Amin Refuses To Cry About Brazil | Hour 3

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show

Episode: Amin Refuses To Cry About Brazil | Hour 3
Date: July 7, 2026
Host: Dan Le Batard, with co-hosts and guests including Amin Elhassan, Mike Ryan, Tony Reali, Greg Cody, Roy, Lorraine, Ian
Location: Live from the Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

Episode Overview

This lively episode dives deep into the latest FIFA World Cup drama, global reactions to U.S. soccer, the agony of Brazil's tactical downfall, and the cultural underpinnings of soccer excellence worldwide. The roundtable dissects not only the matches but also media controversies, racism in sports, cultural hurdles in U.S. soccer, and, of course, delivers classic show humor and irreverence. Amin Elhassan's hilarious and passionate "World Cup Observations" is the centerpiece, as he rants about Brazil's loss with philosophical insight and biting wit.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Belgium Trolls U.S. After World Cup Victory

• Discussion of Social Media Mockery (01:38–03:06)

  • Belgium's 4-1 victory over the U.S. led them to trash talk America on social media, referencing Donald Trump and a controversial red card reversal.
  • Mike Ryan remarks on global perceptions:

    "It just shows what the rest of the world thinks about us as a country." (02:10)

• Tony Reali criticizes the U.S. intervention:

  "Donald Trump tried to hijack the tournament. ... The Balogun thing, there would have been a forever invisible asterisk next to the U.S. victory." (03:19)

  • The team jokes about what an "invisible asterisk" means, riffing on whether an asterisk can be invisible (04:01–04:54).

2. Racism After the France vs Paraguay Match

• Dan Le Batard details Mbappe's criticism of Paraguay’s style, followed by a racist screed from Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla (05:11–08:41):

  "This has backing in small corners of... people backing this nonsense when it's just... as flagrantly racist as a political figure will ever put commentary on." (07:27)

• Roy and Tony Reali emphasize the need for condemnation within Paraguay.

• Mike Ryan highlights the escalating rhetoric, including threats of legal action from the senator (08:51).

3. Debate: Is Soccer About Athleticism or Culture?

• U.S. Soccer’s Struggles (11:06–17:26)
  • Comparison of global soccer stars (Messi, Mbappe, Haaland) with American players.
  • Joking speculation if NFL stars could excel if switched to soccer.
  • Amin Elhassan delivers the core argument:

    "This is a thinking man's game... It's not about the athletes, it's about—it’s not part of the culture." (20:46–21:55)

  • Amin refutes the idea that the U.S. could dominate if only 'better athletes' played soccer:

    "You're trying to create in a lab something that is organic. And the organic will always outduel and outlast what's created in a lab." (21:01)

4. Amin’s World Cup Observations: Brazil’s Downfall

(Main Segment: 28:24–39:59)

• Amin Elhassan delivers rapid-fire takes:

  • Unapologetic about not crying over Brazil’s round-of-16 knockout, contrasting this with the infamous 7-1 loss in 2014:

    "Nothing will ever reach that. You guys standards are so low. You think a round of 16 loss would do that to me?" (30:07)

  • Blames Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti for abandoning “the Brazilian way”:

    "Ancelotti came here... and he instituted a style... that is not Brazilian. That is what a team with no talent does." (18:53) "Had Brazil won, I would have walked away disgusted because that's not what we do." (19:35)

  • Satirical commentary on FIFA, celebrity fans, and rivals:

    • "Balogun did what Tiger Woods couldn't—call Donald Trump to get him out of trouble." (34:29)
    • "England taking dick pills to perform better in Mexico. The perfect alibi..." (33:11)
    • "My dad... kept saying, 'Give it a Holland.'" (31:07)
    • "Speaking of hell: Argentina, go to hell. Those are the World Cup observations." (39:57)

  • Notable, hilarious metaphors:

    • "I felt like Marty McFly disappearing from the photo as he struggled to play 'Earth Angel' at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance." (29:15)
    • "It's like the Cookie Monster preaching about the importance of self-control. I miss Sep [Blatter]. Who knew it could get worse?" (34:08)

5. US Soccer: The Culture vs. Athleticism Debate, Continued

• Amin stresses soccer’s intellectual/communal roots, not just physical prowess:

  "Quick twitch is cool. It's great, it's useful. But it cannot defeat the triumph of the mind." (24:08)

6. Show’s Characteristic Humor and Banter

• Jokes about algorithms, Bond girls, Wemby's alleged lack of high-fives, British and Mary Poppins impersonations, and the American tendency to think their athletes would dominate any sport.
• Dan: "I do think it's a funny thing to think about...because we have athletes who are good with their hands. They would be that good also with their feet?" (23:33)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Amin Elhassan on Brazil’s loss:

  "Had Brazil won, I would have walked away disgusted because that's not what we do." (19:47) "You guys, standards are so low. You think a round of 16 loss would do that to me? You cried because they lost 7 to 1. Correct." (30:07–30:21)

• Tony Reali on U.S. intervention & 'asterisk' controversies:

  "Donald Trump tried to hijack the tournament. ... There would have been a forever invisible asterisk next to the US Victory." (03:19)

• Dan Le Batard on American arrogance:

  "It's just typical American arrogance. ... Americans always feel that their things are the best things." (18:22)

• Amin Elhassan on soccer culture:

  "You're trying to create in a lab something that is organic. And the organic will always outduel and outlast what's created in a lab." (21:01)

• Amin's hilarious FIFA observation:

  "Sep Blatter eloquently tweeting about corruption and FIFA... It's like the Cookie Monster preaching about the importance of self control. I miss Sep. Who knew it could get worse." (34:08)

• Amin on not being moved emotionally:

  "There will never be another sporting event that moves me emotionally like that [2014 loss]." (30:24)

---

Noteworthy Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Highlight | |-----------|-------------------| | 01:38 | Belgium's social trolling, U.S. World Cup loss debate begins | | 04:54 | Riffing on ‘invisible asterisks’ and Barry Bonds | | 05:11–08:41 | Discussion of racism in global soccer; Mbappe & Senator Amarilla | | 18:53–22:57 | Amin's case for Brazilian style and U.S. soccer's cultural gap | | 28:24–39:59 | Amin's World Cup Observations: humor, rants, & World Cup takes | | 39:59–42:36 | Amin on Boston Celtics’ questionable deal; show banter resumes |

---

Additional Highlights

• Greg Cody runs a poll: "Has Wemby ever given anybody a high-five?" (12:35)
• Amin's father trolls him after Brazil’s loss, repeatedly mispronouncing Haaland as "Harlan." (31:07)
• England’s players allegedly taking "dick pills" for altitude performance is mocked (33:11).
• US World Cup futility fact: "They're 0 and 25 when allowing the first goal." (40:21)
• Quick-fire pop culture references, e.g., Marty McFly, Half Baked, Mary Poppins, and the Monkees.
• Amin clarifies his company expenses: “I did not get compensated for my flight or my hotel by Metal Ark Media…” (41:14)

---

Conclusion

This episode is classic Dan Le Batard Show: irreverent, insightful, and rapidly shifting from serious cultural analysis to loving mockery. The panel’s discussion on the limits of U.S. soccer and Amin Elhassan’s comedic but passionate takes on Brazil, international football, and sports culture bridges the line between sports talk and comedic philosophical roundtable. For fans of soccer, U.S. sports, or just smart, funny conversation, it's a must-listen—rich in both substance and laughs.

---

Transcript

[Home Depot Announcer]

Heat up your Fourth of July at the Home Depot with our wide variety of grills under $300 and make every gathering one to remember. Give your outdoor space a glow up whatever your budget is, with savings on seasonal plants starting at $5. With the grill fired up and your backyard set to perfection, you'll be able to invite friends and family over to kick off the party. Start celebrating with low prices guaranteed at the Home Depot. Prices may vary by store. Exclusions apply. Seehomedepot.com Pricematch for details

[Duracell Advertiser]

are all batteries the same? That's like asking if all soccer players are the same. Take Messi, the most decorated player ever. Is there any other player who has achieved that? No, just him. Now take Duracell. Is there any other battery with powerboost ingredients inside? No, just Duracell. Remember, goats only trust goats because they're built different and Messi only trusts Duracell.

[Google Chrome Promoter]

This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome? That's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50 page restoration block. Or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it, ready to make anything online make sense. There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required compatibility and availability verace 18.

[Dan Le Batard]

You are listening to the Dan Lebatar show in partnership with the DraftKings sports app, now live in all 50 states.

How did you guys react before we get to Amin Elhassan and his World cup observations to Belgium trash talking us as a country after that 4 to 1 loss they put up on their official X account. Overturn this. Belgium has bragging rights over the United States and is making fun of the fact that Donald Trump stuck his beak into this. What are your thoughts here? As Belgium mocks us, it just shows

[Mike Ryan]

what the rest of the world thinks about us as a country. Because the reality of it is this had nothing to do with Belgium. There's like there's no reason Belgium should feel like they were slighted in any way based on something that happened with the US Against Biden Bosnia Herzegovina. This is not a Belgium issue. So whatever. Like they get to feel that way, but it really is just about everyone hating.

[Dan Le Batard]

On the fourth goal they did the Trump masturbating two giraffes dance. Correct.

[Greg Cody]

They did the Trump dance on the fourth goal.

[Dan Le Batard]

On the, on the fourth goal they are making fun of America, which is their right when you win four to one the knockout stage hasn't had any other victories by that.

[Mike Ryan]

Morocco beat Canada 3. Nothing. But the others were close.

[Dan Le Batard]

Usually at this stage in the tournament, the games feel a little more like Spain and Portugal because the teams are a little more evenly matched once you got past the initial dilutions of how they've expanded the tournament.

[Tony Reali]

Yeah, I have a feeling Argentina is going to absolutely crush Egypt today. But having said that, the US Deserved the comeuppance. The US Deserved all the trolling and all the making fun of.

[Mike Ryan]

And so why?

[Tony Reali]

Because Donald Trump tried to hijack the tournament. Donald Trump pulled strings to get his buddy Infantino to reinstate somebody. That hadn't happened in the World cup since the 1960s, where a red card was overturned in a knockout round. It was almost unheard of, except for one previous instance. I can see why Belgium would have felt cheated and had the US Won because of the. The Balagon thing, there would have been a forever invisible asterisk next to the US Victory. It was just a complete.

[Dan Le Batard]

Wait a minute. If it's a forever invisible asterisk, is it actually visible? Like, what is happening? No. Wait a minute.

[Greg Cody]

You add invisible.

[Dan Le Batard]

If it's. If it's a forever invisible asterisk, then there's not an asterisk.

[Tony Reali]

Yes, there is. And here's an example. Barry Bonds.

[Greg Cody]

But I think a lot of people

[Ian]

just put the asterisk.

[Dan Le Batard]

Either you put the asterisk in or you don't put it in. You don't put an invisible asterisk in.

[Roy]

Like one of.

[Amin Elhassan]

That's a sneaky move, though.

[Dan Le Batard]

That is a sneaky move. What is it in that invisible ink?

[Lorraine]

Is it there? I can't see it.

[Dan Le Batard]

I can't. Because you don't want to. You know, like, what are you talking about? It's either an asterisk or it's not an asterisk. It's not an invisible asterisk.

[Tony Reali]

If you look in the. In the MLB record book, there is no asterisk next to Barry Bonds as the home run king. Even though everybody knows there's an assess there, it's invisible.

[Dan Le Batard]

What just happened to the middle of

[Tony Reali]

that word I ran out of?

[Ian]

Could it be glow in the dark?

[Greg Cody]

Oh, a glow in the dark. We have to do this and cup

[Ian]

your eyes like black light.

[Tony Reali]

Here's what I mean. You know, the asterisk is there, but you can't see it. But it's still there. That's an invisible asterisk.

[Dan Le Batard]

I think it needs to be visible in order for it to be there. I think there has to be something tangible and empirical about the asterisk. Otherwise it's not an asterisk. Otherwise, how do you know it's an asterisk if it's not visible, you know, you know. So it's like porn.

[Greg Cody]

It's not the same.

[Dan Le Batard]

You know it when you don't see it.

[Tony Reali]

That's right, because the Supreme Court said that's correct.

[Dan Le Batard]

Here is another back and forth that I wanted to get into. And I want to ask you guys what you think of this. This is ugly. Okay, it's UG in a lot of different ways. But France barely won against Padawai and they barely won. And afterward Mbappe said, yeah, I don't like the way they play. That's dirty. What was all of that? That wasn't soccer. Now a senator in Padua, Celeste Amarilla, she says of Mbappe and this is just racist what she's saying. Quote, this brute hasn't even learned to write. Instead of breast milk, he grew up sucking on coconuts. And the most educated creatures he ever herd were chimpanzees. You should have given him the middle finger. Orlando Gill, a colonized Cameroonian pretending to be French. Resentful, newly rich, arrogant and ugly. He was nervous and scared to death all game. Like his whole team. They didn't even manage to score a single goal until they got lucky with a penalty. The only thing many of us blame the team for is not giving him a full handed slap at the end of the game. I'm not even a football fan. Mbappe has come back saying this is racist, it should be condemned. Now, she has written a long open letter and this is the part that's disturbing to me, the most disturbing part of this in 2026. This is a platform now. Like she's doubling down in an open letter. She's not apologizing, she's not backing away from what it is that she has said. But it's a platform now. This is what's happening now with racism as people march more and more toward the freedom of hate speech. I'm allowed to say whatever I want, however it is I want. This has backing in small corners of, of people backing this nonsense when it's just. It's as flagrantly racist as a political figure will ever put commentary on. And she's. What is the latest in the open letter, Roy?

[Roy]

Well, she said that she wrote her initial comments while boiling in blood. Her boy, her blood was boiling. And while she says that she regrets saying that, she's asking for a apology and retraction from Mbappe for his comments towards her.

[Dan Le Batard]

This is a platform now. It is more acceptable. This used to be in hiding, right? You used to have to hide this under a hood. But more and more these days, this pocket of people who would support this kind of speech and this kind of sentiment, see some sort of courage in what it is that she's doing. Or if not courage, some form of freedom fighting and being able to say what it is you want, regardless of how it lands on people. And it should always be condemned, no matter what the nationality is or the language it's being said in.

[Tony Reali]

And it should be condemned within Paraguay. I mean, Paraguayans cannot agree with that. And they. They're the ones who have to condemn it. Anybody who's a football fan in Paraguay knows Mbappe is one of the most gifted, brilliant players in the world. And that Paraguay knew the only chance it had was to play the ugliest form of football imaginable, to try to get that game to penalty kicks. That was their only chance to win, and they almost pulled it off. But it was a victory for the World cup when that style of play was eliminated.

[Roy]

I'm going to read the last sentence of this open letter. Retract your statement, honor your friend's citizenship and apologize to me. Otherwise I may instigate legal action for gender balance.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh, wow.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, this is pretty wild stuff. That's in this new statement from her. She also says, I tell him to be careful with Paraguayans. We already put Ronaldinho in prison for corruption. Don't underestimate me. I can take you to court. The hell is this guys crazy?

[Lorraine]

In a. Obviously. I just started watching soccer. Very excited about the World Cup. Very excited about finding out is Mbappe like Wemby. I need people to that know soccer to kind of help me out here, right? Like Wemby, everybody loved him. He's this incredible player. Oh, my God. One person me said there's a bit of evil behind the eyes, right? So I need to know. I haven't really locked in on Mbappe yet. Is he very Wemby? Like in the sense that he's the best player, but then also a bit of evil behind his eyes.

[Dan Le Batard]

Evil is a bit strong. I don't believe he is viewed throughout the globe as anything.

[Lorraine]

Neither was Wemby until I put that

[Dan Le Batard]

he is in Paraguay, a majestic. Not in Paraguay, no, Paraguay. This is one person. This is one. This is one, senator. The Mbappe, the stars are being stars in this tournament. It's one of the reasons that the United States performance was so disappointing and it was illustrated to us because you've seen the best players being the best. Ronaldo came under a good amount of criticism because he was not elevating his 41 year old game to the level where, you know, Messi is, where Mbappe is Mbappe's goal scoring at. I mean, he is the most freakishly talented athletic striker playing soccer. It's either him or Holland. Right? Like, it's, it's one, it's, it's. You've got to choose from those two. And I don't know how Messi does what he does. I've heard people talk. I'm stuck in an algorithm now where I'm getting all of Zlatan and Messi's best goals and everything that's being talked about around them. And I've heard other football players talk about how, for example, Ronaldo and Zlatan work out in the weight room. And they're like, Messi just walks past the weight room. He walks past the weight room with a cup of coffee. He's not actually in there doing the things that majestic athletes do. He just knows how to keep the soccer ball on a string. And he sees a bunch of things that other people don't see.

[Mike Ryan]

My algorithm is so much better than yours.

[Dan Le Batard]

I don't think it is. Not until you've seen Zlatan's bicycle kick from 40 yards out. From 40 yards out.

[Ian]

But you're also getting shipping containers falling to the bottom of the ocean. We learned last week. So it's Zlatan, Halan and shipping containers falling to the bottom of the ocean.

[Dan Le Batard]

And Mr. Ballin. I'm getting a lot of Mr. Ballin's.

[Roy]

Good, Dan. Okay.

[Lorraine]

You know about Mr. Ballin?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah.

A lot of storytelling of. Yes. I'm getting an assortment of odd things on my algorithm, but they are not Zaz's algorithm of just boob.

[Lorraine]

Starting to ponder a couple things.

[Dan Le Batard]

In fact. In fact, my wife came through the other day. This actually happened. This happened two days ago. She's looking at the screen as I've. All of the YouTube stuff is on there. And she's like ranking the Bond Girls. Huh.

[Lorraine]

That's not Mr. Bolland's content, by the way. Just letting you guys know.

[Dan Le Batard]

I don't know how that ended up there. I mean, sure, it's because I'm watching.

[Amin Elhassan]

I didn't click on that.

[Greg Cody]

Yeah, for sure.

[Tony Reali]

Who do you get number one?

[Dan Le Batard]

It. No, but it's not my rankings.

[Ian]

Who do you have?

[Dan Le Batard]

The Bond Girls? Grace Jones.

[Roy]

Good choice.

[Dan Le Batard]

A quick aside.

[Greg Cody]

We mentioned Wemby before. I had this thought the other day. You guys think Wemby has ever given a high five? Just think about that for a second.

[DraftKings Advertiser]

So tall.

[Dan Le Batard]

So he has to put it up by his ear? No, he makes people joke.

[Lorraine]

It's a low five.

[Ian]

You think so?

[Greg Cody]

He's only given low fives his entire life and I feel bad for him.

[Dan Le Batard]

So put it on the poll at Lebatard show. Look at the size of his hands at Lebatard show. Has Wemby ever given anybody a high five? Yes or no?

[Amin Elhassan]

All right, friends.

[Ian]

You guys know what a big fan I am of quints. I'm constantly wearing their clothes. I've told you about it. I've got pants, I've got shirts. And it's what's in my wardrobe as I make an effort. Okay? Making an effort matters. And it's why I've been leaning on quints, particularly as we head into these summer months, because you need to have stuff that's fit for the season. Their 100% European linen shirts and pants are breathable, lightweight and perfect for the summer. I recently picked up one of their linen shirts. It's sky blue. It's awesome. It's become a piece that I am constantly throwing on without even thinking about it because it looks good on camera, but also it's comfortable when I'm running around all day. And it works whether I'm at the studio or heading somewhere else for work. Everything at Quint's is priced 50 to 80% less than similar brands. Quints has become one of those brands I end up recommending for everything from home goods to travel essentials. So make your summer wardrobe easier. Go to quince.com dan for free shipping on your order. And 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com dan for free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com dan so my schedule gets a little chaotic this time of year. Most days I'm here at the Metal Ark studios and then I'm heading straight to another broadcasting or hosting gig. And especially in this Miami heat. It's insane. And not the Miami heat, but the Miami summer heat. I've been trying to keep at least one healthy habit consistent. And that's why I've been bringing Cachava's new travel packs with me. It's one less thing I have to worry about, which is great because I'm already spending enough mental energy Figuring out what shirt is acceptable to wear on camera or hosting or on the show that I'm not gonna get made fun of for. So I just throw one in my backpack and. And I've got an all in one nutrition shake ready whenever I need it. It's packed with plant based protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, greens, probiotics, electrolytes and more. So even when my schedule is all over the place, I know I'm getting something good in it. Tastes great, it's easy to take anywhere and there are no fillers, no nonsense. Take your daily ritual with you. Go to kachava.com and use code DAN for 15% off your first order. That's 15% off your first order. That's Kachava. K A C H a v a.com code dan.

[Miller Lite Promoter]

Tony, you know that moment at a party or at a tailgate where everything just sort of clicks?

[Lorraine]

I know it well, it's usually when I show up, everybody goes crazy.

[Miller Lite Promoter]

Yeah, you usually take all the credit for it, but it's because Tony usually walks in with Cuervo.

[Dan Le Batard]

Walking like this.

[Miller Lite Promoter]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Cuervo is a thing that turns hanging out into this is the night.

[Lorraine]

It has that effect on people.

[Dan Le Batard]

It does.

[Miller Lite Promoter]

You usually take the credit for it, but again, it's the Cuervo effect. It's like that moment in a big game where everyone in the crowd just starts standing up, hootin and hollering, keep it Cuervo.

[Tony Reali]

Keep it Cuervo.

[Dan Le Batard]

Baby down. Levitar is there.

[Tony Reali]

Back in my day, there is actually.

[Miller Lite Promoter]

What were you not gonna tell anyone? Wait a minute, you guys, guys, why

[Tony Reali]

would 11 doin this?

[Miller Lite Promoter]

It's a Tuesday.

[Dan Le Batard]

Greg Cody, here's your guy. Greg Cody with back in my.

[Tony Reali]

Okay, here it is. Sorry, adultery.

[Dan Le Batard]

For this one.

This is the Dan Levatar show.

[Ian]

If he's as evil as Tony thinks he is, he's the type of guy who's always holding his hands.

[Lorraine]

I've been vindicated on that.

[Ian]

Waiting for people to try to reach, you know, 11ft in the air.

[Lorraine]

Nobody also had an answer for me on whether Mbappe is like Wemby and

[Dan Le Batard]

I had a twinge of evil. I said evil was too strong. I don't think anybody has that assessment of Mbappe. I think people enjoy Mbappe's work and think of him strictly as a brilliant striker.

[Tony Reali]

I think Mbappe has a good evil working for him, which is the. The desperation to score at anybody's expense. Quick stat. Historical perspective on the stars rising in this World Cup. Messi Mbappe and Haaland all have seven goals, and Kane of England has six. First time in World cup history, three players have all had seven games or seven goals, and they each have a couple of games plus left. So it's just epic.

[Dan Le Batard]

When you watch those guys play, though, you see what it is that keeps the United States from the higher level. Right. When you watched that game last night, and there's just never a threat of any kind where you're looking at Belgium and saying they're scared of something here that the United States has.

[Lorraine]

Well, that's because Holland is our fourth best titan in the NFL. Like he'd be George Kittle. Nah, George, put George Kittle out there and see what he does.

[Dan Le Batard]

Look, I know that's not true. Ochocinko said he played with Real Madrid and couldn't touch the football.

[Mike Ryan]

No, but that's. But that's not Ochocinko training since he was 4 years old.

[Dan Le Batard]

No, don't do that. It's a Messi. Messi. I put him on a field. Does he look. I put him in the grocery store. I put him anywhere in public. Does he look like a great athlete to you? That's not the best soccer player ever. Doesn't look like a majestic athlete in any way. Doesn't even look like he's that fast.

[Tony Reali]

Also, the United States has run out of that excuse. Our players, Pulisic, anybody you can name on the US Team has been playing soccer since they were four years old.

[Mike Ryan]

There aren't enough of them, though. There's not enough of them like you. You really don't believe that our greatest NBA players, our greatest football players, if they played soccer instead of football when they were little and trained just that they. We wouldn't be.

[Dan Le Batard]

No.

[Mike Ryan]

On the level.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's just typical American arrogance. It's just typical.

[Greg Cody]

I'm pretty sure Holland is, like, faster than Jameer Gibbs.

[Ian]

Yeah.

[Greg Cody]

That can't be terms of, like their. I know, wearing pads, but in terms of, like, their peak speed last year.

[Dan Le Batard]

I know that Americans always feel that their things are the best things, but let's bring in Amin here. How are you doing, incidentally? I mean, Brazil loses. You are always shocked when Brazil loses. And so how did you react to Brazil being eliminated from the tournament?

[Amin Elhassan]

Well, I would say that football as a game rewards the aggressor, rewards the team that plays football. The team that plays scared and plays back does not deserve to win. And Ancelotti came here to Brazil and he instituted a style in that game that is not Brazilian. That is what a team with no talent does. This is what Padawai did, right? We park the bus, we make it ugly, and we try to exist off of counter attacks, and one of those will go in, and then we'll win. And that's just not the Brazilian way. So I watched that game. It's funny, I had the conversation in the group chat a couple weeks back about watching USA Soccer. So you guys enjoy this? Is this aesthetically pleasing to you? Do you guys like this? And Witty couldn't wrap his mind around it. He was like, oh, they're successful. No, no. Is this enjoyable to you? And I watched that game yesterday, and had Brazil won, I would have walked away disgusted because that's not what we do.

[Dan Le Batard]

And how did you walk away?

[Amin Elhassan]

I walked away disgusted because that's not how we do. If we had lost, if we had been aggressive and lost because Holland was. Was just so good, then I can live with that. It's tough to see us play a style. It would be like if you rooted for the St. Louis Rams in, like, the early 2000s, right? The greatest show on turf. And they decided, oh, we're just going to run the ball every single time. And maybe bubble screens like you. You'd be like, what are we doing? That's not our. That's not what we do. And so that was a little bit of a shocker and a disappointment. Like I said, I didn't. I did not feel good about that game at all about the way we played it. Not the result, but the actual style of play.

[Tony Reali]

I'm glad you said that, because that, to me, that was an insult to the five teams that won a record five championships. That was not Brazil football to me. That was not the beautiful game. I didn't even recognize it. And you could hear in the crowd that they were restless about the style of play.

[Amin Elhassan]

Yeah, absolutely. And by the way, just to answer the question you guys were contemplating, football is a thinking man's game. As much as I don't like Messi, he is the perfect example of. Of someone of not exactly explosive speed or size or athleticism. And the American thinking of, oh, it's just because our best athletes, like, you're trying to find an excuse as. Other than we're not good at it because it's not part of the culture. It's not about the athletes. It's about. It's not part of the culture. And you're trying to create in a lab something that is. That is organic. And the organic will always outduel and outlast what's created in a labor. And to you, Dan, you said, oh, because we don't have a Messi or an Mbappe. That's not why. Does. Does Belgium have one of those? No, but they beat you pretty handily. The idea is, do you have players that are organically grown and play together? And that's what the USA lacks. It like they've started to get talented players from other places and having them seeded all over the world in the better leagues. And that's a start. But then the next part is, okay, now how do we play together? Because again, again, this is a thinking man's game. This is not a, a, a star game or an athlete game. It's a thinking man's game.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't understand how what you're saying is any different from what I'm at least trying to say, where you're saying it's not part of our culture. Yeah, that's exactly the point that I'm trying to make here. If it were part of our culture, our greatest athletes would look to play soccer first before the other sports.

[Amin Elhassan]

You see, that's where you go wrong. It's not about what our greatest athletes are doing thing. It's about what any of these athletes are doing. Right? Because it's not like the greatest athletes are the ones who are the greatest players. It's about guys who are invested and embedded in soccer in a way that is not clinical. It's not, we went to a camp and all that stuff. It is organic. It's out in the streets, it's with a rag tied together. That's what it is. It's not. Oh, man. If, if so and so. If. I don't know. Jayla Waddle. Oh, if he played soccer, he'd be great. No, that's not the point. You keep taking it back to our greatest athletes. And it' about the caliber of athletes, it's about the culture.

[Mike Ryan]

But you don't think the other countries, all these other countries, their, their greatest athletes choose soccer as their first sport, right?

[Amin Elhassan]

No, no, that's not true. In there's there are players that play rugby, there are players that play cricket, there are players that play basketball. They're also. Let's not pretend like this is the only country where they have multiple sports. They have track athletes, they have swimming athletes, they have canoeing, they've got skiers and all that stuff. All these people, all these countries have multiple sports they compete in. Volleyball is way bigger internationally than it is here. On the men's side, they Got guys that play volleyball over there. We can't continue to make it. Oh, it was just. Oh, man. If we. If we took it seriously, that's what we're doing. No, you are taking it seriously. You're just not good enough.

[Dan Le Batard]

I do think it's a funny thing to think about the idea of, because we have athletes who are good with their hands. They would be that good also with their feet like that.

[Miller Lite Promoter]

They're.

[Dan Le Batard]

They're different skill sets. Like, it's not. It's not exactly. You can't just take someone. There are plenty of teams. There are plenty of teams more athletic than whoever will hold up the World cup trophy. In fact, last night, everybody was saying the United States is more athletic than Belgium. Everybody was saying, they are. They are. They didn't look it, though.

No.

And what looks slower?

[Amin Elhassan]

You got to know what you're doing out there. It's a thinking man's game. And I remember Dan d', Antoni, Mike d' Antoni's brother, had this incredible kind of thing that he came up with when he was a high school coach. He said he'd take the slowest kid and he'd take the fastest kid, and he would say, okay, you guys are gonna race. But the one caveat is the slow kid gets to say, go. And so the slow kid would beat the fastest kid because he knew when the race was starting in a way that the. The fast kid didn't. And that's. That's the difference here. And when you know what's going to happen when you are thinking the game, it allows for such a great advantage over everyone who's reacting. Oh, my athlete. I got quack. Quick Twitch. Quick Twitch is cool. It's great, it's useful. But it cannot defeat the triumph of the mind.

[Mike Ryan]

Excited for summer, Hosting a pool party, a barbecue, or just looking forward to some relaxing time at home at Orkin, they've been building their pest knowledge and expertise for 125 years. And they know that no matter what your summer plans are, most people don't want cockroaches involved. Shocking, right? Well, as supporters of summer plans, both big and small, Orkin is here to stay one step ahead of pes. So you can stay one step ahead of your schedule. Visit orkin.com today for a free estimate.

[Miller Lite Promoter]

For 22 years on this show, we've debated the greatest athletes of all time. Who's the goat in football? Who's the goat in soccer? Who's the goat in hoops? One thing that we all know is Dan's the goat of finding the worst possible take. But there's another kind of MVP goat that doesn't get enough credit. The friend who knows to show up with enough Miller Lights plus extra ice because they just know the one who already has seats at the bar when you walk up. That is a Miller Time nvp. I've been on this show long enough to know that Dan is going to make everything about his feelings and Jeremy is going to push back back on whatever I just said. But here's something nobody on this show will argue with. Miller Lite is the summer beer, the original light beer since 1975. This summer, recognize your MVPs. We all have that one friend who makes every game better. Now it's time to give them their moment. Head over to Miller Lite's social media pages to learn more about being a Miller Time mvp. You can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.

[Lorraine]

The cup knockout round is here and DraftKings Sports has you covered for every single match. The DraftKings app is now available in all 50 states. That means yours and includes all markets, bringing the action straight to your fingertips wherever you are. New DraftKings customers sign up with code DAN. Spend five bucks bucks and get $200 in rewards within 21 days. That's code DAN DAN in partnership with DraftKings the crown is yours.

[DraftKings Advertiser]

Bet with DK Sportsbook gambling problem call 1-800- GAMBLER 1-800- My reset, CT call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org on behalf of Boothill Casino in Kansas. Bet Tax Pass through may apply in Illinois, 21 and over void in Canada. Event contract trading with DraftKings predictions involves risk of loss. Availability varies. Bet to get bonus bets that expire in 7 days. Trade to get $50 in predictions dollars that expire in 1 days via click to claim for 21 days one non withdrawable reward redeemable Predictions offer Void in New York ends July 19th terms at DKNG Co audio down Levitar yeah, very cool.

[Greg Cody]

Imagine if someone told you you couldn't have a Corvette.

[Tony Reali]

I'm a grown ass man who's not who's not filthy rich. I can't afford a Lamborghini.

[Dan Le Batard]

Great.

[Tony Reali]

Cody well, I probably can, but that's hey

[Dan Le Batard]

Louis.

No, this is the Dan Levatar Show.

Put it on the poll please, at Le Batard Show. Did Dan Dantoni's parents do him dirty by naming him Dan at Lebatard show? Let's go ahead and play the World cup observation. Music, please.

It is time for. I mean, to share his World cup game notes. No one in the media will tell you what happened better than my boy.

[Roy]

I mean.

[Amin Elhassan]

World cup observations is brought to you by Miller. Light legendary moments. Start with a light. Ben, I won't lie, it was a tough weekend for your boy. First Argentina wins after being on the ropes. Then Brazil blunders its way to a loss to Norway. Then England survived the Azteca. Then Johnny. Johnny Infantino's FIFA ruling that Flo Balagun Balogun, not Baligan, not Balgan. Balogun. Automatic one game suspension would be, well, suspended. I felt like Marty McFly disappearing from the photo as he struggled to play Earth angel at the Enchantment under the Sea dance.

[Dan Le Batard]

Always makes me laugh when he says Enchantment under the Sea dance. It's such a specific.

[Lorraine]

It's on the banner.

[Dan Le Batard]

I know, but it's such a specific detail. Under the sea dance is a funny phrase.

[Amin Elhassan]

I was trying to play the song, Dan, and I was disappearing. My hand was disappearing.

[Lorraine]

I don't feel so good.

[Amin Elhassan]

I don't feel so good. I had to sit down. But then USA Belgium happened and George and Lorraine kissed on the dance floor. Just like that.

[Tony Reali]

That.

[Amin Elhassan]

Make no mistake, I am back. Oh, my God.

[Dan Le Batard]

You were root. You traitor. You were rooting against the United States.

[Home Depot Announcer]

Of course.

[Amin Elhassan]

Is this your first World cup here? I do this every time. And I did it extra hard because of that damn group chat with Witty and Mike and all these delusional clowns. Let's address the elephant in the room first. Yes. Brazil lost.

[Home Depot Announcer]

Yes.

[Amin Elhassan]

I was disappointed. No, it's nowhere near 2014. I saw a lot of people. Oh, it's a big crying again. Nothing will ever reach that. You guys see, you guys, like, standards are so low. You think a round of 16 loss would do that to me?

[Dan Le Batard]

You cried because they lost 7 to 1. Correct.

[Amin Elhassan]

7 to 1. In Brazil in the semifinal for the. The title that was supposed to be destined for. It was no brainer we were going to win that one. That one was so shocking and so quick. It wasn't even like a gradual seven. It was like three, zero. And we're like, what are we doing? That one will. There will never be another sporting event that moves me emotionally like that. Carla Ancelotti, Celtics front office, collision course. What are you doing, buddy? Carlo Ancelotti. What the Bro. Not only did he pick Bruno to take a pk, by the way, never took one in a Brazil shirt before, he defended the move afterward. Like Brad Stevens trying to tell us that this was a good deal, saying Vinnie wasn't even in his top five according to the metrics. Ancelotti got the same analytics dude that told Bobby Marks Jalen Brown is the seventh best player on the team. I'm convinced Erling Holland just had a son. Why don't you try being a father, bro? Yes, the World cup is once every four years, but your son will only be a week old for a week. How could you miss that? You could have took that kid off. The Brazil game was made a thousand times more annoying by my dad. Everyone who tried to troll me via text, via Instagram. You don't come close to my father, who, in an effort to troll me, kept saying, give it a Holland. Give it a Holland. Give it a Holland. Every time. Except he didn't say Holland. He kept pronouncing it Harlan. Give it a Harlan. So when he scored those two goals, I didn't see Erling Holland. I saw Kenny from Half Baked. Legendary comedian Harlan Williams. Harlan Williams.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's a good reference.

[Mike Ryan]

Six minute abs.

[Amin Elhassan]

But here's the. Here's the kicker. And what I heard was right between the eyes.

[Dan Le Batard]

Now I'm picturing Brazil losing to Harlan Williams in the open field.

[Amin Elhassan]

Or. Or Kevin Harlan. Either or. My father's annoying Neymar scoreboard. Wait, we're the ones who are down. That was an observation written in real time.

[Ian]

Sorry.

[Amin Elhassan]

By the way, I just remembered, Tony said Greg's cheeks are looser. That's why he can do the. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. What?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, it's true.

[Amin Elhassan]

Questionable. Cristiano Ronaldo calls it quits. No Sherlock. Chris, quick, look up the origins of

[Dan Le Batard]

the term no Sherlock Holmes.

[Amin Elhassan]

Team Canada head coach Jesse Marsh that after the three Nil lost to Morocco that he'd rather be Canada than Morocco. Jesse March, you and Neymar deserve one another. England taking dick pills to perform better in Mexico. The perfect alibi. Honey, why do you have all these pills in? Oh, babe, it's just because of the altitude in it. It isn't because of the Latinas.

[Greg Cody]

It helps my cross.

[Amin Elhassan]

Harry Kane after the match. Did you guys hear him talk?

[Tony Reali]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Dan Le Batard]

Very horse.

[Amin Elhassan]

He sounded like San Antonio spurs head coach Mitch Johnson auditioning for the role of Bert the chimney sweep in Mary Poppins.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, go apply me in it. Fish and chips. Chip chimin.

[Amin Elhassan]

Seb blatter. Eloquently Tweeting about corruption and FIFA decision making, saying quote, football must never be a playground for political power. It's like the Cookie Monster preaching about the importance of self control. I miss Sep. Who knew it could get worse.

[Mike Ryan]

Worse.

[Amin Elhassan]

We owe him an apology. Balogun did what Tiger woods couldn't call Donald Trump to get him out of trouble. I guess you could say the USA was overwhelmed by the right wing over the past 36 hours.

[Dan Le Batard]

Look at him. He's pleased with that joker joke.

[Amin Elhassan]

But also, yes, politics.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's right, both of them. You were very pleased with yourself there, there.

[Amin Elhassan]

Thank you. The USA has Jedi Robinson. So the Belgians executed Order 66. Fries, waffles, chocolate. We got to give it all back to them. Canada out. USA out. Mexico out. I was all out too after that third Belgian goal. I'm talking spent. I smoked a cigarette after that one.

[Dan Le Batard]

Did you?

[Amin Elhassan]

That freeze. What killed the dinosaurs?

[Dan Le Batard]

The ice age.

[Amin Elhassan]

Tim Reem. Tim reamed Malik Tillman afterwards, afterward, apologized to the team. Because he's German. I don't know.

[Dan Le Batard]

Thank you. Yeah, we did. We got that.

[Amin Elhassan]

Yeah, that. That's translates to it's my fault. Guys. I have disappointed you all. Top five Tillmans I'd rather have. Number five, Peanut Tillman. Number four, Xavier Tillman. Number three, Tillman Fertitta. Number two, Felicia Tillman from Desperate Housewives. And the number one Tillman I'd rather have today. I learned man T I L Men Tillman. That's Dan, by the way. Always learning something. No, pet, we figured out where no Sherlock comes from yet.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, I got that. I got that joke. Not as bad as me saying the Beatles are litigious after hearing a song by the monkeys.

[Amin Elhassan]

Pochettino, get a new shirt.

[Dan Le Batard]

How do you not have Pat Tillman in your tmans? How do you not have Patman in your Tillmans? How. How does Pat.

[Amin Elhassan]

Oi, oi. Thank you for your service. Po get a new shirt. Alex Morgan, you're hot. Kristen Pulisic P Soft Geo Reina as in G. I want to rain on your parade, but the U.S. men's National Team already did that for you. Sergio Dest Post match chose to keep the messaging positive, telling his teammates.

[Dan Le Batard]

Up this show would be killing it in Germany right now.

[Amin Elhassan]

No, he's Dutch. Dan, keep up.

[Dan Le Batard]

Sorry.

[Amin Elhassan]

He said if we keep this together, we can achieve great things. Weston McKinney got to change his name to Aoft McKinney. Which reminds me of the aloft in Milwaukee that me and Tony stayed at after the Bucks parade.

[Lorraine]

We brought back Stuff that time, Dan, it had.

[Amin Elhassan]

It had a mural of Dante DiVincenzo, hand drawn. Yeah, you gotta get a loft or four points or something. Some that doesn't have room service. Whatever happened to the Messi of Medford, New Jersey? Remember that guy? They wouldn't shut up about him four years ago. Something tells me he's not the Messi anymore. Eddie Vedder must have been Zaz's highlight of the night. You see it? You don't even see it.

[Mike Ryan]

Of course I saw it. And they were playing Pearl Jam in the background when they showed him.

[Amin Elhassan]

What did he do? What did Eddie Vedder do yesterday?

[Mike Ryan]

He had his hand around a kid. He was taking a picture with the kid.

[Amin Elhassan]

No, see, you didn't watch.

[John Oliver]

Oh, wow.

[Mike Ryan]

My eye off the television for a second.

[Amin Elhassan]

It's your guy. That's your guy. That's not my guy.

[Mike Ryan]

How do I know when he's about to pop up on the screen?

[Amin Elhassan]

I don't know if you were watching if you're watching, but I guess you'll wait for hydration breaks and timeouts and. Hey, can we get a 32nd here? Alex Freeman, son of NFL star Antonio Freeman. Turns out his stepdad was the driving force behind his soccer career, not Antonio Freeman. And yet Antonio gets to go beyond cordon the cold world. Folks, I feel sorry for Balogun. I can't think of a worse place to be than owing that dude a favorite Donald Trump. In case you guys didn't know which baby, right, they should have won that game. Not because they played well, which they obviously did, and not because Argentina deserves to lose, because they obviously do, but because the World cup ain't the same without that fan base. Heartbroken we lost them at the expense of Argentina being happy. That's a special kind of hell. Speaking of hell, Argentina go to hell. Those are the World cup observations.

[Dan Le Batard]

I've got a stat for you guys. You want to guess the record of the United States in World cup matches when they allow the first goal. Anybody want to guess? They played 25 games. 25 games where they have allowed the first goal. You want to guess What?

[Amin Elhassan]

The United 24 one. I reckon yesterday was the first one

[Tony Reali]

because I happen to know the answer, so I recused myself.

[Dan Le Batard]

They're 0 and 25.

[Home Depot Announcer]

What?

[Dan Le Batard]

So they allow the first goal and they always lose. Chris Cody, have you heard back yet from Scott McCullough on why it is your mother's employee what he thinks of the Marlins pulling out Udi Perez after seven perfect innings?

[Greg Cody]

Zero response.

[Dan Le Batard]

All right, we'll find out tomorrow. Amin. Before we let you go here, your thoughts here now that you've had some time to consume everything that's been written and reported about the Celtics now that Brad Stevens has spoken. I was saying earlier in the show, I don't even know what second place would be. The Boston Celtics have never been laughed at this way for a transaction. I don't know what second place would be. But have you consumed anything in the last few days that gives you more context that would make you feel like this is slightly less dumb than it appears?

[Amin Elhassan]

No. In fact, it sounds dumber the more I consume. I heard the story. One of the rival teams that was trying to acquire them was like we absolutely could have and would have gotten way better than that. They just decided to take the first deal. The first deal that I guess they saw. Dan, a couple of two quick clarifications before I get out of here. Number one, I went to New York out of pocket. I did not get compensated for my flight or my hotel by Metal Arc Media. So this whole, oh, I mean, waste money thing. All right, how about let's look at all the times. I mean, does stuff out of pocket, which I guarantee is way more than anybody else at the company other than you, of course, because everything is out of your pocket. Number two for Greg. Cody, I see that sparkling little diamond on your hand. It's plain to see that you've already got a man.

[Dan Le Batard]

Do you know who that artist is, Cody?

[Tony Reali]

I don't.

[John Oliver]

Don't.

[Amin Elhassan]

I can tell about to fall for any of my lives.

[Tony Reali]

Very nice. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Lovely.

[Dan Le Batard]

I mean, thank you for being on with us. We appreciate it. And we appreciate whenever it is you go out of your own pocket to waste your own money instead of the companies going to New York for Parade and coming back with 60 seconds of content. We appreciate it happens a lot.

[Amin Elhassan]

Going to Vegas on my own podcast.

[Dan Le Batard]

Thank you, sir. We appreciate all your good efforts around here and many of your bad ones as well. Can we get the John Oliver footage, please? For those of you who do not know, that show is very difficult to do last week, tonight is only half hour, but they're taking a month off because of how that staff has to work. A lot of writers don't know what's going to happen with that show and all the mergers going on. But John Oliver is enjoying the last parts of the the doing of that show, if indeed it is the last part of doing that show. By making random appearances on General Hospital,

[John Oliver]

an oversight I'll have your name added to the list of approved visitors.

[Dan Le Batard]

I don't want to be added to the list. I want my daughter back.

[John Oliver]

Then let me put this in language that you will understand.

[Lorraine]

That ain't gonna happen.

[Amin Elhassan]

That was him.

[Greg Cody]

Him saying that. And then getting. Getting slapped in the face so great. And then dramatically looking back at her like, how dare you do that to me?

[Tony Reali]

Not to be rude.

[Lorraine]

A little bit of a papa on John Oliver, right?

[Dan Le Batard]

Not as bad as Cody's. Play it again.

[Lorraine]

Look at the papa.

[John Oliver]

An oversight. I'll have your name added to the list of approved visitors.

[Dan Le Batard]

I don't want to be added to the list. I want my daughter back.

[John Oliver]

Then let me put this in language that you will understand.

[Lorraine]

That ain't gonna happen.