Spain Hunt for First Win | Day Eleven Preview | Morning Cupdate, Presented by The Home Depot

Summary

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Men In Blazers – Spain Hunt for First Win | Day Eleven Preview | Morning Cupdate

Date: June 21, 2026
Hosts: Roger Bennett, Michael Davies, Rory Smith
Special Guests: Vizinha (Cape Verde goalkeeper)

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Episode Overview

In this Day Eleven World Cup preview, the Men In Blazers crew covers Spain’s quest for their first win, the drama around Belgium, Uruguay, and other favorites trying to kickstart their campaigns, the buzzworthy stories from the group stage so far, and tactical breakdowns—plus, notable post-match interviews and some World Cup fun. The episode features witty banter, tactical takes, prediction challenges, and insider perspectives from around the globe.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Spain's Search for a Win (00:00–09:43)

• Spain vs. Saudi Arabia Preview:
  Spain enters their second group stage match without a win, drawing media scrutiny and raising questions about their attacking potency. The team faces Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, with the main concern being whether young star Lamine Yamal is fit enough to play a full match after recent hamstring issues.

  • "The big question here is how much Lamine Yamal will be able to play in this one." – Michael Davies (06:21)
  • "Spain's difficulty against a low block is the subject of today's Drill Down." – Michael Davies (07:06)

• Tactical Problem: Breaking Down Deep Defenses:
  Spain’s recurring struggles against compact defensive teams are examined through their goalless draw with Cape Verde. Without pacey wingers Yamal and Nico Williams (both recovering from injuries), Spain has reverted to slow, possession-heavy football, reminiscent of their issues in previous tournaments such as the 2022 World Cup versus Morocco.

  • "Spain's struggles against a compact defence is nothing new." – Michael Davies (08:38)

• Cape Verde Goalkeeper Interview:

  • "We know Spain have a lot of possession and then they have a lot of cut back, the cross, they always cut back... I have to be very focused because sometimes the players just want to follow and the space, it's always behind." – Vizinha (Cape Verde goalkeeper), on their defensive preparation (08:17)

2. Day Ten Recap: Results & Noteworthy Performances (02:18–06:00)

• Netherlands Thrash Sweden 5–1:
  Edwin van der Sar rallies Dutch fans; Brian Brobbie scores twice early on.
  • "You could say it was a daylight robbery." – Michael Davies (03:17)
• Germany 2–1 Ivory Coast:
  Dennis Undav, the leading goal-involvement player in the tournament, shines as a super-sub, lifting Germany to the knockouts for the first time since their 2014 win.
  • "The best substitute at the World Cup, I'd say." – Michael Davies (05:18)
• Ecuador 0–0 Curacao:
  Curacao keeper Eloy Room breaks records with 15 saves, earning viral fame and royal recognition.
  • "After his incredible performance, Eli Roome now has 800,000 followers and counting." – Michael Davies (05:50)
• Japan 4–0 Tunisia:
  Tunisia exit after another heavy defeat; Japan shines in the tournament’s 1000th match.

3. Upcoming Matches: Previews & Predictions (11:06–16:20)

• Belgium vs. Iran (15:10 ET):
  Belgium’s golden generation looks sluggish despite rescuing a point against Egypt, while Iran battles against travel restrictions and political challenges.

  • "They're the most oppressed team in the tournament." – Belgian coach Umer Galannoy, as paraphrased by Michael Davies (11:50)

• Cape Verde vs. Uruguay (18:00 ET):
  Cape Verde's impressive defensive record challenges a Uruguay side reeling from Bielsa’s dissatisfaction and squad changes.

• New Zealand vs. Egypt (21:00 ET):
  All eyes on Tim Payne, but New Zealand’s Eli Just and Egypt’s Mo Salah headline an “anyone-can-win” fixture. Egypt seeks their first-ever World Cup triumph.

Score Prediction Challenge (14:28–16:20)

• Spain vs. Saudi Arabia:

  • Rory Smith: "2–1, unimpressive." (15:10)
  • Michael Davies: "2–0, for Spain." (15:14)

• Belgium vs. Iran:

  • Rory Smith: “I'm going to go for an Iran win. A 1–0 Iran win.” (15:58)
  • Michael Davies: "I'm going to say Belgium are going to get the job done...2–1 to Belgium, but very slow." (16:11)
  • "Geriatric footballers sort of walking around trying to remember how to play." – Rory Smith (16:15)

4. World Cup Ball Controversy (16:29–17:09)

• Ball Behavior Complaints:
  Both players and pundits note that the current World Cup ball, Trionda, behaves unpredictably, echoing past "Jabulani" controversies.
  • “I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it’s tricky that this ball flies a lot.” – Roger Bennett (16:40)
  • “I honestly feel like this ball is coming onto the goalkeepers a lot faster than they feel it is off the foot.” – Rory Smith (17:02)
  • “Is this just Joe doing some stellar work for the Goalkeepers Union?” – Michael Davies (17:09)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Vizinha on facing Spain:
  "We know Spain have a lot of possession and then they have a lot of cut back, the cross, they always cut back... I have to be very focused because sometimes the players just want to follow and the space, it's always behind." (08:17)

• On Spain’s attacking dilemma:
  "Spain were kind of the main character that day and you don't want to be the main character. You want to kind of get through the group, ease through it, build up a head of steam." – Rory Smith (14:39)

• Belgium’s aging squad:
  "Axel Witsel...has played in every tournament since football was invented for Belgium. He's the oldest man in the world. He's got those long fingernails, that long beard." – Rory Smith (15:25)
  "Geriatric footballers sort of walking around trying to remember how to play." – Rory Smith (16:15)

• On the World Cup ball:
  "It’s tricky that this ball flies a lot." – Roger Bennett (16:40)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |---------------|--------------------------------------------------| | 00:00–02:18 | Sponsor content and city guides | | 02:18–04:35 | Introduction, location update, Netherlands v Sweden recap | | 04:35–05:23 | Trivia: Most goal involvement, Germany result | | 05:23–05:50 | Ecuador v Curacao recap and viral keeper story | | 05:50–06:21 | Japan v Tunisia recap | | 06:21–09:43 | Spain preview, tactical drill down, Cape Verde insights | | 11:06–12:47 | Belgium v Iran preview, Iran’s travel challenges | | 12:47–13:58 | Cape Verde v Uruguay, Uruguay’s struggles | | 13:58–14:27 | New Zealand v Egypt preview | | 14:28–16:20 | Prediction challenge: Spain/Belgium games | | 16:29–17:09 | Complaints about the World Cup ball |

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Episode Tone & Takeaways

The episode is a lively blend of analysis and banter familiar to Men In Blazers listeners, combining sharp tactical talk, historical perspective, and irreverent humor. The main stories revolve around Spain’s need for a decisive performance, the quirks of this year’s tournament (from viral goalkeepers to ball controversies), and the unpredictability of teams and stars beyond the usual favorites.

The hosts’ chemistry and use of football narrative (Spain as “main characters,” Belgium’s “golden generation” struggles) make this recap both an effective primer for the day’s action and a source of World Cup flavor.

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For more updates and daily football narratives, tune in for the nightly "Nightcup" recap and watch for Roger, Rory, and guests as they continue their World Cup roadshow.

Until next time: “Enjoy another day of Sopper!”

Transcript

[Roger Bennett]

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[Michael Davies]

Hello, everybody. Welcome back to Morning Cup Day. I'm Betty Glover and we have left Seattle. We're now in la, as you can see behind me. But this is day 11 of the world Cup. Favorite Spain, still yet to win a game, are playing Saudi Arabia today. Can they get that vital win? We will have to see. We're previewing that and the other three games, as we're in the thick of the group stages, this is everything you need to know from day 11 of the world Cup. Oh, yes. Welcome to another morning cup date built by the Home Depot. The Home Depot is your winning assistant to host the ultimate watch party with fast free delivery to get your backyard match day ready, subject to availability. Now we are back in LA after a magical few days in Seattle. Everything about that place is incredible. From the coffee to Pike Market, the beautiful waterfront, the scenery as well. Do you think it comes across like I like it there? It is a proper soccer city though. And all of that love for the beautiful game was seen in Friday's epic march to Seattle Stadium. I just loved it. But anyway, moving on. It was another busy day of football on Saturday and the early game was Netherlands against Sweden in Houston. It meant an early alarm for the Orange army, but no matter what time the kickoff is, there is always time for a little bit of links Rex. This time it was led by legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Saal. You've got to say Edwin van der Saa and his massive arms is the perfect person to point out which direction the crowd needs to go in a perfect date for the Dutch fans as well as their team smashed Sweden 51 Sunderland. Brian Brobbie scored two goals within the opening 17 minutes to put the Netherlands in full control. You could say it was a daylight robbery. What a chaotic start for Sweden though. They've won and lost both of their games by the same 5:1 score scoreline. Now, a little bit of trivia for you. Which player has the most goal involvement at the World cup so far? We put some of the men in Blazer's team to the test. Goal involvement. I'm gonna go. It's gonna be someone who's had two games so far.

[Rory Smith]

It's got to be Messi, surely.

[Roger Bennett]

Incorrect.

[Rory Smith]

Jonathan David.

[Sponsor/Advertisement Voice]

Incorrect.

[Vizinha (Cape Verde goalkeeper)]

I'm gonna go.

[Roger Bennett]

Flo Baligan. Not correct.

[Michael Davies]

Oh, nope. All of those. Utterly incorrect. They're all useless. I can tell you the answer that you are looking for is Dennis Undav. Yep. The former Brighton striker sits above Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and even Flo Balogun. Can you believe it? After his two goals won the game for Germany against the Ivory coast in Vancouver. The Ivory coast looked impressive once again and took the lead. But Ndove's clinical finishing gave Julian Nagelsmann side a narrow 21 victory. It's turning out to be a pretty decent tournament for himself far, isn't it? As it stands, the best substitute at the World Cup, I'd say.

[Rory Smith]

Do you agree? Yep, it has to be.

[Michael Davies]

Anyway, that win means that Germany are through to the knockouts for the first time since they won it back in 2014. Later in the day it was Ecuador against Curacao. Now this definitely won't win any awards for Match of the Tournament, but it was one heck of a match for Curacao keeper Eli Rohm who made a record 15 saves to keep the Ecuadorians at bay and protect a 00 draw for the Caribbean nation, their first ever at a World Cup. World Cup Incredible for a nation with a population of 150,000. Vibes were high in the Curacao locker room and after the match they were even joined by the Dutch King and Queen. And once again the quickest way to get a big Instagram following seems to be to put in a miraculous goalkeeping performance. Eli roome now has 800,000 followers and counting. It will definitely go up by the time this goes out after his incredible performance. Not quite for seniors 15 million, but he is getting there. Then in the late kickoff, Tunisia took on tournament dark horses Japan in Mexico. As we mentioned yesterday, this was the 1000th ever World cup game. Japan absolutely blew their opponents away with a 40 win. The result means that Tunisia are out nine goals conceded. Two different coaches up next. Only the Netherlands, day 11 of the World cup is here. It includes three big teams hoping to get their campaigns up and running after disappointing starts. Spain, Belgium and Uruguay all drew games that they would have expected to have won. It all starts with tournament favourite Spain who are in Atlanta at noon Eastern. They face Saudi Arabia in a group H clash and the big question here is how much Lamine Yamal will be able to play in this one. The 18 year old only played for the last 20 minutes against Cape Verd and he said he's still not ready for a full 90 after recovering from a hamstring injury. Spain's difficulty against a low block is the subject of today's Drill Down. Today's Drill down, brought to you by Makita is all about what Spain coach Luis de la Fuente can do to overcome the side's issue of beating a compact defence. Against Cape Verde. Spain were thwarted by 40 year old keeper Vicinha who made a string of brilliant saves. But Saudi Arabia keeper Mohamed Alawe Ways was equally as impressive, making even more saves during their draw with Uruguay. But Cape Verde's keeper wasn't their only issue. Center back Roberto Lopez made 11 clearances and Cape Verde's discipline off the ball made it very difficult for Spain to find the space they needed to create chances. After the match, Cape Verde's hero goalkeeper Vizinha explained to Rog about how they'd prepared for Spain's game plan.

[Vizinha (Cape Verde goalkeeper)]

We know Spain have a lot of possession and then they have a lot of cut back, the cross, they always cut back and this was one moment, then I have to be very focused because sometimes the players just want to follow and the space, it's always behind. But I think we did a great job.

[Michael Davies]

He just makes it sound so easy, doesn't he? Spain's struggles against a compact defence is nothing new. Four years ago in Qatar, the Spanish had 77% possession against Morocco in the last 16, the highest recorded by any team at a major tournament since records began and they were knocked out on penalties without scoring a single goal. De la Fuente looked to have fixed that issue at Euro 2024 by bringing in Nico Williams and Lamina Mals Pace into the side, de la Fuente said, you don't have to have so much of the ball if you're a team like us with all of that pace. Williams and Yamal were that pace, but both have been struggling with injuries and without them in the team, it seems Spain may have reverted back to their previous struggles. They couldn't break down 10 man Egypt in a friendly in March. They also drew one with Iraq shortly before the tournament started. And without Yamal and Williams against Cape Verde, the team did look pretty pedestrian. Saudi Arabia are set to deploy a similar system and given how effectively they did it against Uruguay, it seems essential that the nation's two bright wingers play as many minutes as possible to avoid a repeat of their opening day.

[Roger Bennett]

Blank A word from our friends at 1440 the 2022 World cup final drew 1.5 billion viewers. It's 11 times this year's Super Bowl. To understand how football became the world's game and what drove it, listen to 1440 explores with financial Times journalist Simon Kuiper, who'll give you the inside scoop into the depths of the tournament. Listen to 1440 explores wherever you get your podcasts 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 game day 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 some other 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 with the American

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[Michael Davies]

Then at 3pm Eastern in LA Belgium take on Iran the Belgians manage to rescue a point against Egypt their first game, mainly thanks to the introduction of Romelu Lukaku off the bench, who gave Egypt's defenders a torrid time in the heat of Seattle. Meanwhile, Iran showed great resilience to come back from behind twice against New Zealand. Once again, US authorities will require Iran to only enter the USA within 24 hours of a match and leave the same day. On Friday, the Iranian football team said they'll lodge a complaint with FIFA over the travel restrictions and the head coach, Umer Galannoy, said that they are the most oppressed team in the tournament. Then at 6pm Eastern in Miami, it is time for Kate Verde to bring the noise once more. One of the big stories of the World cup so far is Cape Verde competing in their first World cup, holding the mighty Spain to a 00 draw. For context next, Spain are ranked second in the world, Cape Verde are 67th. Today they travel down to Miami to face a Uruguay team that is getting heat from back home for its ineffectiveness against Saudi Arabia. Coach Marcelo Bielsa was furious with what he saw and he is set to drop former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez in order to spice up their attack a little bit. Kate Verde kept clean sheets in seven out of their 10 African qualifiers, as well as that game against Spain and I just have a sneaky feeling that they might make life difficult for Uruguay here. Finally at 9pm Eastern, New Zealand, they're back in action and before a ball was kicked, all the attention was on one player. We need to talk about Tim Payne.

[Roger Bennett]

Tim Payne.

[Rory Smith]

I'm just supporting Tim Payne.

[Michael Davies]

Instafamous Tim Payne was all anyone was talking about before this game, but Eli just became the true superstar. The motherworld winger scored a brilliant brace against Iran to give the All Whites the lead twice in la, only for the team to be pegged back this evening. They face Egypt in Vancouver and the Egyptians have never won a World cup game before in their history, a source of much national turmoil. You can see why the Pharaohs will surely never have a better chance given that they're playing the lowest ranked team in the tournament. Egypt looked good against Belgium, but were left to ruse some brilliant chances to make it 20 before Belgium drew level. Nightcup is back tonight. Of course that will come as no surprise. The nightly recap show will kick off right after the Kiwis of New Zealand take on Mo Salah's Egypt right here on the men in Blazers YouTube. Roger Rory will be joined by comedian, podcaster and Arsenal supporter Adam Friedland to talk through another action packed day of football. This one will be very fun. You should tune in throughout the tournament. I am going head to head with a prediction challenge against one of the nightclub team. Yesterday I took on John Green, you know, the famous author. We both predicted a Netherlands win in the day's opening game against Sweden. So all square there, but John predicted a 2 all draw between Germany and Ivory coast while I went for a Germany win. That means it is very much a needed point for morning updates. It puts the scores back to a respectable 43 to nightclub. We are breathing down there next, guys, Today I took on Rory Smith. Rory, it is prediction time.

[Rory Smith]

It is.

[Michael Davies]

Are you ready?

[Rory Smith]

I am.

[Michael Davies]

Lovely stuff. Okay, we've got Spain who yet to get a win in this World Cup.

[Rory Smith]

One game, one draw.

[Sponsor/Advertisement Voice]

Yeah.

[Michael Davies]

Coming up against Saudi Arabia.

[Rory Smith]

Yeah.

[Michael Davies]

What are your thoughts?

[Rory Smith]

Spain need a performance. They need to win, obviously, but they need to kind of show a little bit more. Just Cape Verde. As much as Vizini was an amazing story, it was incredible for them to get their first point at the World Cup. Spain were kind of the main character that day and you don't want to be the main character. You want to kind of get through the group, ease through it, build up a head of steam. So Spain need to impress. They look like they didn't really have any cutting edge. I guess he'll lose their love points. He'll have to throw Lamina Malin now. He'll have to sort of go for it maybe a little bit earlier than he wanted. So I think Spain will win, but the key thing is how well they win. I think.

[Michael Davies]

Give me your score.

[Rory Smith]

I'm gonna say two one. Unimpressive.

[Michael Davies]

Okay. I was gonna go two nil, so I'm gonna stick with two nil. Okay. Next game, Belgium against Iran. You're going to that one?

[Rory Smith]

I'm going to that one. I'm a big Iran fan, obviously. Two games. They've Played. I've been to both. Belgium. I'm looking forward to seeing Axel Witzel. He's played in every tournament since football was invented for Belgium. He's the oldest man in the world. He's got those long fingernails, that long beard. Belgium, I think, have done like a sleeper story here, that the way they've committed so much to that golden generation, the fact they've not been able to move them on, they've not been able to develop, I think they could be on for quite an embarrassing tournament. Belgium, I've got to admit, don't really like Rudy Garcia, the manager. I think Iran could. I think they'll definitely take a point. Part of me thinks they might beat them.

[Michael Davies]

You're going to go for a win?

[Rory Smith]

I'm going to go for an Iran win. A 1 nil. Iran win.

[Michael Davies]

Okay. I was going to say an Iran win as well. I'm going to mix it up. I'm going to say Belgium are going to get the job done. I think they're going to look very unimpressive when they do it. So I'm going to go 2:1 to

[Rory Smith]

Belgium, but very slow. A very slow 2:1.

[Michael Davies]

Yeah, just very slow.

[Rory Smith]

Geriatric footballers sort of walking around trying to remember how to play.

[Michael Davies]

Well, you're in for a classic then.

[Rory Smith]

I'm not expecting a warm welcome from the Belgian fans now. Thanks, Rory. Thank you very much.

[Michael Davies]

Today's finishing touch, brought to you by Bearpaint, is all about one of the latest conspiracy theories that's doing the rounds. Everyone is going a little bit. Mikel Arteta because there's a problem with the ball.

[Roger Bennett]

I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it's tricky that this ball flies a lot.

[Michael Davies]

Would it be a World cup without some complaints about the ball? Surely nothing will ever quite top the jabulani at the South Africa World cup, but this year's Trionda is starting to generate some similar heat. This year's problem? Well, the ball is coming onto the keepers a lot faster than they feel it is off the foot.

[Rory Smith]

I'm noticing it with the higher balls in this game. I honestly feel like this ball is coming onto the goalkeepers a lot faster than they feel it is off the foot.

[Michael Davies]

Former England international keeper Joe Hart is claiming that shots that are high up in the air are moving faster than goalkeepers are used to. He pointed to goals against England's Jordan Pickford, France's Mike Manyon and Senegal's Edouard Mendy, which under normal circumstances, you'd think they'd usually save. Joe Hart is obviously the expert, but at the same time with less household named keepers such as Kate Verdes for senior Curacao's Eli Rohm and Saudi Arabia's Mohamed Alawiz all having standout games, is this just Joe doing some stellar work for the Goalkeepers Union? That is it for Morning cup date today. Built by the Home Depot. The Home Depot is your winning assist to host the ultimate watch party with fast free delivery to get your backyard match say ready, subject to availability. If you haven't yet, head over to the Men in Blazers shop to grab some tees, some hats or even a scarf if you're feeling a bit chilly. The unofficial third first kit is really the star of the show, which pays tribute to the retro look of the 94 kit. The link is in the notes below. We'll be back tomorrow, but until then, enjoy another day of Sopper.