Tournament format and upcoming matches

This is the Guardian Hello and welcome to the Guardian Football Wekly Scotland. Maybe it was just a pipe dream to get something from Brazil, but talk about having the stuffing knocked out of you so early on. Scott McKenna dawling in the seventh minute, allowing Vinicius to score and that was basically that. They were lucky with another defensive laps from Jack Hndry before Vinicius again and Matus Kuna in the second half. Scotland had the odd chance, but they're almost certainly going home Haiti gave it a good go but eventually overpowered by Morocco. Then in group B, Switzerland topped the group after beating second place Canada. The hosts really got it launched late on, but it wasn't enough. Bosnia's win over Qatar means they're through as well. And in group A, Mexico were already top but joyer scenes at the Azteecca as they sent the Czcks home, while South Africa shoted South Korea to come second and qualify for the knockouts for the first time in their history We'll try to preview tomorrow's games without going down an SNM cul deac. Someone offers to make Barry's dreams come true. They's your questions, and that's today's Guardian football Weekly annel today with me in LA. Barglen Denning. Hello. Hello from the racing post, Mark Langon, Hey me. Hi Max. And on the night shift tonight, Nickki Bandini, Hi Nicki. Morning. Let's start then with group C Brazil come top seven points from three games Morocco through as well on seven points. Scotland have three points, almost certainly going home. Haiti definitely going home with none. We'll begin In Miami, then Scotland Nill Brazil three before I get the panel thoughts I caught up with you and Murray at full time in Miami How was that for you, Ewan Predictable Yeah, I mean, I did say after the Hiti game and we spoke, I feared it would go this way. I feared it would lose the next two games maybe by a few goals and they would be left clinging on with the goal difference. I think the mistake was not beating Haiti more comfortably and actually probably not and a bit more of a go against Moroco, I think they may be Overstateated they been Mou are So here we are, we're going to be in no man's land for a few days Terms of the last thirty two. and it's been It bit defing, you know, I felt at times the Scottish team doesn't look as if it belongs in this this environment, you know I don't want to be overly down on it. It could make the last thirty two and I get the significance of that. but I think the shortcomings have been laid pretty bare in this tournament. once again Yeah, and you mentioned deflating. like That st is so it just felt like a balloon bigig popped that first gold in there Yeah, they're actually the first few units actually played okay. they were quite composed It doesn't look nervous or panic stickking at the start, but And defense of the manager, you can't legislate for aent like that's a foball cliche, but it's true. I mean, just moment of complete madness for manyoney your senter backs and Brazil or not the team you want to give that advantage to. I thought they were lucky. I thought The dis goal. I thought Henry initiated the contact and vishia thing. I thought I wanted to go I feel we're lucky to go away with that and You know, at that point, you're you're cling on in this game and and undoubtedly, you're cling on in terms of the goal difference and the wider the wider thir place scenario you think it's a psychological thing. Like people lots of people talked about the number of really good players in this team, right? especially in midfield, really good midfield. and feel like none of them really Okay, you've got to everyone's got to be great to beat Brazil and Brazil have to have an off day. But even still in any of these three games, they never really delivered Yeah and again, that's a thinge that's happened before. I thought M Tomy he got a bit better in the second half tonight but he was dreadful in the first half inccredibly bad just giving the ball away under no pressure thow Um I don't know if that's psychology, but what I do think is when you have such a limited pool of talent as Scotland have You need your big guys to perform in these tournaments And once again, that hasn't happened. So yeah, I think that's a I think that's a sensible and obvious thing to point you absolutely. Yeah. and do you think Steve Clark has done well? Like could he have done anything different in these games? Yeah. I mean, I would need to look at that more broadly and maybe a a bit more calm and sanguine about it. I do think kind I've written this my match report I do think there's a problem where three tournament Qalifications now under the same manager They've been pretty similar they've all felt the same, they've all felt a bit deflating. and I listen under I'm the first one to see that I think the work of Scottish talent and physicality is a big deal when it gets exposed at this level But I do think you' get the same group, the same management, the same players largely and a third turn in the row is felt I use the word again deflating I think you have to ask questions of the manager and what's happening I mean, the Monocco game, for example, in Trany, I said in the midfield in front of Andy Robertson And I get why he did it. He was trying to combat the threat. Morocco was right side, but Scotland haven't played that way. that wasn't a system that has practed or tried out and friend the games. and I thought, well whereere did that come from So things like that I think tonight I didn't have much. Grievance with the team selection tonight. And again, I stress A defeatated Brazil can happen but it just felt again a bit ragged, a bit messy and pretty punchless when it needed not to be that Yeah and as look we don't know. do we like they are going to be right on the edge of getting through and that look Tom and a chance like he actually got in positions today to score goals that he has scored like forapoli and that last one in injury time could be so like it wasn't an easy chance Ah it could make such a difference that Absolutely I mean that would have been weird. I mean that goal could have been very, very important in the guys that Tournament. So that would have changed the complexion of it. but I would argue really to what extent, but yeah, you're in that weird movie. in it I was watching the live third place tles as the game was going on. I think Scotland slipped from secondecond to sixth I think Cpe Verdy will beat Saudi Arabia so that's going to be one problem. they'll move above us Well very well at least draw with Saudi Arab, which will put them above Scotland Congo will probably be as big a standan. so that's another one. And then at that point You're right on the borderways and Yeah, again, I did fear and predict to make him down to this kind of situation Yeah, and that's difficult then because Scot had to, you know, keep training and hang about but with just this kind of feearing every time a game happens Absolutely. They'll go back to Charlotte. I think tomorrow, they'll get back to their training base Chlotte I think it's Saturday night Saturday evening. We should know exactly what's going on, but It wouldn't easy for them psychologically to stay up for this tournament but they could You know, a couple results elsewhere the whole thing could end againgain quQuite abruptly and quite disappintingly. Never mind the poorouralists who are Also knowind one You'll be all right. What was the I'll be all right. Yeah, pray for you. What was what was the noise when Nymar came on and it is You know Nama feels a peripheral part to most people watching this tournament, but the noise seemed pretty intense from just watching on the TV Well thezil, I mean, I reckon at least eighty percent of the crowd here was Brazilian fans. and that was actually part of the reason I thought they would turn up tonight because they weren't going to let these people down in Miami. And I think also because they were ahead to to ahead, the fans could You know, shout for Nammar and that was really audible. That was obviously a big thing And I don't know if you saw Ronald Dinio was the end of the tunnel before the game. She can as well the Bazil players as he went on to the pitch. that was great cool as well. But yeah Nymar, they turned their attention to Neymar, I think because g the game is settled. So that that was the only thing left of. He didn't get a goal when he was I think it was even peripheral when it command, to be honest, I thought it was interesting he was brought on before Endrich was brought on, which seemed strain a substitution for anchuality to make. But mean, the fans got what they came to see in terms of I think the first time since october twenty twenty three we've in Namara and a Brazil So that was good for him. I know Whatn't the color and the noise provided by the Brazilian supporters was as you would expect was fantastic here goodood stuff you went Well let stay strong In this no man's land that we find you, put the jazz on and hopefully we will speak to you again. you never know, T. If I was an internal optimist, this would cause me a problem, but thankfully' not, so I' hopefully' relax of the whole thing Good man Bout Thank you Youan Murray there and Mark, that chat with youan was before the group A games and you've been on the brackets all day, which sounds more sinister than it is. what's the latest for Scotland? Well it it's not looking good, Max, I think it's fair to say. so that South Africa victory, that was one of the groups where It didn't look like for this round of matches that they would overtake Scotland, but of course South Africa beating South Korea means that South Korea have slipped into third spot and have got a better goal difference than Scotland. So that's another one ticked off I think there are different models kind of doing it differently in terms of how they foresee Scotland's chances, but the ones that are giving them a higher percentage chance are not really factoring in the carve up opportunities that are ahead for likes of Paraguay against Australia where a draw suits both teams, Algeria and Austria can play out a mutually beneficial result as well I think that Scotland were in a hole before the group A matches and now you know,' in a terrible spot. I think Steve Clark said after the game that Scotland were going home and that might have been the only thing he's got right this summer. Yeah. beforefore the Pod you' becoming like A really boring episode ofQuantum Leap where were like Ziggy says's a forty percent chance of Scotland going through. Anyway, two shots on target in two games against Morocco and Brazil So it was a difficult draw barry, but it has been disappointing We said after the win against Haiti. that they hadn't won by enough goals. Some people thought we were being a bit too hard on them, but that what we thought might happen has happened I think they were extremely fortunate to only lose this game by three nil. goal that was disallowed shouldn't have been disallowed Ifinny Junior missed another two exxcellent chances one on ones with Angus Gone Ryan, Mr. Brilliant Chance Matees Kuna had one off the line There were other not quite as good chances that Brazil missed And Scotland's main chance was a Scott McTomine header on gold, which was pretty much the only that was saved which is pretty much the only thing of North Scott Mctonomy has done in three matches for Scotland in this tournament. he's been surprisingly poor. and basically indicative of E That's been bad for them, I suppose Not for the first time in this tournament they coughed up a really cheap early gold through a stupid mistake at the back for this game. But BBC pundits praising Clarark for his adventurous selection and I'm looking at the selection going We picked Ben Ganardg, that was, I suppose, a bit adventurous and He ran down a few blind alleys but didn't get much in in the way of crosses Kure and Tranney came on for Andy Robertson at halfime, I presume Robertson was injured. He got a couple of crosses in, but Scotland achieved very little and I think they were damn lucky to only lose three. There could have been a total total humiliation for Nickky, how much is is this on Steve Clark and how much is this on a sort of lack of quality in the side and the fact that they drew as he Steve Clark said afterwards look only Scotland can get a win winable first game and then number five and number six in the world. So like the quality of their group Yeah, It's hard to answer, isn't it? Be clearly there were some really bad individual mistakes at the start of this game. I mean obbviously in the end McKenna just can get rid of that ball and not get himself in position that he does to concede the first goal. you then have what should have been the second goal as Bz was just saying with Jack Kendry where he just There was a level of lack of urgency, I suppose. some of those situations that you have to put on the players because they've played enough footballs. now you can't just dally on the ball when you've got Ryan and Minicus Junior snapping at you all game. And I think that was also something really predictable in the fact that Brazil were going to press like that. They were going to look for those opportunities I'ound very Carlo Anceloti Ril, Madrid, didn't it? that you weren't entirely always sure even if Brazil were playing that well, but they certainly look threatening with Vinicius upfront Having said that, it did also feel like in this game that there was an element of almost defiant willingness to try to play out from the back, especially at the beginning by Scotland. and there were a few times where I was looking at it thinking Why is McTomy just playing that down the line? Why are they not just trying to play a bit more direct and get the ball out of there in the first place? And perhaps there's a mindset thing that does go to Steve Clark, which which is actuallyctually, maybe that we need to be a bit more recognition that this is Brazil And you can't get away with that. Well Yeah, Scotland B shambles really if they go through and format humiliation, I think for F for if a team can go through having scored one goal against Haiti then gets beat by Morocco then loses free now in their last game and still finds a way through. I just felt that They're too negative in terms of a lot of their own downfall in those first sort of twenty minutes came from them going backwards all the time and not being positive enough and Maybe they haven't got the quality right at the front end in terms of a striker that can either hold the ball up or score goals, sniff out an opportunity. He chose to leave Oie McBurnne, he was one of the championships or best players. He chose not to pick him. So you know that was on Steve Clark as well. Wh where I will give Scotland some kind of let off is the fact that it was in Miami. felt like a home game for Brazil. The Titan arrmy had been everywhere in the US. but even in that game, there was a lot of Brazilian fans there. The heat is and the humidity is not going to suit Scotland in that game rather than Brazil. But it was mentioned on the pod right back you know at the start of the competition when Scotland didn't go after Haiti and didn't try and beat them by more goals. I think that will come back to buy them Barer Jimm is making the point, F of the pod. Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland have all had big and meaningful tournament wins. And Scotland have never had a moment And if you think for those brilliant fans, like I hadn't really considered that. they've never ever had I game and major tournament where they've come off and they've won a game that they perhaps weren't expected to win L to the credit they've given quite a lot of other nations, their moments. So there's that. Is that something I guess I kind of I feel a bit sorry for them. You cannot fault the players for their effort tonight They worked so hard, so hard But and they're just not as good as Brazil. but to cough up the first two goals they seed. You're just blunderbussing yourself in both feet You have to give yourself some sort of chance and game over then, you know, if you're too nilled down against Brazil, having gifted them two goals. good look. Yeah. and We spoke last night about the format of the tournament and how it's now head to head instead of goal difference. and this how this group played out exemplified it because Haiti went a goal up against Morocco And then they went to one up against Morocco. but there was no jeopardy in that regard for Scotland because No matter what age you did, they were out. Yeah. And that seems so unfair. Makes seems to make I can't work out how it makes sense in any sense, but Maybe there is a rationale. We should Talk aboutrazil for a second, Nickky. I mean, the third goal was lovely. The Gimarous pass is very clever We've seen them three times What do we make of them? I think that's the thing. I'm not sure Max is the honest answer. They're a threat because they've got some very, very good players and it certainly looks like Vinitius is in the mood at this tournament. I thought it was It was kind of interesting that he was on the pitch at the end. It felt a lot like he really wanted that hat trick and he was really going for that at the end of that game and you think to yourself, do you need to still be out there? shouldould you be Not that it feels very ridiculous toly picking at him for trying too hard, But players can get hurt as as we just saying, it wass really hot out there. And you I think there certainly could have been a case for saying on seventeen minutes, well, we're going to win this group. The situation is such that we're not going to not win this group now. Maybe you shouldn't be out there anymore. but But I think they had their tails up and perhaps they wanted to let the players keep Keep enjoying that It really felt like there was a huge golf in class here, which sururprise me some because while there is some positions, Scotland did not, I think it's worth reminding ourselves. Scotland did not have shown up with a bunch of players who are just playing and domestic football and who aren't playing top level European football. mean you have got Geis that team obviously with McDome being the one that everyone looks to first, But Mcinz Villa Ferguson' has been very, very good for Bologna as well there are some good players in that team. and I think that it felt like it was a real mismatch and that whileile we are bringing up the problems for Scotland is, of course, to Brazil's credit as well I think spoke about the conditions there Apart from tyranny coming on for Robertson at Half time, which was for substitution, he didn't make any changes to the eighty second minute which seems incredibly strange And then, as is now becoming customary gave extremely ungracious interview after the game, which just I get that he's fed up and annoyed and hot and sweaty and hot and swey, but it is part of his job. And if it's the one part of his job that's very easy to do Well.' just talk to a reporter and not tried to make her or embarrass or make or look stupid or whatever. Yeah. The other game briefly Mark Morocco for Haiti two. but they gave it a go Haiti, you know they scored a couple of goals Isadel's goold is a briiant. second one is so good. a sensational one into the top corner. took the lead a couple of times. the Bono own gold put them in front. They very attack minded and I think Morocco enjoyed that and you know, Haiti were desperate for a win, you know that would have meant that at least they could take something out of the tournament and gave it a good go, but Morocco throughw Akimi Sibbari who's really caught the eye so far in this tournament. got them back into it and the second half Morocco were much the stronger side. They took off Diaz and Sibari because they knew that they weren't catching Brazil in the goal, different states likely to play Netherlands in the the round of thirty two assuming the Dutch win group and a one. That will be a tasty match for more than one reason, two very talented teams, but Also there's players with Dutch roots that play for Morocco as well. So yeah it could be a really interesting last V too tie. All right, that'll do for part one part two. We'll do group B. Welcome to part two with the Guardian F football weekly. So group B looks like this Switzerland top it with seven after beating Canada who comes second there' on four points. Bosnia is win over cat I mean they've got four as well and will go through atar go home at a reasonable hour for you, Nikki. But what did you make of the Switzerland Canada game It was quite entertaining game. I worry that Kada Well the Clendar are certainly going to feel hugely disappointed about the way it's gone because of course they had an opportunity after smashing in all those goirlals against Qitar. they have this huge opportunity to not just go through but to guarantee themselves continuing to play in Canada, which was obviously it's a huge thing have Home Advantage at the World Cup and they're obviously now going to be the first home nation of the World Cup to play games not in their home nation. but it felt like they were maybe, Max, I was watching the way they play with that four for two that's almost like a four twenty four. And there's some really good things about it, right? It's a really fun. there are a fun teams to watch. I've enjoyed watching all three counter games so far at this tournament. I've enjoyed them But it felt like Switzerland were maybe the first team who just arrived being like, well, we know exactly what you want to do because you do the same thing every time We're going to find our overloads and and then yes, punish some very messy defending as well And well kind of it did show themselves still threatening even after two nosown. they did have that series of chances really to one after the last hydration break and their goal by the way, was brilliant, one of the most fun goals of the senior tournament But but I worry that Jesse Marsh has plan A and doesn't have much after that the Ange Posto Coglu of the World Cup. I mean, I thought this game Barry went at two one and Nicki mentioned the Canada goal, Nathan Saliba's assist that control and Volley Pars is I said that is the best skill of this World Cup. and producer Joel said, Can you name any other skills from this World Cup? And I had clearly forgotten all of them But then they really got it launched. I was really enjoying that last twenty minutes. Yeah, I mean, the first half of this game was diabolically bad. It was so bad. And I thought This had the potential to be one of those carve ups Mark alluded to earlier and I thought, yeah, that's what's happening here. 's got to be a scorel a straw, but they know Switzerland tore up the script rightight after halftime when Rub and Varagus put them ahead And then ManZambi doubled their lead and the Canadian crowd seemed a bit This isn't what was supposed to happen. So Canada pulled a goal back with that ce and cross and yeah, then just got it launch, got it launched had Four very, very presentable chances towards the end and Cn' couldn't score, but They you know, they' theyre fine. they come to Los Angeles now, I think. they can all stay in our flat You love that, Max, won't you? A the Canadians go he Max? at taf two in the morning. It be someone to talk to at least. And Switzerland stay in Vancouver, so you know, it's fine, but I'm sure Canada would have rather stayed at home. So Canada replaced South Africa, is that correct Max? Yeah, it is I think you Loo back at that probably after the game, they would have been really disappointed They are playing a surprise qualifier in that last thirty two. Yeah, good work for them and Switzerland to play a third place team from somewhere else. We did get an amazing email saying they were very frustrated with how uncategoric the final whistle blows from referees were and this ref really went through it when he blew for full time, arms everywhere conducting. It was a a good moment for whoever that I hadn't noticed the lack of lack of something to look abouticness. Now you'll be looking forward to the hundred games left. well I look forward to the final whistle of all of them but now have even more reason to look forward. Get on the bins, Barry. Bosnia three atar one And so Bosnia and Herzeovina reached the knockout rounds for the very first time They have to wait for confirmation.'mking about they're through, aren't they They're ninety nine point nine percent likely to be playing the US. I think we can give them that one. Yeah. So that is a huge moment for Bosn Heregvini Yeah, and that's what they were looking for when they qualified for the World Cup. And I think it was on a personal level, I was pleased that it was Ali Beegeoic scored it was a few great goals last night, anotherother great goal because I on one of the shows I did before the World Cup was asked to name player who I thought would be the breakout star of this tournament the one who'd catch everyone's eye. we haven't reallyentioned Manzam be doing that for Switzerland again and looking very much like he's going to be the one that everyone's trying to sign. But Ali Begoficich has got a great goal for Bosnia and And I think it felt like After the success of knocking out Wales and in Italy and qualifying, they were waiting for that World Cup moment and finally they got it. Everyone seemed very delighted about it except for not on the goals specifically, but Edin Jeo looked absolutely furious after being taken off was throwing out ble around and I think that was possibly personal frustration about not scoring a goal of his own, but But yeah, I think that was I think that's the moment that ever since Bosnia won that playff their fans and their players have been waiting for and they hadn't really taken off at this World Cup, so it was nice to see them get to do that. Yeah Lucy Ward pulled out I remember the name for Ali Albegovich which I suggested, we already know the name Asmir Benkovich in our minds It's quite easy to remember the name Ali Al Begavich and that has your seed of approval, Niki. I will never forget him. I thought his name was Al Begovich. I didn't realize was some Begovich. was his surname? Weird Al Begovich. wr songs back in the eighties. Didn't he? To Group A then. So that looks like it's Mexico, one hundred percent record No goals conceded South Africa, as we've said already, Bafana Bfada through to the knockouts for the first time ever on four points. South Korea should make it through. U You're nodding, Mark, I think so. You think so. Check your out and at the Azteea the atmosphere they were already through. they toed the group already. So it was kind of a celebration in the tournament. It's a nice place to be for Mexico, but in the Azteeca You know, they got to bring on a chooy at. They They scored some lovely goals The sound in that stadium. was it was a brilliant night onene of those hosts that kind of feel like they're grow into the tournament. Group A looks fairly weak. you know Czechia, South Africa, South Korea, Tougher tests will definitely be awaiting Mexico, potentially England in the last sixteen, but they haven't conceded a goal yet If one every I think's been comfortable in most of the kind of two hundred and seventy minutes they've played. And as you said, The goals are really fun. The first one from Chavez, he's supposed to be the left back, but he's storming down the right wing, taking players on and then slotting it in. Quinones who's been one of the K of eye catching players score a lot of goals in Saudi Arabia this year wasn't Certain how that would transfer across to the World Cup, but you know it's definitely going well for him so far. I mean that was incredible defending by te. Yeah. I mean I did have in my notes and I wasn't sure if it was a crap joke, but I'll go with it hereere we go. Ladies and gentlemen, Mark Langan's first joke of the tournament. You can certainly pick holes in Thomas Holles is defending I mean, I wouldn't open with it, but you know I didn't I left it't you didn't. We'd be walking past the comedy store in about half an hour Mark, mayaybe you could ask him to go in workshop A couple of pints first was we go. U And yeah, the third goal was a good finish as well, wasn't it? Yeah from Fidel goo the only sort of sour note from this game, I'm glad Ce you have gone out because terrible really and like denied Ireland and Denmark. I think teams that would have done better in his tournament, but so check looked like he suffered a bad injury. Yeahes went down really sort heavily on his ankle, hopefully he's okay, but They've not done much to light up this tournament, I think it's fair to say. Barry Bar Sightly confused when he said Ireland would have done a better job here, but you know it's very generous of you? They I thought they were the best team in that playoff when they lost. Great stack from Opta. Mexico have not conceded in the first half of any of their last thirteen World Cup games. That right? Okay. Did it have hashtag? Iprenable or something like that? I'd say it had hashtag Ariba. Okay Yeah good. Their goal music is great and it's exactly what you want Mexican goal music to be.. I think it is basically. And then South Africa threw to the knockouts for the first time ever. and like the scenes at the full time whistle Barry were brilliant Yeah, they deserve to win this game, but I couldn't believe hope awful South Korea or thater have just Heribu no urgency. Well, it's almost as if they weren't interested and they didn't care whether they won or not I mean, they're not out of the tournament now. they look pretty well placed because they've got three points in a zero goal difference. so that should be okay B Their manager had a face on him the whole game just would have stopp the clock or turn milk sour During the hydration breaks he was standing around, not really giving any instructions. There was no urgency about the players. and when they went to goal down, the first thing The head coach did was replace one of his central defenders with a defensive midfielder is slotted in as a center back So you're going like, what what yeah but hats off to South Africa Hello Mosko who has been quite impressive in this tournament. he scored the winner and it was a really good goal pulled inside the The near pse from distance, good finish and obviously At the end of the game, they were beside themselves with delight because I I have a feeling they probably weren't expecting to go through That'speast the way they played against Mexico in theame. They'll be delighted to go through. and I'd say who did you say has got them in the next round? South Africa' got Canada. Yeah Canada will be delighted to have them as well. And actually South Africa be pretty happy to have Canada and you think who you could get. So everyone's happy. So that's nice isn't yes, Nik The thing we didn't say it with Canada before, which maybe just worth mentioning because the preference for that is we didn't get Alfonso Davis again and Alfonso Davis has become this I don't know, this almost feels like a literary character waiting for Alfonso in the background. Maybe he'll show up at some point. and Kanda could certainly do with him. It is worth saying, I almost justt we didn't acknowledge this for Kanada before They are They're missing a lot of players. They're missing not just Davis but obviously Ishelconer, who was having a great tournament before getting injured in the last round They're missing Bombito at the back who didn't play. They're missing for this last game Mstacio ended up coming off the bench but didn't start. So I think Canada will hope they can come a version of themselves that will be much stronger for this next round, although of course Konee is not coming back I do wonder if the Davis thing is just entirely a decoy because every round, it's like Jesse Marsh goes, Oh no, we just thought we'd save him this time, but you'll definitely see him in the next game well. And I'm not so convinced. Ishmael Kone was actually there today and he was sort of queeled to the dog out in his wheelchair and got great reccment might be slightly of We'll all remember, I think it was Ian Miller Cambridge United center backack who broke his ankle or leg in injury time when we played Gateshead to get promoted from the National League into the football Lague, but he was at Fz Club in Cambridge that night being pushed around with his teammates in a wheelchair. Anyway, that'll do for part two, partart three. If you can remember Columbia Do Congo, we'll do a little bit on that and we'll lookhead tomorrows Games Welcome to Part three of the Guardian F foball We weekly. in the break we're discussing who could cover Colombia Diaial Congo. and Mark said, Well, I faced a TV screen. So there you go. I had it on in an. I also faced a TV screen, but I can't really remember what happened. Yeah. Lewis Diaz had a lot of goals disallowed in a short period of time and Colombia won one nil Yeah, I think Barry was distracted because we were sating next to somebody who looked like Robert Snodgrrass. wasas he Robert Snodgrass? That took That's always going to put you off, isn't it? That took got most of that second half. But unless Robert Snodgrass has started speaking with an English accent, maybe that's what he does to disguise himself, so people But he is a very good mimic Yeah, I believe so, yes. How What do you mean? L some Alon Mc Roy Bremnel? Yeah Robert Snoggrrass is an impressionist. I think so, yeah. It's either him or Charlie Mgrow. Okay. Well, well, you don't know which one it is Well, maybe yeah, one of them might be impersonating the other. I think it's Snoggrass. Everyone' good impressions. well there we are. Anyway, back to the game. Yeah Colombia definitely deserves to win. Muns was a constant freat down that right hand side Louis Diaz just running in behind every time he plays right on the edge of offside and sometimes, you know, he goes fraction too early, but he just offers them so much and I was impressed with Colombia. I have been impressed with them so far. They have beaten two weak teams in Uzbekistan and D are Congo, but Portugal couldn't do that. So they're a team that I hadn't really factored coming into it as kind of a decent side, but I think it will take good one to knock them out. Yeah. a draw against Portugal will mean they'll win the group and Do Cono need a win against Uzbekistan to have a chance of getting through tomorrow then Group D E and F. So we've got Paraguay, Australia and Turkey USA. So USA have topped the group already and Australia Paraguay could be one of those games Barry Yeah, it could, even though they beat Turkey in their first game I haven't been particularly impressed with Australia. They were really bad We're going to see US Perry' t to play out in their openergst you say, I I think this could be a handshake affair busos I think Paraguay are probably better than Australia, but yeah, I'll say a draw and they both go through. I did see someone I think called Luca got in touch to show me a video that Australia have brought their own barista with them as part of their team. veryy Australian that So the perfect strong three quarter flat bite for the Australian team before they win or lose against Paraguay. Group B sees Curusa Iivory Coast in Ecuador, Germany, Germany through already. they've won the group. and so I guess it's between Ecuador on the Ivory Coast for second place there, but? Yeah, Ivory Coast should finish second. So I think the big thing is can Ecuador get the win against Germany and be the best one of the best third place teams if they do, obviously that would be bad news for Scotland I expect Germany to restst players. They've as you said, we've already got the group one relelatively quick turn around playing It's on Monday their game. So would expect Naggersman to make changes as well because you want to keep everybody that's not playing feel involved as well. I know Pociatino with the US is going to it sounds like he's going to rest all of those that are on yellow cards and then maybe a couple more. So there is an opportunity for Ecuador who Some people labeled them as the Dark Horses. I mean, my dark Horses has already gone out in Turkey, but there were some people saying Ecuador were a Dark Horsse. Yes Barry he's putting his hand up the same though Barry, I think they've struggled in the fact that they're almost expected to be Ivory Coast and Curasao mayaybe against Germany they can actually play the way that really suits them and you know hit on the counter attack. I don't think they're a team that wants to ball necessarily. So this Yeah, I wouldn't say that it's an absolute done deal that Germany beat them given the likely rotation Group F is Japan, Sweden and the Tunisity, the Netherlands, Netherlands have four points their top Japan have four or second Sweden have three. So Japan Sweden, Nkki is actually a really interesting Yeah, it is. and Sweden have had this World Cup of Extremes so far, haven't they? They obviously got absolutely smashed one by the Netherlands, but they also smashed Gunisia five one. so which version of them shows up. It does feel like this is the point where this format becomes really unsatisfying. I think a lot of us have actually felt like the forty eighteen World Cup has had lots to recommend about it. Yes, the quality has been uneven but it's been really nice seeing more countries with more chances to to express themselves, we've seen some teams really surprise us and delight us. but there is just no escaping the fact that this This system makes it entirely unfair. the in the fight for best third placeaces because the teams that are left have more information than the ones that have already played. So Scotland play their game not knowing what result they need to go through Whereas Sweden might be in a position of knowing, well, we can afford to lose by a goal goals, then that'll be okay. we can't lose by three goals. and maybe it makes no difference, but it is unfair. It's not the same playing field for everyone. And yeah, I suppose that's going to be a question is how that affects Sweden and other teams that are on the bubble, I guess. Yes, I take it back, Japan, Sweden may not be a good game, yes, but it will be for Japan, I think in terms of the fact that if you finish second in this group You've got Brazil in the last thirty two. So definitely would prefer to win the group now. Japan will have to think you rather finish third then? I mean maybe you do yeah, I mean Japan, if they lost this sw you might be in a position where they they finish third and go through Well, there was that double disgrace of Hehon where Algeria playing Austria, and I think Royory Smith was saying somewhere that you might want to lose that because if you come second, you'll probably play Spain And if you come third, you won't. So you might have two teams trying to lose a football match which would be Fascinating some AOB. James says Hi Max Barry in the football Weekly familyily, after listening to the latest partod and Barry's yearning break up the everyday drudgery of being paid to cover the World Cup in LA with a day on the bins, I can confirm that his vision may not quite match with the reality. Last Friday, I lived Barry's dream for the day and su subbed in as a loader on the food waste collection which is currently being trial in a small area of Nottingham City, primarily as research in my role as the Wastte and recycling Schools engagement Officer While it is one thing, being told that the smell of rotting food waste in the summer is a barrier to residents participating in the collection, it is quite another to experience it in the extremely putid flesh. When a liner bag I was carrying split right in front of me, spilling its guts onto the road before I swept it up. Selling sunset to this is not, he s. Our loaders no longer ride on the back of the lorries either, or would risk being swept up by the bin lifting mechanism and crushed Another potential hazard our frontline crews face each day at work alongside the increasing number of vehicle fires caused by electrical items and lithium batteries incorrectly disposed of The crews are still out every day this week in the current heat wavave, starting an hour earlier to avoid the hottest temperatures in the greenhouses that the cab is at the front of the vehicles inevitably become, and we are all grateful for their commitment to keeping our city clean Barry, let me know when we can schedule a win into the rotor for a day on the bins in Nottingham. Thank you all for your coverage of the World Cup, The daily vlogs and now Mark Lanning's food diary. Please keep this a regular feature going forward, James Are you more or less interested now on a day on the bin? Less interested There we are. Mark, Vvegetable count, please. since recording includluding last night's dinner of a Ben Fisher Oh yes last night at what's now labelled the Ben Fisher Burrito about the same size as Ben Fisher. Yeah, I mean it It must have been a vegetable in there. No, no, it was potato, rice, refried beans Tiny bit of onion, I suppose No that was good and now polished off Barry's chips he couldn't finish them Okay This morning still had the honeynut Cheerios which are going down absolute treat at the moment. stuff wentent to the supermarket and bought from the dehli a family sized mac and cheese which I didn't realise I'd ordered. There's still a little bit left of that in the fridge. And then Matt from the social team, he cooked sausage and mash It's a night. He did. And there was a whole tray broccoli, courgette andruss sprouts. I didn't see that I didn't see that. And then had key lime pie Key line p lime. Yeah, we yeah ye that was very nice. So was N. We're still at N. This is what I wanted. I'd be surprised if we go above Nught, I'm not sure where it comes from. I'll be honest, I think I'm on about Nght as well. Really. Be I don't like brrussel sprouts. Yeah. I had chicken wings and chips last night it was N Celery with that? I don't like celery. Okay. so I' g mir for his money. Suddenly this is more interesting than who's going to come third in group D. isn't it? It's who will get one vegetable to top the group. Extraordinary stuff. Phil says having two kids under two, my World Cup experience is catching the odd highlight and listening to the pod before falling asleep while it's still light outside Easily the highlight of the tournament so far is Barry's Gimp revelation genuinely true. I'm not blowing smoke up your ass, alth I'm sure Parry would enjoy this. He had me crying. So thanks. Thankk you, Phil. A reminder before we go, there's lots of good World Cup stuff on the Guardian app and website. He's got the excellent bracketology game, ability to sign up to receive live activity notifications for one or more teams, a persistent notification that displays Is it a selling point to say a persistent notification for get you rolling yourve? A persistent notification that displays updating scores and key gameplay events on your lock screen. It's all good stuff. we're on TikTok and Instagram. aloughary our diary was not good today Well I He didn didnt do anything today powerful watch football match H know. I went to the museum of the Academy Award Museum. it was very interesting. I thoroughly recommend it Anyway that'll be for today, Thanks, everybody. Thank you, Nickki. Thanks. Thanks, Baz. Thanks. Cers Mark. Thankk you, Mat. Footb Weekly is produced by Royyimon and Matt Benanyy Viny, our exec producer Joe Grove and Ty Papooulla, and we'll be back tomorrow. This is the Guardian