on and the Argentina bond storm all over the United States. It is a fascinating time. You've been blown away by the number of Americans who are just all in on the England.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah, but Roger, I'm going to throw it back at you because you said something. I don't know if it was in one of our sort of. Sort of late night chats in our. You gave it away that we don't share a room because you had to text me when we get into.

[James Horncastle]

When we did.

[Roger Bennett]

When we get off the bus and straight into the hot tub.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah.

[Roger Bennett]

It's just how we live here. We are the. But you said. It's a really interesting point that 2018. The lost. The lost to Trinidad and Tomato. Which meant that they. I'm just gonna barrel through it.

[Michael Davies]

The.

[Roger Bennett]

The loss to Trinidad and Tobago. That meant they didn't qualify for 2018. That almost gave the American public, which you understand much better than I do.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah.

[Roger Bennett]

That gave them permission to have their first touch point in soccer, to be a Premier League team. Sometimes I guess Real Madrid and Barcelona, but largely Premier League teams. And I think that's such an interesting point because that is how people interact in the same way. And there's real parallels. To me, it's not a sport I watch or follow at all, but in the same ways, I think Messi is to America and soccer what Michael Jordan was to the rest of the world. In basketball also.

[James Horncastle]

What are we seriously saying, for example, that this phenomenon you're both describing to me is a little bit like the Bangladeshi fans who are also Argentina today.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, yeah. But it's. By the way, the Bangladeshi fan fandom is real. This one is. This has more commercial might. Yeah, I think. And also, you know, ultimately, football loves America because all the brands are here, so it's something they all want to activate. But your point is, Michael Jordan was a symbol globally.

[Roger Bennett]

You didn't have to like basketball to know about Jordan in the same way as people have bonded to Messi without necessarily kind of being into soccer. And I think what's. What's interesting is that if you're. The way you associate with basketball is through the stars, as a lot of people do in the UK, they'll like Steph Curry or LeBron or whatever. They might not watch games. What does that mean for Britain? Can't launch a basketball league that works economically because people will be drawn to the NBA. You want to watch the best stuff. We live in a globalized world. When. When August comes, people will. The tail of this World cup will go into the Premier League and the Champions League and maybe Horncastle's beloved Serie A, but maybe not.

[Michael Davies]

Then there is his voice. No, it won't.

[Roger Bennett]

People will be drawn to watching European clubs again and that tribal identity which already in Europe trumps the national team. If you Americans who are watching this, who are only just getting into football, if you think these atmospheres are good, watch a club game. Watch Napoli play.

[Michael Davies]

Americans watching. Wait till you discover two words. Hill, Dickinson, the big dick, in the words of England.

[Roger Bennett]

Security team, more intimidating than they asked.

[Michael Davies]

But.

[Roger Bennett]

So I think that's the issue, is that it will.

[Michael Davies]

Your point's well taken. And I do want to get into the real Messi and the real Argentina. They had a game today, but it is. We've had permission in America to follow Liverpool with all of our Hearts if you are that way inclined Manchester United I Arsenal, Tottenham Chelsea Leeds Super Leeds Bournemouth Super Leeds God bless Super Leeds have an amazing following in the United States. There are many, many options. That's the frustration. If I were running U.S. soccer today, I knew that I'd got I'd grab the nation again. And then just when everyone was paying attention, boom, you know, I dropped the bag, as they say in America. A lot of comments coming in at Sam Ticklin says too soon for soccer dudes. We won't play it again. I know it brings back memories like hearing country roads now sounds sad. We loved it two days ago. It now sounds so like Johnny Cash's hurt to my ears. At peace. Fang3134 says RIP sucker dudes. Aaron Smith6568 says Soccer dudes hail 2028 Le Olympics right around the corner. I like that attitude. One more note, take your full post mortem on the US journey. An autopsy really, to be candid. Sorry, a bit CSI on your asses with the mighty hurt Gomez this morning. It was really quite hard to tape emotionally. It looks so shattered. I just saw part of the video. I look like someone's battered me with a baseball bat. But I'd love your reaction to it. It's on our YouTube now. Link in the show notes to today's football The Mercedes Miracle Argentina 3 Egypt what 2. This city over the past 24 hours has been transformed from the jewel of the south to feeling like it's in La Boca.

[James Horncastle]

Yeah, no, no, it feels like we're in Rosario. I was getting, trying to get the lift in my hotel today and two of them were down because there were so many Argentines that had overcrowded it. They'd wrecked the lifts.

[Michael Davies]

I mean self respecting of course they had that. The lifts were there, of course they had to wreck them.

[Roger Bennett]

I went for a Wharton Piedmont park yesterday. Quite early in the morning. I wanted to go down the beltline and there were two middle aged Argentine fellows who were just stacking boxes and boxes of beer. Had these massive like cool boxes full of food, clearly ready for an asado. And at that point you thought okay, the Argentines are here. Atlanta is now part, temporarily part of Buenos Aires.

[Michael Davies]

It's so beautiful. I walked past Waffle House and had someone say Rog and it was just a large Argentinian man urinating against the side of the Waffle House. And I felt this is a World cup memory I didn't need to have. The shirts are everywhere. City awash with beers and song and their Unique, pulsating sense of frenzied optimism and energy. It's a football energy unlike any other I've come across. I mean, you know it really well, James, you spent a lot of time following this team. The noise in the stadium was overload. You know, I was at the bends for the England game and honestly felt the England fans are so connected to the team, but the Mercedes Benz is so architecturally splendid, it almost felt like they were overawed by the architectural splendor. There was. There was a certain calm to the whole thing. It felt a bit sterile in there. Not today. Today, the same place seed with energy could have been the monumental. I mean, it's like they all share the same energy. That's what's so amazing. So it was like. It was like Georgia had turned into Pluribus.

[James Horncastle]

Yeah. No, I mean, there's. There's a connection. You talked about that energy. When they talk about la Doste, the 12th man, you do actually really feel it. And I thought what was remarkable about today, as much as we thought all the pressure was on them, these Argentine players, they are used to playing under pressure. If you're like a 16 or 17 year old and you make your debut for Boca and you're playing at the Bombonara as a teenager, the kind of thing that you see today, two nil down against Egypt, it doesn't phase you in the way, for example, being down to Belgium for the usmnt phase them.

[Roger Bennett]

What I find remarkable about Argentina is difficult getting an atmosphere at a World cup game, whatever country you're from. So there's two things. One is that it's not a normal crowd. There are people there who are there to experience the game and that's totally valid.

[Michael Davies]

And huge blocks of commercial seats, like 2000 for brand X, just like the bottlers of a soft drinker brought 2000, bought all the bottles.

[Roger Bennett]

And they're there to watch. They're there to watch the atmosphere. And also because of the way the ticketing works, without going into that, the sort of debate around pricing, they're like in splodges around the stadium. So I spoke to some of the outlaws, American outlaws, who said that one of the issues they had even in Seattle was there was like a block here and there was a block there. Whereas in football the atmospheres were in whatever country come from the ends. That's where you have your hardcore and they push the noise out. So it is a weird atmosphere. But I remember in Qatar, in those mad stadiums that they built in the desert, the Argentine somehow managed to get an end. And it looked like the same press box as well. Yeah. The same kind of chaos as you get. The monumental or the bombinaria, like draped with flags. People who were very clearly, and I say this with no criticism, not sitting in their seats. It was. We are going to gather together. We will have an ultra section, a mosh pit of ultras, and we will generate an atmosphere. And it was the same today. That end. We were directly the opposite end of the stadium. It looked amazing.

[Michael Davies]

It did look amazing. I'll be candid. I was in. I was in very nice seats.

[Roger Bennett]

You were in a hot tub.

[Michael Davies]

Let me just say I was in a. Yeah, I was.

[Roger Bennett]

There is a stadium in America with a hot tub, but yes.

[Michael Davies]

Jacksonville.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah.

[Michael Davies]

Fulham owner. Try it. Fulham. I'm sure it would go down very well. Just so you know, when I'm not broadcasting, I'm either in the koozie, I'm out of the koozie, I'm in the QT at a game. Like, life is very glamorous. Don't let people think that I just spend all my time in a hotel basement in a. In a conference room watching games and typing.

[Roger Bennett]

Okay. Just occasionally Raj will shout at a member of staff. Raj wants bubbles.

[Michael Davies]

That'd be amazing. If I stopped doing third person crap. That'd be Raj. We once had Shaggy on and he did. He taped. He taped. I should dig it out. He did my name as like a hit that he'd say in the. You know, when he was yuck. It was amazing. Genuinely. When I was very tired, I'd play. It made me feel amazing. Raj wants bubbles. The. So I was at the game in the nice seats. Let me put it that way.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah.

[Michael Davies]

Even in the nice seats. Somehow they were just there, like about a thousand of them behind me doing that thing they do with their hands that like, I don't know how they decided, like the fingers are like going like genuinely. It was. I was with a group of people who were in very. But like surrounding him. It was just like. It was. I mean it was amazing. It was amazing. It wasn't just the ends, it was the whole place. It was really, really, really beautiful. And they needed them today. They really needed them because the champions have struggled to find their rhythm. Shock of Cape Verde. That challenge from nowhere really hung heavily over the opening exchanges. Egypt just seen off Australia on penalties. And we knew one of Lionel Messi or Mo Salah. 34 year old Mo will be playing their last game. Two shed a beautiful warm hug before the game. Two living legends walking amongst us. Messi focused silent during the quite incandescent Argentine national anthem Salah mouthing the woods along with Egypt. I was aware that we were seeing something beautiful, something truly, truly great. And up to this point, every team that's taller has won their round of 16. Ty, did you know that?

[Roger Bennett]

Every team that's taller.

[James Horncastle]

Yeah.

[Roger Bennett]

Okay.

[James Horncastle]

And every team that's got the most unemployment, apart of Switzerland.

[Michael Davies]

Bookmark.

[Roger Bennett]

Here comes the Swiss ruining everything.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah. Every team with a higher unemployment rate. Run. I don't quite. I'm working on the theory, but Egypt were slightly taller. This advantage on 15 minutes ball lifted to 6 foot 1. Central defender Yasser Ibrahim out jumped Lisandro Martinez. He's only a tiny man, 5 foot 10. Baby. Scored the upset opener. I mean, it was amazing. Ibrahim, what a story. Never played outside of Egypt. Late bloomer, 33 years old. He was only a second ever international goal. This is the first time Argentina have trailed at this World Cup. Felt like Cape. You know, Cape Verde two electric boogaloo. And surprise selection. Hasim Hassan making his first international start in for Omar Mahmoud, who struggled in the World Cup. Hassan, born in France. Eloj for Tunisia, joined Egypt in March. Clattered into Nicholas Tagliafoucault launching onto a through ball penalty. Who stepped up? Lionel Messi. What happened?

[Roger Bennett]

He missed. Because Lionel Messi at World cups is a 5050 shot from the penalty spot.

[Michael Davies]

It is exactly that. It's crazy.

[Roger Bennett]

It's not.

[Michael Davies]

What is it that. I mean, it was savable height, goalkeeper poured it away. Is it that he has the time to think? He has to think and then it all goes to crap.

[Roger Bennett]

My sense is I don't have the stats on this. He obviously takes a lot of penalties and has throughout his career. But I don't ever remember a point where. Where Messi steps up for a penalty and all. And thinking he's like Ral Jimenez, he's going to straw this. He. I'm not sure. He's brilliant at penalties is. Is the long and the short of

[James Horncastle]

it, but it's refreshing to see that he's mortal. Yeah, that's. Penalties serve us for that reason. To see that this man who can do incredible things that nobody else can fathom is mortal.

[Michael Davies]

And when drum machines were invented, the early ones that were made by Roland built in an imperfection to the rhythm slight one. So they sounded more human. Is that what you're saying? Messi misses a rolling drum machine, misses the penalties intentionally to make himself seem more human when he isn't The.

[Roger Bennett]

The. The. The. The depth of the shadows show the contours of the light. Raj. Does that make sense? It might not.

[Michael Davies]

I'll be thinking about that later in the koozie. We're going to celebrate this. Bubbles. See, I got to get on the T shirt or mug the. The Egyptian goalkeeper. We're going to talk about him. Mustafa show beer.

[James Horncastle]

Showtime. Shabir.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah. Is that what they call him?

[James Horncastle]

That's what I'm calling I love you.

[Michael Davies]

That's going to catch on. He's a son. Legendary goalkeeper Ahmed Shobir, goalkeeper for Egypt at the 1990 World Cup. Do you remember? That is a World cup, by the way. World cup of biblical lineage.

[Roger Bennett]

Well, James and I are Both on a WhatsApp group with noted Irishman Miguel Delaney, another journalist, and his dad, Ahmed was famous.

[Michael Davies]

Ahmed Delaney.

[Roger Bennett]

No, not Ahmed. Ahmed. Ahmed Shabir, sorry, Was famous. So in 1990, Mustafi, Shabir's dad played for Egypt in the 1990 World cup and was notorious for his defenders passing the ball back to him constantly, which was why one of the main reasons they introduced the back pass rule. And the back pass rule, which came in in 1992, is the start of all modern football. And Miguel remembers that perfectly. Because Miguel, as an Irishman knows that the game that was the most egregious for it was Egypt nil. The brave Irish boys, nil. So there is a connection. It runs through the lineage in which,

[Michael Davies]

by the way, Irish goalkeeper Paddy Bonner held onto the ball for six minutes, which is amazing. You couldn't hold onto it. Goalies would just like, just kill time.

[Roger Bennett]

Players would pass back to their Nadali if Nadorpe would pick it up and hold it.

[Michael Davies]

He is the child of modern football. He is. He is. He is spent. His dad spent 13 years at Al Akri and now Mustafa's there. Set record 13 consecutive clean sheets in the African Champions league and now 4th gen to save two non shootout penalties at the World Cup. Genetics. Shabir pulled off one of the saves of the round for me. I mean, just before the half, Tagliafoco

[James Horncastle]

again played in means cuts figs in Italian.

[Michael Davies]

Italia Fico. Yeah. That's so beautiful.

[James Horncastle]

Nicholas cuts figs Figuta.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, the fig cutter.

[Roger Bennett]

Not fistulator.

[Michael Davies]

The fig cutter. Cutter. Sounds like the fig cutter sounds pretty. It sounds pretty. The more you think it sounds like he's farting.

[James Horncastle]

It sounds like an alternative to worm burner, like, you know, one in the top corner. It's a fig cutter.

[Roger Bennett]

Oh, that's nice.

[Michael Davies]

Don't trigger a new a New meme.

[Roger Bennett]

No more. No more money.

[Michael Davies]

I run out. I run out, man. I run out. Now I run it out and I played. I mean the soccer dudes. I put all that money in. Economists call it sunk cost. So do you, Chris. Simplicity. I want that 12.50 anyway. It's beautiful. The flying one time instinctive cutback for Julian Alvarez. Long, powerful drill. First time spike. He must have felt that he's for school when it left his foot. But should we just poured it past the post. It was. I think it was pure instinct the way he got down low for me live. One of the best saves I've seen. There was a non Jordan Pickford.

[Roger Bennett]

I really enjoyed his one from Alex's. McAllister's header as well. I thought there were two superb saves. It's been a World cup of unheralded goalkeepers.

[Michael Davies]

Shining Alvarez stunned. Pulled his shorts up to his crotch in agony. Which only like the fourth official. Yeah. Oh my God. Let's not go there. I mean that was a kind of crotch cop. I mean Argentine football, it's like Martin Palermo, I thought you're going to say. I mean it is.

[Roger Bennett]

They do love a sort of.

[Michael Davies]

They love the undie reveal, the self wedging. Yeah. I mean it's just an amazing thing. You don't see enough in non Argentine football. I don't understand it. Second half Argentina sat deep. Argentina put on the pressure. Fascinating to watch their team, first time I've seen them live this World Cup. They're built. It feels like less tactics, shape, organization, more like vibes. Heart, hunger, hard running. Fundamental belief in magic and the supernatural. Fusion of those I've never seen. It was like not organized football. It was like. I think Humphrey would call it Mythos football.

[Roger Bennett]

It's. It was. The fancy term for it is relationism, isn't it? That's what, that's what.

[James Horncastle]

I don't think it's that. You know, I think it's. It's all the mysticism that comes with Argentine football. There's stuff that you can't explain there. It's very supernatural. And you were talking about the crowd, that the crowd doesn't ebb and flow but it just expresses the. All of the hysteria and the mania that you see. And it reminds me that Buenos Aires has a disproportionate number of therapist per capita. And you kind of understand why watching this football team because you need to hit the couch.

[Roger Bennett]

They've got after watching them 11 players and as many psychosis. Yeah, it's. They are Argentine Argentina are fascinating to watch because they are brilliant at football, but they are also a total neurotic mess at all times.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, it did remind me of one of my in laws. But the. The lack of tactics men that they could spring forward Egypt in moments they had a stunning goal. I want to talk about this. Ruled off Hassan danced like a Egyptian Billy Elliot. Three players fed Salah Young Mo would have sped in on goal. But this mo wise, cerebral, slow mo. Slow. Yes. Slow mo. God bless slow mo. Just slip that pass in to ZK A fascinating cap. Brazilian Journeyman. Brazilian name. Journeyman. New to the team and literally plays for a team called Pyramids fc, which I just love. Slapped home, tore off his jersey, sprung away in celebration. The Brazilian he should have been named after was Rich Olison because. And this was while Var kicked in and they had to rewind the.

[James Horncastle]

I mean the shot back 10 minutes

[Roger Bennett]

so far back to the time of the pyramid.

[Michael Davies]

The way. The way they showed the sequence. It was like watching a Charlie Chaplin movie. It was so crazy. Gold chalked off. It was like almost like. I don't mean to be a conspiracy theorist. It looked like they were struggling to find some infraction rule. If you're a cynic.

[James Horncastle]

The Sabruda film.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah. Or if you see the Egyptian manager, Hossam Hassan, he kept making. Do we have the photo of making the X with his arms, which. That's triggering the racial abuse protocol in this moment. Which I don't fully understand what it was unless he's saying the referees or the decision making or whatever it was. But the anger, the frustration almost felt like they were fishing for a way to get.

[James Horncastle]

This is a famous Jose Mourinho gesture.

[Roger Bennett]

This is.

[James Horncastle]

This is Mourinho for Inter 2010 when he. He had two men sent off in a game against Sampdoria and he did this gesture which is you. You are handcuffing me. You are trying to handcuff our team from winning the treble. Yeah. And since then I'm. I'm sure the Egyptian coach is a big Mourinho Stan. And he was delighted to be able to wheel out this gesture for this.

[Michael Davies]

Maybe it's just a big West Ham fan.

[Roger Bennett]

We've iron the irons. We've mentioned a couple of times that thing that Cleopatra was born closer to the iPhone than the building of the pyramids. The foul that this doll was ruled out for took place closer to the building of the pyramids than the actual finish. This is what I was talking about before. This is the issue with what happened around Baligan. Not just that, but the lifting of Ronaldo's ban. That meant he could play into Miami being put into the club World cup just randomly by, oh, they're top. Let's put them in. We're gonna decide now. You need trust. You need the institutions that run football to be. To prove themselves to be beyond trustworthy. Because in that moment, and Mustafa Zito came out and said it afterwards, in that moment, it did look an awful lot like they wanted to rule the

[James Horncastle]

goal out deep state football.

[Roger Bennett]

I'm. I'm certain I would not for a second allege that that was the case. Yeah, but what FIFA, I think, are not conscious of enough, and Infantino's relationship with President Trump has been a source of this. Whatever you think of Trump's politics, the relationship between Infantino and the government of the United States has sort of stoked this. The issue is that you need to be beyond reproach. You need there to be no doubt whatsoever that things are on the up and up, that everything is under control and is honest and orderly. Because if it's not, you get an incident like this, a purely football incident, and there will be millions of people around the world, not just Egyptians, thinking that's a bit fishy.

[Michael Davies]

So what did Egypt do? Well, they wound it back. They ran it again from an Argentine corner. That counter sprung again, again through sizzling Salah, who was everywhere. I thought he was fantastic today. Not just as a footballer, as a leader like you saw this man wanting this moment. He was everywhere. And this time he slipped white to Hassan, who cut back for Zico. Another emphatic finish that couldn't be denied. It was surreal. It was blissful. It was delirious. Football. The Egypt. The pocket of Egyptian fans near me could not believe what they were witnessing. First ever World cup round of 16. Counter punching the reigning champions straight into the down belows. With a goal scorer. With a goal scorer. An Egyptian man named after a great Brazilian who just felt like he knocked Argentina out of the World Cup. That is. That is novel level stuff.

[Roger Bennett]

An assist from a fellow born in France. That is all right. Well, the Treseguet came on. No, the winner, who was brilliant, by the way, against Australia. He was absolutely outstanding. He's a really good player. Plays for real. Oviedo in Spain will not be there for long. But it was the same combination. It was the same three players leading the counter, just in a slightly different order.

[Michael Davies]

I just want to say to Egyptian fans, man, you are unbelievable. That is a. The diaspora met so many of you today at the stadium who've flown in for more points, but also, you know, Egypt, mad footballing nation, mad fan. You can see it in the way they're naming their kids. The fact that there's two players in the Brazilian, in the Egyptian team named after footballing. Great. I just admire so much that footballing culture and the role football plays in. In its life.

[Roger Bennett]

The other thing I'd love to. That I love about Egypt is that most of these players play in Egypt, which is the dominant force in African football. Al Ahli are one of the biggest clubs in the world. You might not have heard of them, you might not know a lot about them. They are enormous club World cup.

[Michael Davies]

They brought an enormous army over and

[Roger Bennett]

they dominate the African Champions League. It's brilliant. It's similar to Mexico. It's brilliant that Egyptian football has these clubs who can keep high quality players at home, earning enough money to fill that they don't have to move. That is a good thing for football. It's brilliant to discover these players. I don't watch Alasley regularly. It's not something I am able to do. I have children to look after. But it's great to see these clubs. But if I didn't have kids to look after, I would be watching Al Aq.

[Michael Davies]

Let's go again.

[Roger Bennett]

It's an amazing football club.

[Michael Davies]

Love to go in the next year. I would love. I would like. Just in that moment I felt like Belgium should tweet again. Overturn that. I've got an Egyptian kid, Bagad, who's a young genius who runs the Men in Blazers website and he slapped into the. The men in Blazers slack in that moment. He wrote all caps, habibi. It's coming home. I mean, oh my God. God, you beautiful moment. Just stop the game there. When you watch it again, just end it there. Walk away at that point, habibi, and I'm so bloody happy for you. Whenever you felt in that moment ecstasy, but it does pivot felt like this Argentinian team, this Argentinian nation in that moment that was surrounding me was just suddenly falling and teetering over the abyss, screaming into the darkness. But man, they never lost their sense of belief. There was never that panic that kicks in at like Goodison or Anfield. When I've been there, when you know you're just shaking your head and you feel like all is lost, they do this thing with their hands. It is amazing. James, I don't know like who. Who decided this is what we do,

[James Horncastle]

man, but it's almost like exercising your anxiety, because suddenly the whole stadium was

[Michael Davies]

just a flailing sea of limbs just surging for hoop. And it felt, again, magnificent.

[James Horncastle]

Yeah, no, I think it's certainly an element in why this team is able to pull itself back in. You know, just when you think they're out, they always pull themselves back in. And I think particularly we make all these comparisons with four years ago in Qatar, where they seem to be teetering on the brink and always about to go out, and yet they didn't go out. And weirdly, even though we see this manifest itself in their hysteria again, they always find a way of just pulling themselves back from the brink as cruel

[Michael Davies]

fate smash your dreams of football in glory during this FIFA World Cup. Fear not, you're now a sporting free agent with your choice of squads, the opportunity to pick someone new, the teams with the catcher songs, the country you studied abroad in, the goalkeeper with the magnificent hair when your team's gone, fun doesn't have to be because on the le's bandwagon, every match is another excuse to grab a snack and pick a new favourite. There are no wrong answers, only good times and tasty snacks. So jump on and enjoy the rest of the tournament because Lays keeps the party going and the bandwagon has never tasted better. Lays, official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as cruel fates smash your dreams of footballing glory during this FIFA World cup, fear not, you're now a sporting free agent with your choice of squads, the opportunity to pick someone new, the teams with the catcher songs, the country you studied abroad in, the goalkeeper with the magnificent hair when your team's gone, fun doesn't have to be because on the lay's bandwagon, every match is another excuse to grab a snack and pick a new favourite. There are no wrong answers, only good times and tasty snacks. So jump on and enjoy the rest of the tournament because Lays keeps the party going and the bandwagon has never tasted better. Lays, official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026 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. Let's celebrate this Summer the way it's meant to be celebrated. Head to the events tab on meninblazers.com for all the details. To the football to more together courage. I was just watching Messi at this point and he just kept suddenly starting to pulsate towards the ball at every opportunity. Egyptian defenders were totally keyed in on him, swarmed him, and he showed no emotion at all. He just got more and more hunched and went again. It's very. I mean, it was incredible to watch this dance. 79th minute flick cross found Christian Romero, that man in an Argentinian jersey. So hungry. Body twist, neck snap, header, put it in off the goalkeeper's glove, setting up this really tense, tense, tense ending noise in the stadium. When that goal went in, it was just whistling, you know, at piercing levels. And it was very clear to everyone around me in that moment. I think when that ball went in, they knew what they were watching. I think once that first one went in, I think there was no doubt to any Argentinian how that was going to end. That was what was so crazy about this moment.

[Roger Bennett]

I didn't feel tense at all as soon as they saw the first. Why is that?

[Michael Davies]

Why is that?

[Roger Bennett]

Because what you're watching is a team that believes so fervently in its own destiny that it's contagious. That's what that is. This absolutely knew there was stress and

[Michael Davies]

there was an anxiety. Two, one, they're still losing that, what, seven minutes away from defeat. Messi's last ever again. But the anxiety just crackled away and it was like. They were like, okay, watch it. We've seen this watching now, the knockout punch, it's coming.

[James Horncastle]

But you say that and Scaloni said it after the game, he was like, I knew because we've been creating two chances we were going to do this. And yet afterwards, because they bottle up all this emotion, it all then comes

[Michael Davies]

out, they start crying. It does, it does. I mean, it's crazy that because football, you always think, save the emotion. It's too much too. They need this. That's what's so crazy about them. Like when football teams get too emotional, they lose the focus, they lose irrational decision making. I just think they were not normal football teams. It's pure emotion, it's pure animal instinct. And in this moment, I felt like I was watching an animal go in for the kill. That's what it was. Two, one down. No problem. We're going to kill them. Time for science. We ran a poll. Was Egypt's second goal correctly ruled out by VAR? No. 71%, yes, 29%. We've never had so many people in Egypt tuning in and watching along and voting. That's called democracy. Argentina taken all the way by Cape Verde. They do feed off this frenzy. Ball now all played in and around the Egyptian box. 84 minutes, another hoof cross. Ball pinged around, never quite cleared, never quite controlled. You felt, though, every Argentinian player was just limbs flailing, eyes bulging, just trying to get the ball to Messi, just trying to feed. It was like NBA. Get it to the shooter. Get it to the shooter. And Alvarez finally found him. It was the foot position on the shot. It was stunning what he did. I mean, he slapped that ball off the goalkeeper's hand, top crossbar on the way in. By the way, he charged off in this moment at greater velocity to celebrate than he has at any time on the field during the entire World Cup.

[James Horncastle]

Yeah, it's like an electric current just surges through him and he's just like, trying to. Trying to work it out of himself. I remember when he scored against Mexico in the second game of the last World cup, having lost to Saudi Arabia before. Again, that release was very, very similar.

[Michael Davies]

Speed. God. And then the stadium around me just totally erupted. There were growing men, sobbing, hugging, tumbling all around me. I've got video of it. I should have put it up. There was such relief. There was such ecstasy. So much. The emotion was so profound. I was telling you earlier, I went to the game with a small group. One of them was a woman who's never been to a football match before. She stood by me, started crying. She was just so overwhelmed. I can only decide it as like a religious ecstasy that.

[James Horncastle]

Like going to one of those evangelical conventions, you know, 100 you be healed, by the way.

[Michael Davies]

By the way. It is like. It is like an event. I'm being like, I'm not a religious or spiritual person, but you can feel it, man.

[James Horncastle]

Yeah.

[Michael Davies]

I can't be the only person that. No, it has never felt like that. A football game.

[Roger Bennett]

It has all of the same ingredients as religion. Whatever your faith might be, it relies on this. It's hope and it's a sense of destiny. It's a sense of belief. It's a sense that things are arranged for you and that you need to kind of pray to your great God Leo, and he will sort things out.

[James Horncastle]

There's a transfiguration of defeat into victory, which is. And I think what was great in that first half, it looked like nothing was going for Messi. He missed the penalty. He had A free kick, saved. He had a shot which hit the corner flag, which you never see him that far off target. And often mere mortals, you'd say, this is not their day. It's just not going to happen for them. And yet he was still able to look at the destiny that. That people had in mind for him and said, not for me.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah. First place to score six consecutive World cup knockout games. Keeps inventing new records to break eight goals so far this World cup. Plus the two missed penalties. The assist on Romero's goal takes him to nine total World cup record. Ding, ding, ding. 39 years old, only getting better somehow. But we had no time for this. Argentina kept surging. It was momentum. It was pure energy. It was totally clear to everyone around me what was going to happen. There was. There would be no extra time. Stadium was pulsating. Shirts were now off everywhere being whipped around. You know, all the lads just getting them out. The muchachos.

[James Horncastle]

Yeah, the soccer muchachos.

[Michael Davies]

It was great. Remember, remember I was in. I was in the quite expensive seats. Bits out everywhere, and I look straight in the koozie. I was, yeah, yeah. I was getting stairs because I was like, I have my shirt on. It was like, come on, Rog. You know what? It was two minutes.

[Roger Bennett]

The Argentinians asked him if. Asked him, Vosos una never knew.

[Michael Davies]

That's amazing. They had no time for Arrested Development banks. They had a game to win. Two minutes into stoppage time, actually, Egypt were charging. Were they there?

[Roger Bennett]

The key moment is Leandro Paredes's tackle. Yeah, Leandro. Per Egypt. I can't remember which player it was, but Egypt broke because Argentina was so far forward. And it looked like they were going to create one of those chances to counter punch Argentina. And Leandro Paredes waited and waited and waited. And just at the last moment, he took the ball and then a minute

[Michael Davies]

later, flung it to la Toro Martinez open on the right flank, and he floated in, just a lethal arc. And it was like watching a death trap. Enzo Fernandez away rose up, perfect body position to nod away from the suddenly stranded, totally exposed keeper. And in the stadium, in that moment, it was like a bomb detonated. It was a bomb of joy and love and mania and pride and life itself. This crowd, they flung themselves into the air. There were old men flung onto shoulders. There were grown men hugging, falling downstairs. We'd seen a goal. It was like more than a goal. It was a biblical miracle at Golden Calf levels. We'd all paid witness, yet they expected it. It was just like a miracle. And it was also something that they've come to be accustomed to in equal measure. And it was incredible.

[Roger Bennett]

They believe so firmly in their own destiny that they manifest it. That's what it. That's what happens with Argentina.

[James Horncastle]

And that's why you can't explain it. We live in an age of kind of over intellectualization of football, where every move on a football pitch is analyzed like a chess move. And instead what's refreshing about this is you can't explain it. It just. It just happens.

[Roger Bennett]

It's an alchemy. Yeah, it's an alchemy.

[Michael Davies]

I mean, it's a. It's ineffable and it is like trying to work out what is God, what are we watching? 3, 2. After being 2 nil down, 31st goal in second half stoppage time at this very, very, very drunk World cup, World Cups 3000 goal ever ends. Out the scenes, manager Lionel Scaloni again could only put his hands over his face. I don't know if it was disbelief or relief or just anxiety just being released in that moment. You are right. There's a. A calm and then it all comes out. Messi tried to just walk around as if it was cool and then broke down and just sobbed inconsolably. When my mum cries, it makes me cry. When my wife cries, it makes me cry. When Messi. There's three people in the world. So I always think, like I hear, when I see him cry, it's like I hear printing and this is what it sounds like when doves cry. It really breaks me.

[Roger Bennett]

You don't want to be crying in a Jatuzzi. Well, that'd be awesome.

[Michael Davies]

No one knows. This is. It's like when you piss in the shower. Man. I wasn't going to say that. But you know, now you voted me, you know, 39 year old man who was running around the field two nil down, thinking his World cup life was over. You know, he'd seen a death, he'd seen a light. He was walking towards the light. And then he screamed, no, not today. And lived with his brothers to fight it again, this flawed team. But man, the Delta, he lived today between a round of 16 exit as his legacy, as his final kick, being wiped out by Egypt and instead having another chapter to write in his World cup journey of wonder. That is sliding doors crap, man. And this tournament, I realized in that moment, the tournament needs Messi now. The Argentinian fans need Messi in a way. The world bloody needs Messi. He.

[Roger Bennett]

He's sort of the story now, I think and it might be. I. It's hard to say if Argentina will win it or not. But Messi with. With the US out, with Brazil gone, with Germany gone, with the Dutch gone. I think Messi is the person that will. That is the story that is most compelling about the World Cup. Now what was interesting today though and what's significant to me, Messi was brilliant. Stored the equalizer, was the dominant figure. But for the first time in this tournament some of the others stood up as well because that's the one thing that never gets mentioned about Qatar, that Enzo was brilliant. Alexis Michalister was brilliant. Julian Alvarez was brilliant.

[Michael Davies]

Alvarez brilliant.

[Roger Bennett]

They've all not really done anything this world there is a. There is. They call. In Argentina they call it Messi pendencia and it means that the players are continually just looking to Messi to like you. Right. You sort the problems out. This is, this is for you today. I thought when Lautaro, James's favorite player, I thought Lautaro came on and made a huge difference. Yeah, Enzo in the second half was really good. Alexis who's been poor for a year, looked a little bit more like his own self again. Messi needs them to deliver as well. Tanya Feto was brilliant, brilliant. He got taken off but which really surprised me because he was their best player for about an hour.

[James Horncastle]

Yeah.

[Michael Davies]

Fig cutter, the fig crosser dressing room

[Roger Bennett]

released it, released a few fates.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah. You can see Argentine getting the old

[James Horncastle]

fruit knife out then just handing out some figs.

[Michael Davies]

Get in there, warm it up for the last. Now in five of the last six World cup it was beautiful watching Messi flung into the air like a little, little Care Bear.

[Roger Bennett]

Tell him to stop in case they dropped him, in case he got Henderson.

[Michael Davies]

Wow. I didn't think that. Just don't think, you know, it's like El Gendo, he doesn't like being touched. He knows how close this was. I mean it really with more tears. Peach State remontada. Lovely to see Tom Brady watching along tweeting this. Yeah. So that might top 28 3. I mean it is epic. Just goat watching Goat respecting these moments, validating these moments, reinforcing these moments. We do need to quickly touch upon the fact that, you know, in the wake of it, Egypt were I think quite understandably heated. Remember the Egyptian staff sent off Salah. Salah I actually thought led really well in that moment. He thought he should have had a penalty in the build up to the winning goal. Egypt players stunned, panting, couldn't process what happened afterwards. Zico said the tournament was quite Rigged. An Egyptian manager said that the World cup was quote, directed towards Argentina. Life is unfair. The world is unfair. Okay, but why isn't the fairness in sports? I'm not convinced by this outcome. The referee is unfair. God is sufficient for me and the best disposer of affairs. I mean, it's.

[James Horncastle]

God chose Leo today.

[Roger Bennett]

You can understand the fury largely because not only was the goal the. The Egyptian doll that was ruled out, but because in the build up to Argentina's third, there was a foul that looked very similar to what the one that crossed Argentina that cost Egypt that second doll. But also it is. It's the. It's the. The spectre of Baligan. It's the specter of. It has opened. Open doors to things that we should not open doors.

[Michael Davies]

It's created an optical question mark is what you're saying. We're going to leave that there because I know you all want to get to Switzerland, Colombia. I'm kidding. I do want to say goodbye to Mo Salah. This is another moment in the generational changing of the God. All the greats, Mo Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, of course, Tim Ream. All the. He's going to keep playing. Who am I kidding? All the OGs, all of them knocked out round of 16 and what is surely their last World Cup. The only one left is this guy.

[Roger Bennett]

The greatest of them all.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, I mean the goat of goats hustle bone says in the chat I mourn for the future of football post Messi, which is a really fascinating thing to think through. By the way, did you see Mo Salah and ex Liverpool teammate McAllister swap shirts at full time.

[James Horncastle]

I thought this was the UFC fight on the White House lawn.

[Michael Davies]

Henchmen, question mark.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah, yeah, he is absolutely. He's been henchman for ages.

[Michael Davies]

Not that I mean that I've never seen his back.

[James Horncastle]

We always see his abs bits out.

[Michael Davies]

But show us your back. The back's beautiful. Jason Mamo Salah working workshop in that. It's a. I couldn't believe it. It's like a waterbed.

[James Horncastle]

I mean but McAllister looks like Tyler Dillon. He looks fight clubbish.

[Roger Bennett]

He does look fight clubish. Yeah, that is true.

[Michael Davies]

Oh, it's beautiful. It's beautiful.

[Roger Bennett]

What a parabolic.

[James Horncastle]

And also nice to see teammates or ex teammates now getting on in the way that Bernardo and Roger clearly don't anymore.

[Roger Bennett]

Liverpool, you know, they can. They Liverpool players have a touch of class about them. Rodney. Roger would agree with that.

[Michael Davies]

I'm going to move on. I Do want to just cap it by talking personally for a second? I left the stadium feeling so exhilarated. I'm quite tired. I don't know if you know that in this World Cup, I'd never experienced anything like it. As a sports fan in America, I've been to Raiders games, which are incredible in their own way. SEC football games, which are also a similar kind of euphoria. I've been to Eagles games and seen true triumph of wonder. This was like, you've hit it. It's a church, a faith, a religion, but one in which God was real and performing casual, everyday miracles before our eyes.

[James Horncastle]

Yeah. And it's great that he isn't going to be sacrificed for fee, for sins. He is still here to deliver us. And we are grateful for.

[Michael Davies]

Forgive us our trespasses. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. And let's let the Argentinian fans have the last word, because this scene in the stadium afterwards, this is Atlanta. This is the house that Arthur built, taken over. This is what Brene Brown means by collective effervescence. Stunning, man. Amazing. That is beautiful. It is rapturous. I love America. To the late game. Colombia, nil. Switzerland. Nil. Switzerland win four. Three on penalties. Hooray. I think it was called a mercy killing. They're very big on that in Switzerland. A game there in England. Yes, it was Kill me now because I had to watch it. They called it in England. I don't know if this translates to America. They brilliantly dubbed it Charlie versus the Chocolate Factory. Don't ask if you're young and watch this in Vancouver. Final game outside the usa. By the way, I do feel this is a very subplot. I do feel like Mexico and Canada kind of got shoved out the spotlight a bit in a World cup that should have given them more. I don't know if you guys agree.

[James Horncastle]

Well, I mean, Mexico had the opening game, which there was a big song in dance, literally, about that. And then I think what the big story. One of the big stories about this World cup is, is the appreciation for the Azteca.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah.

[James Horncastle]

As agreed, the. The definitive World cup venue. That's it.

[Michael Davies]

England ended the Azteca. It's over Nomas. It's over Nomas. Yeah.

[Roger Bennett]

No, but we said, Roger, we said this, that. That the nature of that game will burnish the Aztecas men.

[James Horncastle]

Yeah.

[Roger Bennett]

In Europe, without. Without. Without a shadow of a doubt, the

[James Horncastle]

English have made it. Great.

[Roger Bennett]

I would have. I would have liked a quarter final in Mexico City, if I'm completely honest. I think it would be nice. Or even a semi.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah.

[James Horncastle]

I mean, in some respects I think that would have been the best way to do it. Where all of the co hosts. You have okay, us for final.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah.

[James Horncastle]

Mexico City semi final and then Toronto, Vancouver, the other semi final.

[Roger Bennett]

I'm not sure either. The problem is I'm not sure either of those stadiums are big enough.

[Michael Davies]

Yes, I would have liked a semi final in Dawson City, Yukon, but I don't always get what you want in life. This is also the final clash in the round of 16. Two teams have been, I think you say, growing round to round. Swiss secured their first knockout win in 88 years against Algeria. Colombia have been hoping Luis Diaz could have a sharper edge as they chugged through the group stage, conceding only once but unable to score. It was only against Uzbekistan in the opener they scored more than one goal. So they're kind of like a national version of Cristiano Ronaldo, watching their fans, who are the only group who have made it through all three host nations. They have marched, I think 6,000 miles on their journey, which is incredible to see them emerge into Vancouver. I love this scene. Tell me this isn't like watching Daniel Day Lewis as Bill the Butcher lead his gang into a five points battle in Gangs of New York. I just love this.

[James Horncastle]

And they've made every game feel like a home game for Colombia. We've just spent an hour celebrating the Argentine fans. The Colombians have been magnificent in this tournament.

[Michael Davies]

Huge, huge love to this support. I just. So much bloody admiration. Unfortunately, this was really the highlight of the game. Switzerland, we got to say, lost breakout star Johan Manzambi to an abductor injury. They also, lap winger Ruben Vargas pulled out training yesterday. So the game was a struggle.

[James Horncastle]

It was relatively 20 minutes of solitude.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, my son texted me and said it's like an unskippable cut scene in a video game. Swiss struggled to get a touch inside the Colombian penalty box for the. In the first half hour, Colombians dominated the midfield but struggled to get a shot off. I mean, it was dark, the whole bloody thing. It was like. It was like an ambient postlude track on an album you listen to. Out of respect for the artists involved into extra time that nobody wanted. Nobody asked for one big chance. Chance a piece turned into a bit of a miss off. Sometimes you get Argentina, Egypt, cocaine bear. Sometimes you get Switzerland, Colombia, ambient. Sometimes both in the same day. It's like the duality of man and humanity to penalties. We knew Columbia's Davidson Sanchez would Miss before.

[Roger Bennett]

I've never seen anyone who's more certain to miss.

[Michael Davies]

We could see in his eyes and read it.

[Roger Bennett]

We could see great readers of people, the three of us.

[James Horncastle]

Yeah.

[Michael Davies]

The kicks went routinely. Then up step to kanji exit. He missed in Euros against England. I think Jordan Pickford saved it. Maybe should stop taking them because he unleashed. I mean, how do you say this word in Swiss? So that's where you. You had more budget for that. Well, that.

[Roger Bennett]

That came before soft.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, that was a mistake. I just wanted to use it.

[Roger Bennett]

By the way, it's a tap writer, that is.

[Michael Davies]

I'm just so happy I could use it, man. I can't tell you that my laughter comes. Oh, we can use it.

[Roger Bennett]

I'm just saying we've used it three or four times.

[Michael Davies]

I know each time. Each time I have to pay for the, you know, the production fee to the person that makes residuals, but it's so worth it. Should we play it again, Kenzie? We laugh because we care. Q Juan Hernandez going up against Kobel of Dortmund. He parried sharply, full extension, impressively. Vargas committed some Vargas and Vargas violence ended it all. And thus Switzerland are through. I can't wait to watch Switzerland play again. It's a sentence no one has said during the entire tournament. Right up there with. Oh, God, I wish Christian Pulisic was in more commercials. And can we get another segment with Zlatan and Alexi Lalas? We got ourselves a Euros. Really? Six of the last eight are from Europe. I don't know how you feel about that.

[Roger Bennett]

Guys bid Euro poor energy to the World cup now. I don't like it. I think it would be better if there was a bit more variety. If I'm completely honest.

[Michael Davies]

I couldn't agree more. I couldn't agree more. I mean, what does it say about the state of football?

[Roger Bennett]

I mean, I suppose, I mean, Switzerland, Colombia was a toss of a coin, so you can't read too much into that, but, yeah, it does. It does look a little bit. I suppose the problem is that it's. It's one or two teams that Brazil have disappointed. Brazil haven't been very good. Japan got that unfortunate draw with Brazil in the. They're not drawn against Brazil in the round of 32. That's a bit of an issue.

[Michael Davies]

I mean, the African teams, like, there's so many of them making it through and so few made.

[Roger Bennett]

Couldn't. Couldn't close it. Senator.

[Michael Davies]

There was an ecstasy to the tournament when so many of them made it, and to see them all wiped Out. I've got to say, I feel like. I feel like having spent so much time with these African diasporas, which, I mean sincerely. I mean, I feel like the tournament has lost something for their absence for

[James Horncastle]

all these teams deserve to be there, of course, but I think box office would have been England, Brazil.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah.

[James Horncastle]

Argentina, Colombia. Repeat of the last Copa America final.

[Michael Davies]

If the US had still been in.

[James Horncastle]

I mean, maybe it's best that they weren't playing against Spain, but still, I think for 5 energy up and down the country, that would be great. France, Morocco will be fantastic.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah, we're happy with that.

[Michael Davies]

Are you just trying to get me to play the soccer dude sting again? I won't be there at Dr. J. Kovar says double center back bird burners. He's just trying to encourage me to play it again, which I will Resist@ Sean Peters599 says My dad thought Switzerland was Canada until about the 70th minute. I love America. We've reached the part of the night where we figure out what everyone suddenly believes by taking a look at Kelsey percentages to peek deep inside the brains of football fans everywhere. Scan below to sign up and trade on Kelsey. Gents, quarterfinals are officially set. Eight teams, eight dreams of glory. We know the favorites. England, Argentina, Spain, France. Not in that order, but of the four underdogs listed here, who's got the best chance to spring an upset and is it obvious the answer is Norway.

[Roger Bennett]

I think the answer probably is Norway. Switzerland would have watched Argentina and thought they can beat them. The Switzerland are less likely to be susceptible to that kind of surge than Egypt. Argentina won their last two games in the knockouts. 3 2. They will give Switzerland the chance. I think probably the most finely poised. Well, France. Morocco is the most. Most finely poised water because Morocco. I think Morocco could beat the French. It is possible. Morocco beat the French and it's surprising

[James Horncastle]

that they're bottom of this.

[Roger Bennett]

But I think it's the strength of the French, isn't it? I think the only one that I think there isn't really a chance of an upset in is Spain, Belgium. That's the only one that I'd say I'd find it. I'd be baffled.

[James Horncastle]

The only thing I would say about that is Spain have those games where they draw nil. Nil against Cape Verde because Brazenia is fantastic and they didn't score until stoppage time against Portugal. As much as they shut out teams, they struggle to score unless they play Austrian.

[Michael Davies]

And I will just say warning to all global teams who underestimate Belgium. I will say no more. But we learn our lessons through pain tomorrow. Let's look quickly for the first time in 27 days. Brace yourself world. There will be no World cup football matches. What are we going to do with our hands? I mean.

[Roger Bennett]

I mean what we're going to be lost, Rog. I don't know why what we do with our hands is relevant, particularly I don't know. You'll spend all day in the jacuzzi

[Michael Davies]

like normal and we won't see the hands. I'm actually going to tonight to to Boston.

[Roger Bennett]

You are you?

[Michael Davies]

We're going to film with Yan Diaman tomorrow. Going to get him to sign forever to lads.

[Roger Bennett]

Well I mean exciting.

[Michael Davies]

Do you feel good about a day off? You know, like so like Patty Hurst syndrome that you just like genuinely need at least four to six games to

[Roger Bennett]

the the fan in me. The fan in me says it is a shame there is no football tomorrow. The the man who knee who has done 27 straight podcasts.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah.

[Roger Bennett]

And live streams.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah.

[Roger Bennett]

Plus several live shows. Things.

[Michael Davies]

I gotta tell you, I. I have not showered in 27 days. That's because you've been in complete. Is that my cat? Let me ask you in the chat, do jacuzzis counter?

[Roger Bennett]

What you can't tell on this on the stream, what you can't tell is that Roger has a very tiny Jatuzzi for his feet right now.

[Michael Davies]

Well, I do. Everyone thinks I don't. So many of you think I don't have pants on. It like scares me.

[James Horncastle]

And you're right, of course I tell

[Michael Davies]

everyone that writes in when I'm like, do you have any family? How do you know? Can you see right through me? It's not about me. So tomorrow, light imagines Latan and Alexi will mount a tandem and just cycle together in harmony around Los Angeles. But come Thursday, we will emerge blinking into the sunlight of a brave new world. Get our football fix. Thursday quarterfinals we need a sting. France vs Morocco quarter final rematch of the 2022 semi final. 13 players returning from those respective rosters. France tournament best plus 12 goal difference Morocco anxiously await news over the fitness of their striker Ismael Sabari left the field in tears against Canada. It's never that good, is it? With an apparent hamstring strain, France survived that MMA match against Paraguay just and Killian Mbappe issued a warning postgame. We can get our hands dirty too. They take a few good chances the Paraguayans fail to take. They'll think about those. Morocco devastating on the counter. Very Odd stage of the World cup, guys, where the games once in such abundance, that felt so plentiful. Slow down to just a drip, drip, drip. I'm just warning new World cup watchers, you start to feel like the end of the tournament is coming, starting Thursday, and you begin to love it and mourn it at the same time. To borrow Tommy Vitor's words, it does feel like a death in the family is coming. Yeah.

[Roger Bennett]

You have that sense that it does feel like it's getting. It's almost over and you miss the kind of constant diet of football. But the effect is to make each of these individual games feel so meaningful. The World cup is two things. It is a global carnival. For the first three weeks, it's a global carnival, it's a European carnival, it's Eurovision. Everyone gets to put on special hats and wear kills and kind of perform their national. National identity. And after that finishes, which was round of 32, last 16 ish. Once the fun stops, the most stressful sporting competition in the world begins. So if you've been, if you've come for the fun, that's fine. But what you get now is just pure, unadulterated, uncut tension. And it's magnificent.

[James Horncastle]

And those drops, those little drops that you talked about, it's just like all you need is one.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah.

[James Horncastle]

And it's like a psychedelic. That's what you need.

[Michael Davies]

We'll save that for our other podcast today in peyote today, casual narcotic use with Jimmy Horn Castle, the big chief, as he calls himself on that. Oh, says, is it Jacuzzi? A bath? What a question, Sean. Peter says I shower before I go into a hot tub. Because I consider it.

[Roger Bennett]

You should. Well done, Sean.

[Michael Davies]

You should. But I don't because I don't have to.

[Roger Bennett]

It's his own private Jacuzzi. Because. And I stress. Rog want bubbles?

[Michael Davies]

Yeah. What? You want bubbles? I'd like to. I'd like to transgress normal codes of offset. I'm just an awful human being. I really am. We asked in the chat what's going to be the best quarterfinals match? Norway versus England, 51%. France versus Morocco, 43%. Spain versus Belgium, 3%. And everyone hates Switzerland, 3% against Argentina. Just your casual miracle Messi comeback. It's time for the food. See you up in my comprehend. Tonight we got. Oh, my God. My favorite Atlanta staple, Busy Bee of incredible soul food. I love you, Busy Bee.

[Roger Bennett]

Thanks, Charlie.

[Michael Davies]

Coming to us with the classic two piece fried chicken with a side of Mac and cheese and candied yams. Oh. Which I always like the idea of candied yam more than the actual yam. Incredible. Farewell till our time. You know what? I went here properly yesterday. I. I went to. I love to go to this place. I love to have it fresh. But this is pretty bloody good for me.

[James Horncastle]

Raw.

[Roger Bennett]

Wow.

[Michael Davies]

Raw. You've taken on Waffle House, I'd say, is a major part of your identity. I'm pretty sure you made up a 90. Chicken and waffles at this point, tell us how the great busy bee compares. Let's go to it. Three simple steps. Eat, ponder, score. But pretty quickly because I've got to get my flight to Boston. Let's move it, guys. Stop the piggin. Start the scoring. And now play. We should have music kick in at this point. If this is a real show.

[Roger Bennett]

Where's the sting?

[Michael Davies]

Well, we need them just like music, you know, we need, like, tension bed. Sting. We got a sting. The European mind cannot look at the food. Well, you look very.

[Roger Bennett]

Americans call vegetables.

[Michael Davies]

You look very handsome there. I think this is going to be. By the way, I spent most of a football show talking about stings today, which tells you these are the. These are the top ones. These are the leaders in the food clubhouse. I think I'm not eating any because I don't want to give you Mesopotamia if you're listening at home. But I think this is. Having had some for lunch yesterday. I think this is about a 9.0.6.

[Roger Bennett]

The big question is, Roger, will it not Air1, which you hate, but I hate Air1. I did make the best smoothie.

[Michael Davies]

I can't stand it. It's like you just turned into Wookerate Air1. He's drawn.

[Roger Bennett]

Yeah, it's a 9.1.

[Michael Davies]

Suck it, Air1. Suck it. Oh, my God. I wonder if anyone's called their child Air One. Absolutely. In la. Like a little Air Ones.

[Roger Bennett]

This is Erewhon.

[Michael Davies]

If you did name them, your child's gonna grow up to be a prick. I don't like to be judgmental. It's definitely like, hey, guys, that's really good chicken.

[James Horncastle]

Well, it is really super good. That's why I went for eight point.

[Michael Davies]

Oh, God. That's too low to knock off Aaron. But it doesn't matter. Rory killed Aaron. I do hate. I do, do, do. And I'm sorry if you have called yourself Eon and Eron is a beautiful child. Erewhon, I adore you. I didn't mean to be judgmental.

[James Horncastle]

Roar.

[Michael Davies]

James, you might be northern men back in your homeland. But after eating this, you will forever have a little slice of Southern in your hearts and in your digestive tracts. Last but not least, as we always invite you to send you our letters. No your letters to us. Come on raj many blazers gmail.com or in our discord tell us your feelings, your experiences, your fears, your joys from this World cup. Drop us like many blazers discord or many blazers gmail.com and then if we read it, send us your post or we'll send you a patch. This one comes to us from the great Walker Stevens. Raw. Do the honors.

[Roger Bennett]

I've watched the game for 20 years as of this World Cup. I've cried over matches, laughed over results, and thanks to Chelsea lately been quite apathetic at times. I got into the game like most young boys and started watching because of my older brother who has a seven year gap over me starting to watch it. The biggest doll I've ever celebrated though was in 2010 when the US played Algeria in the World Cup. After watching 90 Strollers minutes, the Landon Donovan goal made it our entire household scream. To this day, I've still not celebrated a doll that loudly. My parents weren't soccer fans, but they watched and cared because my brother and I cared. Fast forward to 2026 and my brother is currently on his sixth tour of duty with the military and Lord willing, he is coming home at the end of July. The worst thing, unfortunately, is the changes my family has seen since that day. I've lost both of my grandfathers, one of my grandmothers and my brother in law who was a massive part of our family. I sit here quietly disappointed in the abject performance of our US MNT the Osmont against Belgium and I wanted to be frustrated, but I think of the moments I've shared with the people that have mattered more than the game. One year ago we spent July 4th in Houston with my brother in law as he was battling Canada this. Sorry, battling cancer. This year I watched Canada and Morocco compete in the same city while I carried my three week old daughter around the house. Soccer is great and it sucks sometimes all at once, but it pales in comparison to the relationships we make along the way. Thank you for your podcast and I will always remember to never take watching soccer together for granted.

[Michael Davies]

Courage Walker Stevens. You're a beautiful human being. That is a beautiful, beautiful letter. When we're next in Houston, do me a favor, write us an email. You will always have a ticket. Any men in blazers show anytime and I want to give you a hug. That letter has given me life, given me joy. I'm sorry for your loss, I'm sorry for your loss of your brother in law and I love what you've said. Soccer is great and it sucks sometimes all at once. Kind of sums up how I feel right now. I think we've all felt that, us fans at this World cup. But that's why we watch. That's why we'll continue to watch. So let's not take a moment of watching football together for granted.

[Roger Bennett]

Your next unforgettable experience can happen anytime. Take an AMEX card with you for

[Michael Davies]

rewards wherever you go.

[Roger Bennett]

Morning coffee run with an old friend. Earn cash back, weekend getaway. Earn miles AMEX rewards your inner explorer. Learn [e-mail] terms apply. Grainger knows when you're a procurement manager for an office park, you're not managing one building, you're managing all of them. And to stay ahead, you need to see through walls and around corners. Lights about to fail. Filters ready to clog H Vac on its last leg. If you wait until something breaks, you're already behind. Count on Grainger for quality products, easy reordering and 24. 7 support. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get

[James Horncastle]

it done

[Michael Davies]

before we sign off. Match Day live tour continues. Can't sleep, Won't sleep. We ship up to Boston this Thursday, July 9th, 1:00pm oh my God. We're going to the gorgeous Marriott Long Wharf. Head of the quarterfinals, France against Morocco. Come and be with us. We'll be joined on stage by some amazing guests. World cup champion. Oh, the host of the women's game, the mighty Sam. Us. You love her, right?

[Roger Bennett]

I love Samuel.

[Michael Davies]

Been with us. The joy of this trip.

[Roger Bennett]

She's a golden energy.

[Michael Davies]

Non Jacuzzi joy of this trip and World Series champion. One of my heroes, Pedro Martinez, the legendary Red Sox pitcher is amongst the guests. Come be with us in Beantown and you could become the fourth winner of the World cup final Tickets with the Marriott take your shot challenge. A kid won yesterday in Atlanta. It was incredible. Pure strike, followed by pure joy

[Roger Bennett]

and then followed by something else. But we won't talk about that.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, no. Kid was so excited. It was amazing. Genuinely. He was so excited and I love him. It was just genuinely America. Boot and rally Link for more in the notes below. That's it for tonight. We'll be back on Thursday. No games tomorrow. What will we do with ourselves and our hands? And our hands. I've got to get the Jacuzzi to Boston. Somehow, I don't know we're going to do that one. I've got to go on a flight. By the way, watch the beautiful interview we take with her. Gomez, this morning, breaking down the heartbreak of last night's U.S. men's National Team performance in a really constructive way. I want to thank you, James, for being with us in Atlanta. I've loved every second in your company. Amazing mensch, rossmith. What a king, man. We are doing this, baby, and we're doing it with you. It's been honestly incredible to share these moments, this journey with your insights, your comments, your letters, your all of it, man. We do not take it for granted. You're hilarious, you're poignant, you're beautiful. And to share all of this along with you is the honor of, of my lifetime. Let's leave you with a small clip for the interview. Giving us up already for the 2030 World Cup. It's never too early to dream. It's Rog. Say big, big love. Encourage America. You tell me if they'll be on the roster in 2030. Gio Reyna?

[Roger Bennett]

No.

[Michael Davies]

Matt Fries?

[Roger Bennett]

No.

[Michael Davies]

Anthony Robinson? No. Segino Dest? Yes. Tyler Adams?

[Roger Bennett]

I don't think his body will allow it.

[Michael Davies]

Weston McKinney?

[Roger Bennett]

No.

[Michael Davies]

Kavan Sullivan? No. Freddie? You do. He'll be what, 29, 26, maybe. Christian Pulisic?

[Roger Bennett]

No.

[Michael Davies]

Tim Ream, 63 years of age?

[James Horncastle]

Yes.

[Michael Davies]

He will be there, won't he?

[Roger Bennett]

When you're a maintenance engineer in a

[Michael Davies]

beverage manufacturing plant, you keep production lines

[Roger Bennett]

moving and quality on track because there

[Michael Davies]

is no room for slowdowns.

[Roger Bennett]

With Grainger's vast selection of high quality motors, sensors, belts and hard to find parts, you can get what you need fast and all in one place so nothing gets in the way of getting the job done. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickranger.com or just stop by

[James Horncastle]

Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Roger Bennett]

Grainger knows when you're a procurement manager for an office park, you're not managing one building, you're managing all of them. And to stay ahead, you need to see through walls and around corners.

[Michael Davies]

Lights about to fail, filters ready to

[Roger Bennett]

clog H Vac on its last leg. If you wait until something breaks, you're already behind. Count on Grainger for quality products, easy reordering and 24. 7 support. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it.