CG Sports Media POD_E2: Live @ The Innovation Studio

Good morning, welcome to this Good morning, welcome to this second episode of CG Sports Spot second episode of CG Sports Spot second episode of CG Sports Spot Passion, our podcast. My name is Passion, our podcast. My name is Passion, our podcast. My name is David Castro, director of CG Sports David Castro, director of CG Sports David Castro, director of CG Sports Media, and we're broadcasting live Media, and we're broadcasting live Media, and we're broadcasting live from Innovation Studios in Downtown from Innovation Studios in Downtown from Innovation Studios in Downtown Houston, thanks to Creatopia Inc. So Houston, thanks to Creatopia Inc. So Houston, thanks to Creatopia Inc. So , we hope you'll , we hope you'll , we hope you'll connect with us and connect with us and connect with us and interact. We're broadcasting interact. We're broadcasting interact. We're broadcasting live on Facebook and YouTube, and live on Facebook and YouTube, and live on Facebook and YouTube, and today we're going to have our second today we're going to have our second today we're going to have our second program, a summary of what program, a summary of what program, a summary of what the World Cup week was like. There's a lot to the World Cup week was like. There's a lot to the World Cup week was like. There's a lot to cover, a lot of information, and it's cover, a lot of information, and it's cover, a lot of information, and it's impossible to cover all the matches. impossible to cover all the matches. impossible to cover all the matches. So, we chose very So, we chose very So, we chose very specific topics so that we could specific topics so that we could specific topics so that we could interact, so that it would be a interact, so that it would be a interact, so that it would be a pleasant chat. And well, today I'm accompanied by pleasant chat. And well, today I'm accompanied by pleasant chat. And well, today I'm accompanied by a colleague, Eduardo Caicedo, a person I a colleague, Eduardo Caicedo, a person I a colleague, Eduardo Caicedo, a person I met met met two years ago at the Copa América and two years ago at the Copa América and two years ago at the Copa América and we've developed a chemistry, a we've developed a chemistry, a we've developed a chemistry, a camaraderie, I don't know if you can say it like that camaraderie, I don't know if you can say it like that camaraderie, I don't know if you can say it like that . And well, without further ado, I want . And well, without further ado, I want . And well, without further ado, I want Eduardo to introduce himself and tell us Eduardo to introduce himself and tell us Eduardo to introduce himself and tell us who he works with and what he does.

who he works with and what he does. who he works with and what he does. Thank you, David. Yes, thank you for the Thank you, David. Yes, thank you for the Thank you, David. Yes, thank you for the invitation. Glad to be able to share invitation. Glad to be able to share invitation. Glad to be able to share with your audience. Congratulations on the with your audience. Congratulations on the with your audience. Congratulations on the start of your podcast. start of your podcast. start of your podcast. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Fortunately, well, on one hand I'm Fortunately, well, on one hand I'm Fortunately, well, on one hand I'm happy because it was the first game happy because it was the first game happy because it was the first game here in Houston, Germany against Curacao, that's why I did here in Houston, Germany against Curacao, that's why I did here in Houston, Germany against Curacao, that's why I did n't come, but I would have liked to n't come, but I would have liked to n't come, but I would have liked to be the first guest. [laughs] That's be the first guest. [laughs] That's be the first guest. [laughs] That's great, I'm very happy for you and great, I'm very happy for you and great, I'm very happy for you and thank you. And well, let's talk about football, thank you. And well, let's talk about football, thank you. And well, let's talk about football, because the thing about the World Cup and because the thing about the World Cup and because the thing about the World Cup and football in general is that it's not just football in general is that it's not just football in general is that it's not just the matches, it's the atmosphere that you the matches, it's the atmosphere that you the matches, it's the atmosphere that you feel throughout the city. Of feel throughout the city. Of feel throughout the city. Of course, there is course, there is course, there is something that transcends the something that transcends the something that transcends the purely football-related topic and what purely football-related topic and what purely football-related topic and what happens on the field. happens on the field. happens on the field. Yes, yes, absolutely. And well, for Yes, yes, absolutely. And well, for Yes, yes, absolutely. And well, for context, as I was saying, I met Eduardo context, as I was saying, I met Eduardo context, as I was saying, I met Eduardo two years ago at the Copa America and we two years ago at the Copa America and we two years ago at the Copa America and we have an anecdote that we have an anecdote that we have an anecdote that we met by coincidence, we met by coincidence, we met by coincidence, we arrived at the final of the Copa America arrived at the final of the Copa America arrived at the final of the Copa America without me knowing that he was going to be there, without me knowing that he was going to be there, without me knowing that he was going to be there, without him knowing that I was going to be there. We didn't without him knowing that I was going to be there. We didn't without him knowing that I was going to be there. We didn't talk about it because we interacted in talk about it because we interacted in talk about it because we interacted in several games prior to the final at several games prior to the final at several games prior to the final at Harrock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Harrock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Harrock Stadium in Miami Gardens, but we did but we did but we did n't get around to conveying that n't get around to conveying that n't get around to conveying that information to each other that we were going to be in the information to each other that we were going to be in the information to each other that we were going to be in the final.

final. final. Yes. And then in the midst of that whirlwind Yes. And then in the midst of that whirlwind Yes. And then in the midst of that whirlwind of violence of violence of violence before the Copa América final before the Copa América final in 2024, well, we met there and, in 2024, well, we met there and, well, at some point our well, at some point our well, at some point our lives were in danger, [laughs] lives were in danger, [laughs] lives were in danger, [laughs] right? It was funny because while I was going in through right? It was funny because while I was going in through right? It was funny because while I was going in through all the crowd of all the crowd of all the crowd of people, Eduardo was coming out, I was trying people, Eduardo was coming out, I was trying people, Eduardo was coming out, I was trying to go in and he was trying to go out and we to go in and he was trying to go out and we to go in and he was trying to go out and we literally bumped into each other literally bumped into each other literally bumped into each other and it was like, what are you doing here? And and it was like, what are you doing here? And and it was like, what are you doing here? And no, I'm trying to get out and no, I no, I'm trying to get out and no, I no, I'm trying to get out and no, I 'm trying to get in. And it was funny 'm trying to get in. And it was funny 'm trying to get in. And it was funny trying to survive. trying to survive. trying to survive. Yes, yes, that was I think it was the first Yes, yes, that was I think it was the first Yes, yes, that was I think it was the first time I saw my life in danger, but it was time I saw my life in danger, but it was time I saw my life in danger, but it was n't a great moment and n't a great moment and n't a great moment and well, from there we developed a well, from there we developed a well, from there we developed a friendship and we've met at friendship and we've met at friendship and we've met at Houston Dynamo games, Houston Dash games, and at Houston Dynamo games, Houston Dash games, and at Houston Dynamo games, Houston Dash games, and at the Gold Cup too, I think. the Gold Cup too, I think. the Gold Cup too, I think. Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. And well, it's a pleasure to have him here. And well, it's a pleasure to have him here. And well, it's a pleasure to have him here. Eduardo is a bookstore. He said Eduardo is a bookstore. He said Eduardo is a bookstore. He said no, thank you. He knows a lot about no, thank you. He knows a lot about no, thank you. He knows a lot about statistical data. So it's a statistical data. So it's a statistical data. So it's a pleasure to have him here, and what better than pleasure to have him here, and what better than pleasure to have him here, and what better than someone who has had the opportunity to someone who has had the opportunity to someone who has had the opportunity to be at the World Cup. He is one of the be at the World Cup. He is one of the be at the World Cup. He is one of the privileged few to be at the World Cup. I do privileged few to be at the World Cup. I do privileged few to be at the World Cup. I do n't have that privilege right now, n't have that privilege right now, n't have that privilege right now, but Eduardo does. So, how has but Eduardo does. So, how has but Eduardo does. So, how has that been? Yes, either way that been? Yes, either way that been? Yes, either way we're here in the city and it's a we're here in the city and it's a we're here in the city and it's a privilege to be in a city privilege to be in a city privilege to be in a city hosting the World Cup.

hosting the World Cup. hosting the World Cup. Yes, that Yes, that Yes, that 's three countries, 14 cities, uh, 48 's three countries, 14 cities, uh, 48 's three countries, 14 cities, uh, 48 teams and 104 matches. David, as you rightly teams and 104 matches. David, as you rightly teams and 104 matches. David, as you rightly pointed out, it pointed out, it 's practically impossible to watch 's practically impossible to watch all the matches because some all the matches because some all the matches because some coincide with the issue of simultaneity, and coincide with the issue of simultaneity, and coincide with the issue of simultaneity, and the difference in time between one match and the difference in time between one match and the difference in time between one match and another means that no another means that no another means that no journalist can cover them. Obviously, the journalist can cover them. Obviously, the tournament is taking place in three different countries, but anyway, tournament is taking place in three different countries, but anyway, well, there are the highlights, there are the well, there are the highlights, there are the well, there are the highlights, there are the replays, and there are the matches that replays, and there are the matches that replays, and there are the matches that one can cover here in Houston, which one can cover here in Houston, which one can cover here in Houston, which are seven in total, and some have been played are seven in total, and some have been played are seven in total, and some have been played , but it's a pleasure. For me, this , but it's a pleasure. For me, this , but it's a pleasure. For me, this tournament has an additional element tournament has an additional element tournament has an additional element because the first tournament I because the first tournament I because the first tournament I faced faced faced with full conviction of what with full conviction of what with full conviction of what football was was right here in the United States, football was was right here in the United States, football was was right here in the United States, USA 94, although I have some USA 94, although I have some USA 94, although I have some memories of Italy 90, but by USA memories of Italy 90, but by USA memories of Italy 90, but by USA 94 I understood the football phenomenon 94 I understood the football phenomenon 94 I understood the football phenomenon from both a social and a from both a social and a from both a social and a sporting perspective.

sporting perspective. sporting perspective. So, I somehow connect with So, I somehow connect with So, I somehow connect with the fact that several years later, the fact that several years later, the fact that several years later, several years later I am now in my several years later I am now in my several years later I am now in my capacity as a professional journalist and, capacity as a professional journalist and, capacity as a professional journalist and, uh, it is a huge pleasure and a huge uh, it is a huge pleasure and a huge uh, it is a huge pleasure and a huge privilege. privilege. privilege. Yes, it's not a privilege, really. And Yes, it's not a privilege, really. And Yes, it's not a privilege, really. And you were saying that it's impossible to you were saying that it's impossible to you were saying that it's impossible to watch all 104 matches. I set myself a watch all 104 matches. I set myself a watch all 104 matches. I set myself a personal challenge to literally personal challenge to literally personal challenge to literally watch every game. I watch every game. I watch every game. I have an advantage, and that is that I work have an advantage, and that is that I work have an advantage, and that is that I work from home. from home. from home. Sure, Sure, Sure, I have the screen right there next to me, I have the screen right there next to me, I have the screen right there next to me, but I'm literally watching every but I'm literally watching every but I'm literally watching every game. game. game. Yes, providing coverage for all matches Yes, providing coverage for all matches Yes, providing coverage for all matches is impossible. Observe them. Well, is impossible. Observe them. Well, is impossible. Observe them. Well, if you're going to be off work, in if you're going to be off work, in if you're going to be off work, in your case, you have that great alternative, your case, you have that great alternative, your case, you have that great alternative, right? Working from home. Correct. And well right? Working from home. Correct. And well right? Working from home. Correct. And well , I'm writing an , I'm writing an , I'm writing an article about each match. So, article about each match. So, article about each match. So, if you've missed anything on my if you've missed anything on my if you've missed anything on my website at cgsportsmedia.com, website at cgsportsmedia.com, website at cgsportsmedia.com, I have an article about every game I have an article about every game I have an article about every game that's been played up to this point, that's been played up to this point, that's been played up to this point, except for last night's because it finished very except for last night's because it finished very except for last night's because it finished very late, but when I get home I'll late, but when I get home I'll late, but when I get home I'll write about that one and what's going to write about that one and what's going to write about that one and what's going to happen today. I was debating with a colleague happen today. I was debating with a colleague happen today. I was debating with a colleague David about, well, we usually have David about, well, we usually have David about, well, we usually have discussions about all kinds of things, discussions about all kinds of things, discussions about all kinds of things, mainly about sports, right?

mainly about sports, right? mainly about sports, right? And he was talking about the impact of the World Cup. And he was talking about the impact of the World Cup. And he was talking about the impact of the World Cup. Yes. Um, and some people will say, Yes. Um, and some people will say, Yes. Um, and some people will say, "Well, the Olympics, because it has "Well, the Olympics, because it has "Well, the Olympics, because it has a greater number of a greater number of a greater number of not only nations but also not only nations but also not only nations but also sporting disciplines, but I maintain that sporting disciplines, but I maintain that sporting disciplines, but I maintain that the World Cup is the quintessential sporting tournament. There's no the World Cup is the quintessential sporting tournament. There's no the World Cup is the quintessential sporting tournament. There's no way to match it. I way to match it. I way to match it. I mean, the passion it generates, the passion it mean, the passion it generates, the passion it mean, the passion it generates, the passion it awakens, and also because it's a single awakens, and also because it's a single awakens, and also because it's a single sporting discipline, I think without fear of being wrong sporting discipline, I think without fear of being wrong sporting discipline, I think without fear of being wrong that it's the most important sporting tournament that it's the most important sporting tournament that it's the most important sporting tournament held on the planet. held on the planet. held on the planet. Yes, no, definitely agree. That's what Yes, no, definitely agree. That's what Yes, no, definitely agree. That's what it generates. Um, and I don't know if you it generates. Um, and I don't know if you it generates. Um, and I don't know if you managed to see a bit of what happened managed to see a bit of what happened managed to see a bit of what happened yesterday, uh, what they call the yesterday, uh, what they call the yesterday, uh, what they call the orange wave. orange wave. orange wave. Yes, of course. Yes, of course. Yes, of course. Something we only saw on television, Something we only saw on television, Something we only saw on television, and then seeing how the and then seeing how the and then seeing how the fans from the Netherlands come together, it's fans from the Netherlands come together, it's fans from the Netherlands come together, it's a deluge. It looks like the wave from the a deluge. It looks like the wave from the a deluge. It looks like the wave from the movie Interstellar. movie Interstellar. movie Interstellar. Yes, yes, yes, yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes. In one of the scenes of the In one of the scenes of the In one of the scenes of the movie. No, it's incredible, it really is movie. No, it's incredible, it really is movie. No, it's incredible, it really is a privilege to have the a privilege to have the a privilege to have the World Cup here. And well, getting down to World Cup here. And well, getting down to World Cup here. And well, getting down to business, uh, I like to divide this business, uh, I like to divide this business, uh, I like to divide this program In four segments. This was program In four segments. This was program In four segments. This was the warm-up, which is like the the warm-up, which is like the the warm-up, which is like the initial part to break the ice, to get initial part to break the ice, to get initial part to break the ice, to get warmed up. And now, we're moving on to the warmed up. And now, we're moving on to the pitch inspection.

pitch inspection. That's it. Exactly. Now we're going into That's it. Exactly. Now we're going into That's it. Exactly. Now we're going into the summary, the summary, the summary, like the highlights of the like the highlights of the like the highlights of the week, and I want to start by talking about week, and I want to start by talking about week, and I want to start by talking about the European powers. We the European powers. We the European powers. We 've already seen Germany, 've already seen Germany, 've already seen Germany, England, France, and the Netherlands play, and I think, with the England, France, and the Netherlands play, and I think, with the exception of Germany, exception of Germany, the other teams have the other teams have the other teams have shown what was expected. Germany shown what was expected. Germany shown what was expected. Germany has left me with doubts. I think the has left me with doubts. I think the has left me with doubts. I think the match— match— match— but you're talking about the second match, but you're talking about the second match, but you're talking about the second match, because in the first one they were devastating. because in the first one they were devastating. because in the first one they were devastating. Yes, but I think I expected that Yes, but I think I expected that Yes, but I think I expected that because it's a team playing against because it's a team playing against because it's a team playing against Curaçao. Yes, David, but it's an Curaçao. Yes, David, but it's an Curaçao. Yes, David, but it's an analysis that has nuances that analysis that has nuances that analysis that has nuances that invite us to reflect on several invite us to reflect on several invite us to reflect on several issues, because suddenly there were issues, because suddenly there were issues, because suddenly there were many who were skeptical about the idea many who were skeptical about the idea many who were skeptical about the idea of ​​a World Cup with 48 teams, that of ​​a World Cup with 48 teams, that of ​​a World Cup with 48 teams, that the level would drop, but I think the level would drop, but I think the level would drop, but I think football has become so mass-marketed, so football has become so mass-marketed, so football has become so mass-marketed, so professionalized... At a global level, there are professionalized... At a global level, there are professionalized... At a global level, there are no longer amateur teams, as no longer amateur teams, as no longer amateur teams, as we might say. There are no bad teams anymore we might say. There are no bad teams anymore we might say. There are no bad teams anymore . Of course, there are some with . Of course, there are some with . Of course, there are some with more star players, more star players, more star players, but in every team you but in every team you but in every team you find a player who's in a find a player who's in a find a player who's in a major league, major league, major league, on a team that's standing out.

on a team that's standing out. on a team that's standing out. Yes. Yes. Yes. And look, Curaçao got thrashed And look, Curaçao got thrashed And look, Curaçao got thrashed by the four-time champion and then Ecuador went and by the four-time champion and then Ecuador went and by the four-time champion and then Ecuador went and tied it. So, it invites us to tied it. So, it invites us to tied it. So, it invites us to analyze. analyze. analyze. Yes. Ecuador, which after Yes. Ecuador, which after Yes. Ecuador, which after Argentina was the most consistent team Argentina was the most consistent team Argentina was the most consistent team in the qualifying process, which for in the qualifying process, which for in the qualifying process, which for many is the toughest on the many is the toughest on the many is the toughest on the planet. Yes, it's been tough for Ecuador. planet. Yes, it's been tough for Ecuador. planet. Yes, it's been tough for Ecuador. Speaking of Ecuador, I think— Speaking of Ecuador, I think— and perhaps getting ahead of ourselves a bit—about and perhaps getting ahead of ourselves a bit—about yesterday's game, they had everything, they had yesterday's game, they had everything, they had yesterday's game, they had everything, they had everything to win it, but they also everything to win it, but they also everything to win it, but they also ran into a wall in front of them: ran into a wall in front of them: ran into a wall in front of them: this goalkeeper who played for, now this goalkeeper who played for, now this goalkeeper who played for, now plays for Miami FC, and who plays for Miami FC, and who plays for Miami FC, and who made 15 made 15 made 15 saves, saves, saves, I mean, 15 saves. From I mean, 15 saves. From I mean, 15 saves. From direct shots on goal. direct shots on goal. direct shots on goal. 15. 15. 15. You mentioned that you gave me that piece of information You mentioned that you gave me that piece of information You mentioned that you gave me that piece of information that I found very interesting that I found very interesting that I found very interesting off-camera, off-mic. off-camera, off-mic. off-camera, off-mic. Yes, it's Yes, it's Yes, it's an an an unprecedented statistic.

unprecedented statistic. unprecedented statistic. Yes, he's the first goalkeeper to make 15 Yes, he's the first goalkeeper to make 15 Yes, he's the first goalkeeper to make 15 saves in 90 minutes. saves in 90 minutes. saves in 90 minutes. In the 90 minutes of regulation time. In the 90 minutes of regulation time. In the 90 minutes of regulation time. The record is currently held by Team Howard. The record is currently held by Team Howard. The record is currently held by Team Howard. He has 16, but he achieved that in 120 He has 16, but he achieved that in 120 He has 16, but he achieved that in 120 minutes against Belgium minutes against Belgium minutes against Belgium in that game the United States in that game the United States in that game the United States lost. But this goalkeeper, he's lost. But this goalkeeper, he's lost. But this goalkeeper, he's 36 years old, I think, and he was just inches away 36 years old, I think, and he was just inches away 36 years old, I think, and he was just inches away from breaking that record, and he was literally a from breaking that record, and he was literally a from breaking that record, and he was literally a wall. wall. wall. Well, he achieved the record Well, he achieved the record Well, he achieved the record in the 90 minutes of in the 90 minutes of in the 90 minutes of regulation time. There was no regulation time. There was no regulation time. There was no extra time. Exactly. So, extra time. Exactly. So, extra time. Exactly. So, but going back to what you but going back to what you but going back to what you said about Curasab, the elections, that you ca said about Curasab, the elections, that you ca said about Curasab, the elections, that you ca n't discredit any n't discredit any n't discredit any team anymore. Football has leveled out, it's team anymore. Football has leveled out, it's team anymore. Football has leveled out, it's reached a point where reached a point where reached a point where everyone plays on equal terms. everyone plays on equal terms. everyone plays on equal terms. Everyone, but Everyone, but Everyone, but yes, sometimes yes, sometimes yes, sometimes as fans we can get as fans we can get as fans we can get a little arrogant, right? And we fall into a little arrogant, right? And we fall into a little arrogant, right? And we fall into that chauvinism of thinking, oh, that chauvinism of thinking, oh, that chauvinism of thinking, oh, why is this team in and why is this team in and why is this team in and ours not? I speak with all ours not? I speak with all ours not? I speak with all the moral authority that comes with the moral authority that comes with the moral authority that comes with being Venezuelan. I've being Venezuelan. I've being Venezuelan. I've heard more than one fellow countryman heard more than one fellow countryman heard more than one fellow countryman question Curaçao's presence in the question Curaçao's presence in the question Curaçao's presence in the tournament, and there they are. I mean, they conceded seven tournament, and there they are. I mean, they conceded seven tournament, and there they are. I mean, they conceded seven goals in the first match, but in the goals in the first match, but in the goals in the first match, but in the second they played a great game against second they played a great game against second they played a great game against Ecuador. Beyond the crisis Ecuador. Beyond the crisis Ecuador. Beyond the crisis Ecuador might be going through, the issue is Ecuador might be going through, the issue is Ecuador might be going through, the issue is the mental aspect, David, and for the audience of your

the mental aspect, David, and for the audience of your the mental aspect, David, and for the audience of your show, your podcast, the ability they show, your podcast, the ability they show, your podcast, the ability they have, from a professional point of view, have, from a professional point of view, have, from a professional point of view, to put aside such a to put aside such a to put aside such a tough result and face such a high- tough result and face such a high- caliber team again and, well, achieve an caliber team again and, well, achieve an interesting result. interesting result. interesting result. Yes, recovering from adversity, I mean, Yes, recovering from adversity, I mean, Yes, recovering from adversity, I mean, 7-1 is devastating in a World Cup. 7-1 is devastating in a World Cup. 7-1 is devastating in a World Cup. But they went into that second But they went into that second But they went into that second match thinking, well, we've turned match thinking, well, we've turned match thinking, well, we've turned the page, let's move on to the second one, and in fact, the page, let's move on to the second one, and in fact, the page, let's move on to the second one, and in fact, they had ways to win it. Also they had ways to win it. Also they had ways to win it. Also the The Ecuadorian goalkeeper had several the The Ecuadorian goalkeeper had several the The Ecuadorian goalkeeper had several saves where, saves where, saves where, if it hadn't been for him, Curaçao could have taken the if it hadn't been for him, Curaçao could have taken the if it hadn't been for him, Curaçao could have taken the lead, and lead, and lead, and we'd be talking about a we'd be talking about a we'd be talking about a Curaçao victory instead of a draw, a Curaçao victory instead of a draw, a Curaçao victory instead of a draw, a 0-0 tie, 0-0 tie, 0-0 tie, an upset, as they say. an upset, as they say. an upset, as they say. Yes. Uh-huh, I'm listening. Yes. Uh-huh, I'm listening. Yes. Uh-huh, I'm listening. Yes. So, speaking of the Yes. So, speaking of the Yes. So, speaking of the European teams, European teams, European teams, you were talking about the powerhouses, right? you were talking about the powerhouses, right? you were talking about the powerhouses, right? The powerhouses. Germany The powerhouses. Germany The powerhouses. Germany struggled yesterday, they really struggled, but they managed to struggled yesterday, they really struggled, but they managed to struggled yesterday, they really struggled, but they managed to win with a substitute, which has been win with a substitute, which has been win with a substitute, which has been a constant throughout this World Cup.

a constant throughout this World Cup. a constant throughout this World Cup. Substitutes have come on and decided Substitutes have come on and decided Substitutes have come on and decided matches, something I think matches, something I think matches, something I think is interesting for is interesting for is interesting for many teams in World Cups, isn't it? Having the ability, many teams in World Cups, isn't it? Having the ability, many teams in World Cups, isn't it? Having the ability, and that's essentially the coach's responsibility and that's essentially the coach's responsibility and that's essentially the coach's responsibility . . . Yes. When the starters, for Yes. When the starters, for Yes. When the starters, for whatever reason, the game is tight, they're not whatever reason, the game is tight, they're not whatever reason, the game is tight, they're not giving you the results, giving you the results, giving you the results, then having the wisdom to make the then having the wisdom to make the then having the wisdom to make the right substitutions, right? right substitutions, right? right substitutions, right? Yes, yes, yes. And then, well, we're talking about Yes, yes, yes. And then, well, we're talking about Yes, yes, yes. And then, well, we're talking about Germany, Germany, Germany, for example, in the case of Colombia, for example, in the case of Colombia, for example, in the case of Colombia, Héctor Lorenzo, Héctor Lorenzo, Héctor Lorenzo, who has been a Technical questionnaire, which who has been a Technical questionnaire, which who has been a Technical questionnaire, which had a good first round of the had a good first round of the had a good first round of the MEBOL qualifiers and then, MEBOL qualifiers and then, MEBOL qualifiers and then, well, a few well, a few well, a few negative results accumulated. negative results accumulated. negative results accumulated. In the end, they evened things up to the point that they In the end, they evened things up to the point that they In the end, they evened things up to the point that they crushed us there in Maturín, they scored seven crushed us there in Maturín, they scored seven crushed us there in Maturín, they scored seven goals and eliminated us, and that's goals and eliminated us, and that's goals and eliminated us, and that's fine, deserved. fine, deserved. fine, deserved. But what I wanted to say, uh, James, uh, But what I wanted to say, uh, James, uh, But what I wanted to say, uh, James, uh, beyond the fact that perhaps physically he's beyond the fact that perhaps physically he's beyond the fact that perhaps physically he's fine, you can see that he's lacking rhythm, fine, you can see that he's lacking rhythm, fine, you can see that he's lacking rhythm, footballing continuity, footballing continuity, footballing continuity, yes, yes, yes, uh, he came out of the game and well, Campaz uh, he came out of the game and well, Campaz uh, he came out of the game and well, Campaz scored the third goal of the match scored the third goal of the match scored the third goal of the match against against against Colombia. So, the issue of the Colombia. So, the issue of the Colombia. So, the issue of the variations is important with everything variations is important with everything variations is important with everything that James Rodríguez implies, right?

that James Rodríguez implies, right? that James Rodríguez implies, right? Yes. Uh, I've been very critical of him Yes. Uh, I've been very critical of him Yes. Uh, I've been very critical of him because I'm Colombian and I think I because I'm Colombian and I think I because I'm Colombian and I think I mentioned it in the last podcast, I know mentioned it in the last podcast, I know mentioned it in the last podcast, I know the team very well, I've the team very well, I've the team very well, I've followed the followed the followed the qualifying campaign, I've followed qualifying campaign, I've followed qualifying campaign, I've followed James's career and definitely James isn't James's career and definitely James isn't James's career and definitely James isn't at the level that many of us expect, the level he's at the level that many of us expect, the level he's at the level that many of us expect, the level he's known for at the club level, he hasn't been able to known for at the club level, he hasn't been able to known for at the club level, he hasn't been able to have the consistency, he hasn't been have the consistency, he hasn't been have the consistency, he hasn't been able to have the consistency to be able to have the consistency to be able to have the consistency to be that different player. He He has that different player. He He has that different player. He He has flashes of brilliance. He's a player with the flashes of brilliance. He's a player with the flashes of brilliance. He's a player with the ball, but he's not a player without it. I ball, but he's not a player without it. I ball, but he's not a player without it. I mean, it's difficult. mean, it's difficult. mean, it's difficult. The thing is, I have a soft spot The thing is, I have a soft spot The thing is, I have a soft spot for James Rodríguez because when he's for James Rodríguez because when he's for James Rodríguez because when he's focused, he's a player who makes a focused, he's a player who makes a focused, he's a player who makes a difference. difference. difference. I'm a big admirer of players with I'm a big admirer of players with I'm a big admirer of players with good footwork, and James, when we look good footwork, and James, when we look good footwork, and James, when we look back at his career—and I do back at his career—and I do back at his career—and I do n't want to go off on a tangent, we'll come n't want to go off on a tangent, we'll come n't want to go off on a tangent, we'll come back to the topic of powerhouses later— back to the topic of powerhouses later— back to the topic of powerhouses later— but everything is connected. but everything is connected. but everything is connected. Yes, yes.

Yes, yes. Yes, yes. James Rodríguez, well, he was the top scorer James Rodríguez, well, he was the top scorer James Rodríguez, well, he was the top scorer in a World Cup, he won the in a World Cup, he won the in a World Cup, he won the Golden Ball at the Copa América, and he Golden Ball at the Copa América, and he Golden Ball at the Copa América, and he led the league in assists at the 2024 Copa América. led the league in assists at the 2024 Copa América. led the league in assists at the 2024 Copa América. The issue is, I do The issue is, I do The issue is, I do n't know if it's mental or n't know if it's mental or n't know if it's mental or discipline-related, but he has a discipline-related, but he has a discipline-related, but he has a problem at the club level. problem at the club level. And even though And even though some people highlight that James is some people highlight that James is some people highlight that James is a great player, he's still irreplaceable for the a great player, he's still irreplaceable for the a great player, he's still irreplaceable for the Colombian national team, and it was important Colombian national team, and it was important Colombian national team, and it was important that they brought him, there will always be that they brought him, there will always be that they brought him, there will always be questions about a questions about a questions about a player not performing at that level. of clubs and player not performing at that level. of clubs and player not performing at that level. of clubs and have a presence in the national team. have a presence in the national team. have a presence in the national team. I look, for example, at the I look, for example, at the I look, for example, at the South Korean national team. South Korean national team. South Korean national team. They have their star player, They have their star player, They have their star player, and the doctor was going to tell the coach, "He didn't hesitate, his and the doctor was going to tell the coach, "He didn't hesitate, his and the doctor was going to tell the coach, "He didn't hesitate, his hand didn't tremble, take him out." hand didn't tremble, take him out." hand didn't tremble, take him out." And I think that's part of being And I think that's part of being And I think that's part of being in a World Cup, you're playing everything. If in a World Cup, you're playing everything. If in a World Cup, you're playing everything. If you have to take James out because he's not there, you have to take James out because he's not there, you have to take James out because he's not there, then take him out. I mean, it's not something I have then take him out. I mean, it's not something I have then take him out. I mean, it's not something I have n't understood about Néstor Lorenzo, I don't n't understood about Néstor Lorenzo, I don't n't understood about Néstor Lorenzo, I don't know, he has this thing where he has to know, he has this thing where he has to know, he has this thing where he has to put him in, I don't know if it's out of obligation, for put him in, I don't know if it's out of obligation, for put him in, I don't know if it's out of obligation, for some reason, I don't know. There's something there that I do some reason, I don't know. There's something there that I do some reason, I don't know. There's something there that I do n't understand, but that's n't understand, but that's n't understand, but that's a separate debate.

a separate debate. a separate debate. Muñoz Díaz and Campada were Muñoz Díaz and Campada were Muñoz Díaz and Campada were Colombia's goalscorers in that match, Colombia's goalscorers in that match, Colombia's goalscorers in that match, right? right? right? Yes, yes, yes. In fact, we're back to the Yes, yes, yes. In fact, we're back to the Yes, yes, yes. In fact, we're back to the same thing, the substitutions, the same thing, the substitutions, the same thing, the substitutions, the players who come off the bench. The one who players who come off the bench. The one who players who come off the bench. The one who made the cross was Cucho made the cross was Cucho made the cross was Cucho Hernández, who was a substitute, and the one who Hernández, who was a substitute, and the one who Hernández, who was a substitute, and the one who ended up scoring the goal was Campada. ended up scoring the goal was Campada. ended up scoring the goal was Campada. Exactly. That's it. We were just mentioning that, Exactly. That's it. We were just mentioning that, Exactly. That's it. We were just mentioning that, you were talking about the substitutions made you were talking about the substitutions made you were talking about the substitutions made by the German team to finally by the German team to finally by the German team to finally pull off the comeback against pull off the comeback against pull off the comeback against Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast. Yes, it was two goals from this player, Yes, it was two goals from this player, Yes, it was two goals from this player, Dennis Ondab or Undab, I don't know how you Dennis Ondab or Undab, I don't know how you Dennis Ondab or Undab, I don't know how you pronounce his name anymore, but he literally came on in pronounce his name anymore, but he literally came on in pronounce his name anymore, but he literally came on in the 60th minute. We'll the 60th minute. We'll the 60th minute. We'll have to ask about Lothar Matos, who I have to ask about Lothar Matos, who I have to ask about Lothar Matos, who I saw there in saw there in saw there in the distance, the distance, the distance, and Thomas Müller was there too, and Thomas Müller was there too, this great player. Yes, in the mixed zone I saw this great player. Yes, in the mixed zone I saw Manuel Neuer, of course, and several of Manuel Neuer, of course, and several of Manuel Neuer, of course, and several of these Germans. Well, great players. these Germans. Well, great players. these Germans. Well, great players. Yes, in fact, I had the opportunity, the Yes, in fact, I had the opportunity, the Yes, in fact, I had the opportunity, the privilege, to see Thomas Müller privilege, to see Thomas Müller privilege, to see Thomas Müller maybe a month or a month and a half ago, when he maybe a month or a month and a half ago, when he maybe a month or a month and a half ago, when he came to play with his team here. Yes, of came to play with his team here. Yes, of came to play with his team here. Yes, of course. He's playing here in the course. He's playing here in the course. He's playing here in the domestic league, in MLS, domestic league, in MLS, domestic league, in MLS, and we had the opportunity to and we had the opportunity to and we had the opportunity to interview him in the mixed zone, very interview him in the mixed zone, very interview him in the mixed zone, very quickly, very briefly, but we managed it, and it was one of quickly, very briefly, but we managed it, and it was one of quickly, very briefly, but we managed it, and it was one of those moments in your those moments in your those moments in your career that career that career that gets etched in your memory, you gets etched in your memory, you gets etched in your memory, you keep it, it becomes a treasure.

keep it, it becomes a treasure. keep it, it becomes a treasure. Yes, Without a doubt. Yesterday, after Yes, Without a doubt. Yesterday, after Yes, Without a doubt. Yesterday, after Ronald Koeman's team's great performance Ronald Koeman's team's great performance Ronald Koeman's team's great performance against Sweden, well, in the mixed zone against Sweden, well, in the mixed zone against Sweden, well, in the mixed zone we had Virgil van Bleus, one of the we had Virgil van Bleus, one of the world's greatest defenders, who's still going strong, and of world's greatest defenders, who's still going strong, and of course, we also saw him in the mixed zone course, we also saw him in the mixed zone course, we also saw him in the mixed zone . Cristiano Ronaldo didn't give any . Cristiano Ronaldo didn't give any . Cristiano Ronaldo didn't give any statements, but we saw him walking by, and statements, but we saw him walking by, and statements, but we saw him walking by, and that's how it goes. that's how it goes. that's how it goes. I don't want to miss the opportunity I don't want to miss the opportunity I don't want to miss the opportunity to revisit the topic of the powerhouses. to revisit the topic of the powerhouses. to revisit the topic of the powerhouses. Germany, which has always accustomed us, or perhaps spoiled Germany, which has always accustomed us, or perhaps spoiled Germany, which has always accustomed us, or perhaps spoiled us, because it has four us, because it has four us, because it has four titles and four runner-up finishes, titles and four runner-up finishes, titles and four runner-up finishes, David, to putting on great performances David, to putting on great performances David, to putting on great performances during the World Cup. In fact, Gary during the World Cup. In fact, Gary during the World Cup. In fact, Gary Lenny, the great English striker, the top Lenny, the great English striker, the top Lenny, the great English striker, the top scorer of Mexico '86, popularized a scorer of Mexico '86, popularized a scorer of Mexico '86, popularized a phrase that said, "Football is a phrase that said, "Football is a phrase that said, "Football is a game of 11 against 11, and the Germans always win game of 11 against 11, and the Germans always win game of 11 against 11, and the Germans always win ." That expression has lost its meaning and aged ." That expression has lost its meaning and aged ." That expression has lost its meaning and aged very poorly after very poorly after Germany's last two performances, both in Russia and Qatar, Germany's last two performances, both in Russia and Qatar, where they were eliminated in the first round, but where they were eliminated in the first round, but where they were eliminated in the first round, but usually Germany was always a usually Germany was always a usually Germany was always a contender, contender, contender, right? And you're talking about... That Germany was right? And you're talking about... That Germany was right? And you're talking about... That Germany was eliminated in the last two World Cups.

eliminated in the last two World Cups. eliminated in the last two World Cups. It's true, this is the first World Cup It's true, this is the first World Cup It's true, this is the first World Cup after the last two editions after the last two editions after the last two editions where Germany has managed to advance because they've already where Germany has managed to advance because they've already where Germany has managed to advance because they've already qualified for the next round, they qualified for the next round, they qualified for the next round, they 're poised not to be eliminated in the first 're poised not to be eliminated in the first 're poised not to be eliminated in the first round again. round again. round again. Yes, in fact, if you think about it, Yes, in fact, if you think about it, Yes, in fact, if you think about it, because I'm going to mention Italy being absent from because I'm going to mention Italy being absent from because I'm going to mention Italy being absent from three World Cups and Germany being eliminated in the three World Cups and Germany being eliminated in the three World Cups and Germany being eliminated in the first round three times. It's not going to be like that. first round three times. It's not going to be like that. first round three times. It's not going to be like that. No, no. This time the Germans, No, no. This time the Germans, No, no. This time the Germans, no, no, no, this time not, because if you this time not, because if you this time not, because if you look at the schedule, in fact, look at the schedule, in fact, look at the schedule, in fact, Germany is already in, they're already Germany is already in, they're already Germany is already in, they're already set to play in the round of set to play in the round of set to play in the round of 16. So, 16. So, 16. So, yes, that's right, they're already mathematically yes, that's right, they're already mathematically yes, that's right, they're already mathematically qualified. That's it qualified. That's it qualified. That's it , that's it. , that's it. , that's it. Changing the subject a bit, the Netherlands, you Changing the subject a bit, the Netherlands, you Changing the subject a bit, the Netherlands, you were there yesterday, I think the Netherlands were there yesterday, I think the Netherlands were there yesterday, I think the Netherlands has shown they're back to being that " has shown they're back to being that " has shown they're back to being that " Clockwork Orange" that everyone knows. The Clockwork Orange" that everyone knows. The Clockwork Orange" that everyone knows. The Netherlands has always had good Netherlands has always had good Netherlands has always had good World Cups. You know I'm very World Cups. You know I'm very World Cups. You know I'm very protective of that expression. I protective of that expression. I protective of that expression. I think the "Clockwork Orange" was the one under think the "Clockwork Orange" was the one under think the "Clockwork Orange" was the one under Johan Cruyff, coached by Rinus Mitchell, Johan Cruyff, coached by Rinus Mitchell, Johan Cruyff, coached by Rinus Mitchell, which we didn't see because of a which we didn't see because of a which we didn't see because of a generational difference, but by reviewing videos generational difference, but by reviewing videos generational difference, but by reviewing videos we've been able to observe that. Total football, we've been able to observe that. Total football, we've been able to observe that. Total football, which they boasted about and which was a which they boasted about and which was a which they boasted about and which was a reality.

reality. reality. Surprisingly, they weren't Surprisingly, they weren't Surprisingly, they weren't world champions, but that's the runner-up finish world champions, but that's the runner-up finish world champions, but that's the runner-up finish everyone remembers. I mean, it's the everyone remembers. I mean, it's the everyone remembers. I mean, it's the only World Cup where the only World Cup where the only World Cup where the runner-up is remembered more than the champion, which was runner-up is remembered more than the champion, which was runner-up is remembered more than the champion, which was Germany, Germany, Germany, in that case, the 1974 World Cup in that case, the 1974 World Cup in that case, the 1974 World Cup won by Franz won by Franz won by Franz Beckenbauer's Germany. As for the rest, I've always Beckenbauer's Germany. As for the rest, I've always Beckenbauer's Germany. As for the rest, I've always been a bit wary of the " been a bit wary of the " been a bit wary of the " Clockwork Orange" label, you know? Because the Clockwork Orange" label, you know? Because the Clockwork Orange" label, you know? Because the Netherlands usually has good Netherlands usually has good Netherlands usually has good showings in World Cups, but they showings in World Cups, but they showings in World Cups, but they also miss out. also miss out. also miss out. Yes. Yes. Yes. So, there have been editions like, for So, there have been editions like, for So, there have been editions like, for example, the one in Korea and Japan, where they example, the one in Korea and Japan, where they example, the one in Korea and Japan, where they were absent after having been a were absent after having been a were absent after having been a semifinalist in USA '94, where they had a semifinalist in USA '94, where they had a semifinalist in USA '94, where they had a great tournament and a tremendous great tournament and a tremendous great tournament and a tremendous team. Correction, in '98, team. Correction, in '98, team. Correction, in '98, they were a semifinalist in '98, and they were they were a semifinalist in '98, and they were they were a semifinalist in '98, and they were absent in 2012. It was in '94 that they fell absent in 2012. It was in '94 that they fell absent in 2012. It was in '94 that they fell in the quarterfinals against Brazil with in the quarterfinals against Brazil with in the quarterfinals against Brazil with Branco's amazing free-kick goal. Branco's amazing free-kick goal. Branco's amazing free-kick goal. Correct, correct. Yes, right?

Correct, correct. Yes, right? Correct, correct. Yes, right? And speaking a bit about that Yesterday's match, And speaking a bit about that Yesterday's match, And speaking a bit about that Yesterday's match, which you had the privilege of attending which you had the privilege of attending which you had the privilege of attending , I saw it and witnessed , I saw it and witnessed , I saw it and witnessed a spectacle beyond what a spectacle beyond what a spectacle beyond what happened on the pitch. happened on the pitch. happened on the pitch. The Dutch goalkeeper also The Dutch goalkeeper also The Dutch goalkeeper also stood out; stood out; stood out; perhaps one is blinded by the five perhaps one is blinded by the five perhaps one is blinded by the five goals scored by Ronald Kuman's team, goals scored by Ronald Kuman's team, goals scored by Ronald Kuman's team, but the Dutch goalkeeper had a great performance but the Dutch goalkeeper had a great performance but the Dutch goalkeeper had a great performance . That's something . That's something . That's something I wanted to highlight because the I wanted to highlight because the I wanted to highlight because the result doesn't really define result doesn't really define result doesn't really define the match. If it weren't for the the match. If it weren't for the the match. If it weren't for the Dutch goalkeeper, I think Dutch goalkeeper, I think that match would definitely have ended easily, 4-4, that match would definitely have ended easily, 4-4, 3-3, something like that. 3-3, something like that. 3-3, something like that. Yes. Or at least a scoreline that wouldn't have been so Yes. Or at least a scoreline that wouldn't have been so Yes. Or at least a scoreline that wouldn't have been so lopsided, right? lopsided, right? lopsided, right? After what Sweden showed in their After what Sweden showed in their After what Sweden showed in their debut against Tunisia, we didn't debut against Tunisia, we didn't debut against Tunisia, we didn't expect—well, I'm speaking for myself, I do expect—well, I'm speaking for myself, I do expect—well, I'm speaking for myself, I do n't know if you did too, David—but n't know if you did too, David—but n't know if you did too, David—but many people didn't expect it. We expected many people didn't expect it. We expected many people didn't expect it. We expected a more evenly matched game.

a more evenly matched game. a more evenly matched game. Yes, I think so. I think that, Yes, I think so. I think that, Yes, I think so. I think that, and the Netherlands also and the Netherlands also and the Netherlands also struggled against Japan struggled against Japan struggled against Japan in what I believe is the best match of the in what I believe is the best match of the in what I believe is the best match of the tournament so far. For me, tournament so far. For me, tournament so far. For me, Japan came from behind. They equalized Japan came from behind. They equalized Japan came from behind. They equalized against the Netherlands a couple of times and ultimately secured against the Netherlands a couple of times and ultimately secured against the Netherlands a couple of times and ultimately secured an important point. an important point. an important point. That's right. I still That's right. I still That's right. I still have that have that have that Japan-Netherlands match very clear in my mind, a Japan-Netherlands match very clear in my mind, a Japan-Netherlands match very clear in my mind, a very interesting game, it was end-to- very interesting game, it was end-to- very interesting game, it was end-to- end, and I think that match showed end, and I think that match showed end, and I think that match showed that both teams are vertical. that both teams are vertical. that both teams are vertical. Yes, yes. No, and yesterday Yes, yes. No, and yesterday Yes, yes. No, and yesterday both teams went forward. both teams went forward. both teams went forward. Yesterday, watching the Yesterday, watching the Yesterday, watching the Japan match, which was a Japanese game, they are Japan match, which was a Japanese game, they are Japan match, which was a Japanese game, they are playing football at an playing football at an playing football at an exceptional level, in my opinion, they have exceptional level, in my opinion, they have exceptional level, in my opinion, they have evolved a lot beyond evolved a lot beyond evolved a lot beyond South Korea's defeat against Mexico. South Korea's defeat against Mexico. South Korea's defeat against Mexico. The Asians have evolved a The Asians have evolved a The Asians have evolved a lot, lot, lot, and yesterday Japan beat them. and yesterday Japan beat them. and yesterday Japan beat them. In fact, today, In fact, today, In fact, today, speaking of the Middle East, speaking of the Middle East, speaking of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia plays against Spain, right? Saudi Arabia plays against Spain, right? Saudi Arabia plays against Spain, right? Yes, just now, in 15 minutes, Yes, just now, in 15 minutes, Yes, just now, in 15 minutes, Saudi Arabia made things difficult for Uruguay in their debut, Saudi Arabia made things difficult for Uruguay in their debut, Saudi Arabia made things difficult for Uruguay in their debut, and well, in the end and well, in the end and well, in the end , Marcelo Bielza's team , Marcelo Bielza's team , Marcelo Bielza's team managed to get a point, but managed to get a point, but managed to get a point, but Saudi Arabia was close to spoiling the party for the Saudi Arabia was close to spoiling the party for the Saudi Arabia was close to spoiling the party for the Uruguayans in their debut, just like they did Uruguayans in their debut, just like they did Uruguayans in their debut, just like they did 4 years ago against Argentina, which 4 years ago against Argentina, which 4 years ago against Argentina, which Eventually, they were the champions.

Eventually, they were the champions. Eventually, they were the champions. Yes, that's right. So, in about 15 Yes, that's right. So, in about 15 Yes, that's right. So, in about 15 minutes, the new minutes, the new minutes, the new World Cup matchday begins. With Spain, World Cup matchday begins. With Spain, World Cup matchday begins. With Spain, Saudi Arabia, a match I think is unmissable Saudi Arabia, a match I think is unmissable Saudi Arabia, a match I think is unmissable to see if Spain can recover from what I to see if Spain can recover from what I to see if Spain can recover from what I think was also a topic we think was also a topic we think was also a topic we had, what Cape Verde did had, what Cape Verde did had, what Cape Verde did is historic. I think everyone is historic. I think everyone is historic. I think everyone had it, and we were talking about it before, that had it, and we were talking about it before, that had it, and we were talking about it before, that Spain was going to steamroll them. That's not the case anymore Spain was going to steamroll them. That's not the case anymore Spain was going to steamroll them. That's not the case anymore . Football has leveled out to the . Football has leveled out to the . Football has leveled out to the point where point where point where any team can give you a run for your money. any team can give you a run for your money. any team can give you a run for your money. Yes, what happened is that the conversation Yes, what happened is that the conversation Yes, what happened is that the conversation after Germany's crushing victory after Germany's crushing victory after Germany's crushing victory against Curaçao generated that. There against Curaçao generated that. There against Curaçao generated that. There they are, you see, not with they are, you see, not with they are, you see, not with 48 teams and we're going to see 48 teams and we're going to see 48 teams and we're going to see these lopsided scores, but it's not that big of a deal these lopsided scores, but it's not that big of a deal these lopsided scores, but it's not that big of a deal . . . And Cape Verde plays today against Uruguay, And Cape Verde plays today against Uruguay, And Cape Verde plays today against Uruguay, a match a match a match similar to the one Germany put up in similar to the one Germany put up in similar to the one Germany put up in 2014, and at home they put seven past Brazil. 2014, and at home they put seven past Brazil. 2014, and at home they put seven past Brazil. Yes. Yes. Yes. So, ah, against the five-time champions, the So, ah, against the five-time champions, the So, ah, against the five-time champions, the most important team in history. I didn't want to most important team in history. I didn't want to most important team in history. I didn't want to forget about France, the team of...

forget about France, the team of... forget about France, the team of... Ah, yes, Ah, yes, Ah, yes, Chance, well, it seemed like Chance, well, it seemed like Chance, well, it seemed like the game was getting complicated for France, but in the the game was getting complicated for France, but in the the game was getting complicated for France, but in the end they managed to control everything. And Mbappé, who's the kind of guy who end they managed to control everything. And Mbappé, who's the kind of guy who can change a game when he's on form, reminded me of can change a game when he's on form, reminded me of performances like in the performances like in the performances like in the final, where it seemed like it final, where it seemed like it final, where it seemed like it was all Argentina, all Argentina, and in the was all Argentina, all Argentina, and in the was all Argentina, all Argentina, and in the blink of an eye, France had leveled blink of an eye, France had leveled blink of an eye, France had leveled the score. the score. the score. Yes. Yes. Yes. In this case, obviously in a different In this case, obviously in a different In this case, obviously in a different context and against a different kind of opponent, France context and against a different kind of opponent, France context and against a different kind of opponent, France looked like they were in trouble, but in the end they looked like they were in trouble, but in the end they looked like they were in trouble, but in the end they controlled the game, right? And now controlled the game, right? And now controlled the game, right? And now that you mention Mbappé, in fact, he just that you mention Mbappé, in fact, he just that you mention Mbappé, in fact, he just became became became France's all-time leading scorer France's all-time leading scorer France's all-time leading scorer with 58 goals. He's already surpassed Olivier with 58 goals. He's already surpassed Olivier with 58 goals. He's already surpassed Olivier Jiru. Jiru. Jiru. Right. Olivier Jiru. Right. Olivier Jiru. Right. Olivier Jiru. With this last match, with those two With this last match, with those two With this last match, with those two goals he scored against Senegal, he goals he scored against Senegal, he goals he scored against Senegal, he broke that record. Well, imagine, broke that record. Well, imagine, broke that record. Well, imagine, we were going to talk about the we were going to talk about the we were going to talk about the tie in the all-time top scorers list with tie in the all-time top scorers list with tie in the all-time top scorers list with Lionel Messi after that hat Lionel Messi after that hat Lionel Messi after that hat trick, weren't we? The World Cup is starting.

trick, weren't we? The World Cup is starting. trick, weren't we? The World Cup is starting. Yes. Yes. Yes. And he equaled Miros's record. But And he equaled Miros's record. But And he equaled Miros's record. But what can't Mbappé achieve if he what can't Mbappé achieve if he what can't Mbappé achieve if he stays healthy, given how young he is and stays healthy, given how young he is and stays healthy, given how young he is and the goalscoring record he already has? the goalscoring record he already has? the goalscoring record he already has? Yes, no, he's going to make history. He's going to Yes, no, he's going to make history. He's going to Yes, no, he's going to make history. He's going to make history. So, there you make history. So, there you make history. So, there you have it. This was the summary, the have it. This was the summary, the have it. This was the summary, the initial part of this segment, the initial part of this segment, the initial part of this segment, the summary. And now we're going to move a summary. And now we're going to move a summary. And now we're going to move a little to the in-depth analysis, little to the in-depth analysis, little to the in-depth analysis, talking a bit more about what you talking a bit more about what you talking a bit more about what you mentioned regarding mentioned regarding mentioned regarding Colombia. It's a topic I wanted to touch on in Colombia. It's a topic I wanted to touch on in Colombia. It's a topic I wanted to touch on in the in-depth analysis. And speaking the in-depth analysis. And speaking the in-depth analysis. And speaking specifically again about James, specifically again about James, well, this week they play well, this week they play against Cape Verde. against Cape Verde. against Cape Verde. It's a very physical match; it's a It's a very physical match; it's a It's a very physical match; it's a team... excuse me, Cape Verde, Congo. team... excuse me, Cape Verde, Congo. team... excuse me, Cape Verde, Congo. Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. Republic of Congo, excuse me. They're Republic of Congo, excuse me. They're Republic of Congo, excuse me. They're very similar teams.

very similar teams. very similar teams. It's a very physical team. It's a very physical team. It's a very physical team. James doesn't have the James doesn't have the James doesn't have the physical build to face a physical build to face a physical build to face a player like that; if we player like that; if we player like that; if we ask him... ask him... ask him... Roberto Martínez's team, right? They switched to a Roberto Martínez's team, right? They switched to a Roberto Martínez's team, right? They switched to a back five and back five and back five and managed to hold off the Portuguese. In the managed to hold off the Portuguese. In the managed to hold off the Portuguese. In the end, all the talent we see in end, all the talent we see in end, all the talent we see in midfield with Vitiña and midfield with Vitiña and midfield with Vitiña and Fernández Fernández Fernández was hampered. No, was hampered. No, was hampered. No, Portugal just couldn't get the better of the opportunities. I think Portugal just couldn't get the better of the opportunities. I think Portugal just couldn't get the better of the opportunities. I think Portugal will improve, right? There's a Portugal will improve, right? There's a Portugal will improve, right? There's a whole controversy surrounding whole controversy surrounding whole controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's presence, whether he Cristiano Ronaldo's presence, whether he Cristiano Ronaldo's presence, whether he gets the ball or not, whether they gets the ball or not, whether they gets the ball or not, whether they want him or not, and well, want him or not, and well, want him or not, and well, there's a lot of speculation about that too there's a lot of speculation about that too there's a lot of speculation about that too . . . That's something I also wanted to touch on. That's something I also wanted to touch on. There are a lot of topics, There are a lot of topics, getting sidetracked, but getting sidetracked, but getting sidetracked, but mentioning James Rodríguez's situation against mentioning James Rodríguez's situation against mentioning James Rodríguez's situation against Congo, there are Congo, there are so many physical aspects to the game where, so many physical aspects to the game where, beyond quality, beyond quality, beyond quality, if your legs don't hold up in terms if your legs don't hold up in terms if your legs don't hold up in terms of stamina, you of stamina, you of stamina, you can be in trouble and can be in trouble and can be in trouble and you can find yourself playing with one less player without even realizing it you can find yourself playing with one less player without even realizing it you can find yourself playing with one less player without even realizing it .

. . Yes. And the good thing is that Colombia Yes. And the good thing is that Colombia Yes. And the good thing is that Colombia has replacements, they have players who can has replacements, they have players who can has replacements, they have players who can fill that space fill that space fill that space that James might not be able to fill. When that James might not be able to fill. When that James might not be able to fill. When James runs, he'll solve your problems with the ball James runs, he'll solve your problems with the ball James runs, he'll solve your problems with the ball , he'll put in a good cross, he'll set you up , he'll put in a good cross, he'll set you up , he'll put in a good cross, he'll set you up , but when the , but when the , but when the other team is attacking, other team is attacking, other team is attacking, in a tight game, James can in a tight game, James can in a tight game, James can create chances, create chances, create chances, yes, yes, yes, that can eventually get that can eventually get that can eventually get you out of trouble, get you out of a tight spot. you out of trouble, get you out of a tight spot. you out of trouble, get you out of a tight spot. But Néstor Lorenzo showed, just as he But Néstor Lorenzo showed, just as he But Néstor Lorenzo showed, just as he took him off and substituted him in the debut, took him off and substituted him in the debut, took him off and substituted him in the debut, perfectly... You can give it 70 perfectly... You can give it 70 perfectly... You can give it 70 minutes and manage it from there. But what is minutes and manage it from there. But what is minutes and manage it from there. But what is a fact is that Néstor Lorenzo a fact is that Néstor Lorenzo a fact is that Néstor Lorenzo has absolute confidence and conviction has absolute confidence and conviction has absolute confidence and conviction in James Rodríguez. That case in James Rodríguez. That case in James Rodríguez. That case reminds me, albeit in a different way, of reminds me, albeit in a different way, of reminds me, albeit in a different way, of Arrigo Saki's case with Roberto Bo in US94, where he Arrigo Saki's case with Roberto Bo in US94, where he Arrigo Saki's case with Roberto Bo in US94, where he took him even when he was injured, and in the end took him even when he was injured, and in the end took him even when he was injured, and in the end Roberto Bo ended up proving Roberto Bo ended up proving Roberto Bo ended up proving Rigosaki right because it was he who ultimately, Rigosaki right because it was he who ultimately, Rigosaki right because it was he who ultimately, beyond the fact that in the final he missed the beyond the fact that in the final he missed the beyond the fact that in the final he missed the penalty thanks to Roberto Bo, Italy managed to penalty thanks to Roberto Bo, Italy managed to penalty thanks to Roberto Bo, Italy managed to overcome important differences in the match overcome important differences in the match overcome important differences in the match against Bulgaria, scoring two goals, as well as against Bulgaria, scoring two goals, as well as against Bulgaria, scoring two goals, as well as against Spain.

against Spain. against Spain. Yes. And going back to the topic of Colombia, Yes. And going back to the topic of Colombia, Yes. And going back to the topic of Colombia, that match against Uzbekistan that match against Uzbekistan that match against Uzbekistan looked like an easy game on paper looked like an easy game on paper looked like an easy game on paper , but Colombia struggled. And , but Colombia struggled. And , but Colombia struggled. And something I've said from the beginning, even something I've said from the beginning, even something I've said from the beginning, even before the World Cup started, is before the World Cup started, is before the World Cup started, is that Colombia has very good players, that Colombia has very good players, that Colombia has very good players, a generation of excellent players, a generation of excellent players, a generation of excellent players, but I don't see a team, I still don't but I don't see a team, I still don't but I don't see a team, I still don't see it. I think Néxor Lorenzo hasn't been able to see it. I think Néxor Lorenzo hasn't been able to see it. I think Néxor Lorenzo hasn't been able to find a team that says, "Well, you can find a team that says, "Well, you can find a team that says, "Well, you can see a game plan, you can see what see a game plan, you can see what see a game plan, you can see what Colombia plays like." I think I see flashes Colombia plays like." I think I see flashes Colombia plays like." I think I see flashes of Luis Díaz, I see flashes of James, of Luis Díaz, I see flashes of James, of Luis Díaz, I see flashes of James, I see flashes of many players, I see flashes of many players, I see flashes of many players, but I don't see that but I don't see that but I don't see that the Colombian national team won more because of the Colombian national team won more because of the Colombian national team won more because of individual talent and because they individual talent and because they individual talent and because they faced a tough team, but one that wasn't a faced a tough team, but one that wasn't a faced a tough team, but one that wasn't a team that truly team that truly team that truly posed a great challenge. posed a great challenge. posed a great challenge. Yes, yes, that's right. So, Colombia will also Yes, yes, that's right. So, Colombia will also Yes, yes, that's right. So, Colombia will also get a result get a result get a result against Congo. Imagine that they reach the against Congo. Imagine that they reach the against Congo. Imagine that they reach the last match of the last match of the last match of the group stage against Portugal. Colombia has already group stage against Portugal. Colombia has already group stage against Portugal. Colombia has already qualified. They have the qualified. They have the qualified. They have the opportunity to achieve that. So, opportunity to achieve that. So, the opportunity is there. Those are three the opportunity is there. Those are three points, you get those three points and with points, you get those three points and with points, you get those three points and with that you reach the top and above that you reach the top and above that you reach the top and above Congo, above Portugal.

Congo, above Portugal. Congo, above Portugal. So this game is going to be key So this game is going to be key So this game is going to be key because if Colombia wins, I think it's a because if Colombia wins, I think it's a because if Colombia wins, I think it's a sure thing, I don't think they're making a big deal out of it. sure thing, I don't think they're making a big deal out of it. sure thing, I don't think they're making a big deal out of it. [laughs] [laughs] [laughs] Yes. Uh, Yes. Uh, Yes. Uh, like a big leaguer. like a big leaguer. like a big leaguer. Let's see what happens. Let's see what Let's see what happens. Let's see what Let's see what happens. Let's see what happens. But I don't know, I think Colombia is happens. But I don't know, I think Colombia is happens. But I don't know, I think Colombia is in doubt, in debt. I think he still in doubt, in debt. I think he still in doubt, in debt. I think he still owes something to his fans, to the kind of football he's owes something to his fans, to the kind of football he's owes something to his fans, to the kind of football he's known for, but he still has the known for, but he still has the known for, but he still has the opportunity to keep improving step by opportunity to keep improving step by opportunity to keep improving step by step. step. step. I understand you, David, because you I understand you, David, because you I understand you, David, because you are also a student of football, you are are also a student of football, you are are also a student of football, you are a person, I can corroborate this, who a person, I can corroborate this, who a person, I can corroborate this, who analyzes football beyond being a analyzes football beyond being a analyzes football beyond being a spectacle, an entertainment. spectacle, an entertainment. spectacle, an entertainment. But that's how the World Cup is. There are teams But that's how the World Cup is. There are teams But that's how the World Cup is. There are teams that have outstanding qualifying processes that have outstanding qualifying processes that have outstanding qualifying processes and perhaps have a couple of and perhaps have a couple of and perhaps have a couple of injured players, they arrive at the World Cup, not at the injured players, they arrive at the World Cup, not at the injured players, they arrive at the World Cup, not at the best timing and they don't do well. The problem best timing and they don't do well. The problem best timing and they don't do well. The problem with the World Cup is that it's a tournament with with the World Cup is that it's a tournament with with the World Cup is that it's a tournament with very few matches. very few matches. very few matches. Yes, Yes, Yes, and then the and then the and then the obstacles are overcome, when sometimes it would be a obstacles are overcome, when sometimes it would be a obstacles are overcome, when sometimes it would be a success for Colombia, I think, to be success for Colombia, I think, to be success for Colombia, I think, to be among the top eight, right? among the top eight, right? among the top eight, right? In this World Cup, where we have one In this World Cup, where we have one In this World Cup, where we have one more round, now we have the round of 16 more round, now we have the round of 16 more round, now we have the round of 16 , if Colombia could reach the , if Colombia could reach the , if Colombia could reach the quarterfinals, it could be considered quarterfinals, it could be considered quarterfinals, it could be considered a successful tournament, right?

a successful tournament, right? a successful tournament, right? Yes, I think so. There's a lot of Yes, I think so. There's a lot of Yes, I think so. There's a lot of expectation surrounding what Colombia can expectation surrounding what Colombia can expectation surrounding what Colombia can become. In fact, become. In fact, become. In fact, speaking of what Conmebol is, I think speaking of what Conmebol is, I think speaking of what Conmebol is, I think Conbol has already fallen behind. Brazil Conbol has already fallen behind. Brazil Conbol has already fallen behind. Brazil seemed to recover a bit against seemed to recover a bit against seemed to recover a bit against Haiti, but Paraguay Haiti, but Paraguay Haiti, but Paraguay was crushed by the United States. This was crushed by the United States. This was crushed by the United States. This last match was a close call against... last match was a close call against... last match was a close call against... against what? It was Türkiye, wasn't it? Uh, I don't against what? It was Türkiye, wasn't it? Uh, I don't against what? It was Türkiye, wasn't it? Uh, I don't remember. remember. remember. Yes, it was against the Turks. Yes, it was against the Turks. Yes, it was against the Turks. So it went by the skin of its teeth, which actually So it went by the skin of its teeth, which actually So it went by the skin of its teeth, which actually caused some controversy in that match caused some controversy in that match caused some controversy in that match beyond the result. I think the beyond the result. I think the beyond the result. I think the Paraguayans were brave, they were tough Paraguayans were brave, they were tough Paraguayans were brave, they were tough in holding onto that 1-0 result against in holding onto that 1-0 result against in holding onto that 1-0 result against Gustavo Alfaro's team, because the Gustavo Alfaro's team, because the Gustavo Alfaro's team, because the Turks are not weak, the Turks play, they Turks are not weak, the Turks play, they Turks are not weak, the Turks play, they are direct. are direct. are direct. Uh, I was surprised by the expulsion of Uh, I was surprised by the expulsion of Uh, I was surprised by the expulsion of Almirón, the Paraguayan player. I believe that's Almirón, the Paraguayan player. I believe that's Almirón, the Paraguayan player. I believe that's a rule that won't a rule that won't a rule that won't last over time because it generates last over time because it generates last over time because it generates too much controversy. I think it's too much controversy. I think it's too much controversy. I think it's excessive. I think she's very harsh.

excessive. I think she's very harsh. excessive. I think she's very harsh. It's historic. This is the first time It's historic. This is the first time It's historic. This is the first time a player has been sent off for covering his mouth, a player has been sent off for covering his mouth, a player has been sent off for covering his mouth, for saying something to the other player. It's unknown what he for saying something to the other player. It's unknown what he for saying something to the other player. It's unknown what he said, but the rule now is that you can't said, but the rule now is that you can't said, but the rule now is that you can't cover your mouth because it cover your mouth because it cover your mouth because it can be taken as insulting can be taken as insulting can be taken as insulting the player, as if you're saying the player, as if you're saying the player, as if you're saying who knows what. Uh, so something who knows what. Uh, so something who knows what. Uh, so something historic, the first time it's happened, I don't know, historic, the first time it's happened, I don't know, historic, the first time it's happened, I don't know, as you say, if it will last over as you say, if it will last over as you say, if it will last over time or not. I think it's a bit excessive time or not. I think it's a bit excessive time or not. I think it's a bit excessive , I mean, these are just game actions. , I mean, these are just game actions. , I mean, these are just game actions. The player is part of drawing The player is part of drawing The player is part of drawing attention to the expulsion and the words of attention to the expulsion and the words of attention to the expulsion and the words of Gustavo Alfaro, who can be seen on camera, Gustavo Alfaro, who can be seen on camera, Gustavo Alfaro, who can be seen on camera, as he begged the referee not to as he begged the referee not to as he begged the referee not to send the player off. send the player off. send the player off. But yes, the Paraguayans got the But yes, the Paraguayans got the But yes, the Paraguayans got the result, which was the important thing, the result, which was the important thing, the result, which was the important thing, the three points. three points. three points. Yes, with their bare hands, but they got it out. They managed to get him out Yes, with their bare hands, but they got it out. They managed to get him out Yes, with their bare hands, but they got it out. They managed to get him out by the skin of their teeth. And Alfaro by the skin of their teeth. And Alfaro by the skin of their teeth. And Alfaro did what he does best. did what he does best. did what he does best. Alfaro's teams are Alfaro's teams are Alfaro's teams are defensive teams, defensive teams, defensive teams, that's what I know about him. All of that's what I know about him. All of that's what I know about him. All of Alfaro's teams defend well and will Alfaro's teams defend well and will Alfaro's teams defend well and will kill you on a counterattack. That's why kill you on a counterattack. That's why kill you on a counterattack. That's why Paraguay also got them, because of the Paraguay also got them, because of the Paraguay also got them, because of the dynamics of the Paraguayan player, right?

dynamics of the Paraguayan player, right? dynamics of the Paraguayan player, right? Yes, that's correct. Yes, that's correct. Yes, that's correct. In other words, they had the face of eliminating Paraguay, but In other words, they had the face of eliminating Paraguay, but In other words, they had the face of eliminating Paraguay, but with Alfaro's arrival they came back and with Alfaro's arrival they came back and with Alfaro's arrival they came back and qualified directly. qualified directly. qualified directly. Yes. And continuing along those lines about Yes. And continuing along those lines about Yes. And continuing along those lines about CONMEBOL, something I don't want to overlook CONMEBOL, something I don't want to overlook CONMEBOL, something I don't want to overlook is Argentina and Messi's record, which is Argentina and Messi's record, which is Argentina and Messi's record, which I know you had something to say I know you had something to say I know you had something to say about. about. about. Yes, I'll tell you, it's Yes, I'll tell you, it's Yes, I'll tell you, it's impressive. impressive. impressive. I think it was a debut that not even the most I think it was a debut that not even the most I think it was a debut that not even the most optimistic Argentinian could have imagined, even though optimistic Argentinian could have imagined, even though optimistic Argentinian could have imagined, even though Lionel Messi is obviously Lionel Messi is obviously Lionel Messi is obviously considered the best player in considered the best player in considered the best player in history by a vast majority of the history by a vast majority of the history by a vast majority of the world, but a debut with a hat trick was something I world, but a debut with a hat trick was something I world, but a debut with a hat trick was something I really didn't see coming, right? And really didn't see coming, right? And really didn't see coming, right? And in a quantum leap, he became in a quantum leap, he became in a quantum leap, he became the all-time leading scorer in the all-time leading scorer in the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, equaling Miros La World Cup history, equaling Miros La World Cup history, equaling Miros La Close, which personally makes me happy Close, which personally makes me happy Close, which personally makes me happy because I think Miros La Close, who was because I think Miros La Close, who was because I think Miros La Close, who was more of a national team player than a more of a national team player than a more of a national team player than a club player, doesn't seem to have club player, doesn't seem to have club player, doesn't seem to have the credentials to be the the credentials to be the the credentials to be the all-time leading scorer that all-time leading scorer that all-time leading scorer that Jer Müller, the German, held for so long, right? until he was Jer Müller, the German, held for so long, right? until he was Jer Müller, the German, held for so long, right? until he was able to surpass him, able to surpass him, able to surpass him, the phenomenon Ronaldo Nazario with 15 the phenomenon Ronaldo Nazario with 15 the phenomenon Ronaldo Nazario with 15 goals.

goals. goals. Then Closet surpassed him. I was Then Closet surpassed him. I was Then Closet surpassed him. I was very sorry that they passed Ronaldo because of personal very sorry that they passed Ronaldo because of personal very sorry that they passed Ronaldo because of personal taste and because he is the best number nine taste and because he is the best number nine taste and because he is the best number nine in history, but well, there is in history, but well, there is in history, but well, there is Messi who equals Close and it Messi who equals Close and it Messi who equals Close and it is a mark that Killian is a mark that Killian is a mark that Killian Mbappé is eyeing because of how young he is and because of the Mbappé is eyeing because of how young he is and because of the Mbappé is eyeing because of how young he is and because of the goalscoring rate he has. goalscoring rate he has. goalscoring rate he has. Exact. Yes, he has everything he needs to succeed Exact. Yes, he has everything he needs to succeed Exact. Yes, he has everything he needs to succeed and definitely surpass that mark. and definitely surpass that mark. and definitely surpass that mark. Um, Um, Um, something something something Germán mentioned last week, which is being Germán mentioned last week, which is being Germán mentioned last week, which is being seen right now, he said it's seen right now, he said it's seen right now, he said it's a highlight we put out and it has a highlight we put out and it has a highlight we put out and it has n't gone viral, but it's given a lot to n't gone viral, but it's given a lot to n't gone viral, but it's given a lot to talk about. talk about. talk about. He said, "Messi is playing calmly He said, "Messi is playing calmly He said, "Messi is playing calmly and you can imagine how dangerous he can and you can imagine how dangerous he can and you can imagine how dangerous he can be." And he's already proving it. He's under no be." And he's already proving it. He's under no be." And he's already proving it. He's under no pressure. He's playing pressure. He's playing pressure. He's playing calmly. He's already won everything. It's like even calmly. He's already won everything. It's like even calmly. He's already won everything. It's like even Qatar Qatar Qatar always played under pressure, always played under pressure, with the national team. Well, perhaps before, in with the national team. Well, perhaps before, in the Copa America tournament, where he the Copa America tournament, where he the Copa America tournament, where he finally achieved a senior tournament finally achieved a senior tournament finally achieved a senior tournament with the national team, he let go a lot and that's why he seemed with the national team, he let go a lot and that's why he seemed with the national team, he let go a lot and that's why he seemed calmer, he gained calmer, he gained calmer, he gained much more confidence, and then the World Cup they much more confidence, and then the World Cup they much more confidence, and then the World Cup they had in Qatar, right? But had in Qatar, right? But had in Qatar, right? But certainly, that pressure that they never certainly, that pressure that they never certainly, that pressure that they never felt at Barcelona because they were felt at Barcelona because they were felt at Barcelona because they were always winners, they didn't have.

always winners, they didn't have. always winners, they didn't have. That pressure, which Barcelona didn't have That pressure, which Barcelona didn't have That pressure, which Barcelona didn't have , we saw it in Argentina. , we saw it in Argentina. , we saw it in Argentina. Yes. Uh, and I think that's the pressure Yes. Uh, and I think that's the pressure Yes. Uh, and I think that's the pressure Cristiano, Cristiano Ronaldo, is playing under right now Cristiano, Cristiano Ronaldo, is playing under right now Cristiano, Cristiano Ronaldo, is playing under right now . I think he has that . I think he has that . I think he has that pressure that Messi doesn't have. And I think pressure that Messi doesn't have. And I think pressure that Messi doesn't have. And I think I noticed him very anxious in that I noticed him very anxious in that I noticed him very anxious in that Portugal game, Portugal game, Portugal game, trying to get into the game, they trying to get into the game, they trying to get into the game, they neutralized him, and for a player in a neutralized him, and for a player in a neutralized him, and for a player in a World Cup who is trying to achieve World Cup who is trying to achieve World Cup who is trying to achieve something, something, something, I honestly, Davi, have never I honestly, Davi, have never I honestly, Davi, have never dragged myself into that or let myself be dragged myself into that or let myself be dragged myself into that or let myself be dragged into that conversation. I find it dragged into that conversation. I find it dragged into that conversation. I find it sterile and manic about Cristiano sterile and manic about Cristiano sterile and manic about Cristiano and Messi. I and Messi. I and Messi. I value both of them in their proper value both of them in their proper value both of them in their proper dimension. I greatly value what the dimension. I greatly value what the dimension. I greatly value what the Argentine star has done. Ronaldo seems to me, Argentine star has done. Ronaldo seems to me, Argentine star has done. Ronaldo seems to me, well, an absolute competitor, a well, an absolute competitor, a well, an absolute competitor, a predator of competitiveness, a guy predator of competitiveness, a guy predator of competitiveness, a guy who aroused great admiration in me, who aroused great admiration in me, who aroused great admiration in me, one with his performances, another with the one with his performances, another with the one with his performances, another with the others and well, the debate arises because that's what others and well, the debate arises because that's what others and well, the debate arises because that's what football is about. football is about. football is about. Hopefully Cristiano Ronaldo can have a Hopefully Cristiano Ronaldo can have a Hopefully Cristiano Ronaldo can have a great tournament with the great tournament with the great tournament with the Portuguese national team.

Portuguese national team. Portuguese national team. That's how it is. Let's hope so. And now, to That's how it is. Let's hope so. And now, to That's how it is. Let's hope so. And now, to wrap up all these topics, wrap up all these topics, wrap up all these topics, but time is running out, time is of the but time is running out, time is of the but time is running out, time is of the essence. Um, seeing what we've seen essence. Um, seeing what we've seen essence. Um, seeing what we've seen so far, the elections we've so far, the elections we've so far, the elections we've seen, the powers we seen, the powers we seen, the powers we were talking about earlier, were talking about earlier, were talking about earlier, at this moment, do you see anyone emerging who could at this moment, do you see anyone emerging who could at this moment, do you see anyone emerging who could take this take this take this to the end and to the end and to the end and win? The thing is, we're just now going through win? The thing is, we're just now going through win? The thing is, we're just now going through the the the second round of matches, right? All second round of matches, right? All second round of matches, right? All the teams have already made their debut, but the teams have already made their debut, but the teams have already made their debut, but we're only just now in the second round, and we're only just now in the second round, and we're only just now in the second round, and all the teams are just starting to all the teams are just starting to all the teams are just starting to play their second game, right? But I really play their second game, right? But I really play their second game, right? But I really liked what I saw from England and liked what I saw from England and liked what I saw from England and Thomas Tussel's team. The thing about Thomas Tussel's team. The thing about Thomas Tussel's team. The thing about England, in a derogatory way, people England, in a derogatory way, people England, in a derogatory way, people often call them "cold-hearted" because often call them "cold-hearted" because often call them "cold-hearted" because when things get tough, the when things get tough, the when things get tough, the English forget what they show English forget what they show English forget what they show in previous stages of the tournament. And in previous stages of the tournament. And in previous stages of the tournament. And look, they were look, they were look, they were semi-finalists in Russia, they semi-finalists in Russia, they semi-finalists in Russia, they fell in the fell in the fell in the quarter-finals against France in Qatar, quarter-finals against France in Qatar, quarter-finals against France in Qatar, who by the way in the round of 16, yes, against who by the way in the round of 16, yes, against who by the way in the round of 16, yes, against England in the quarter-finals, who in England in the quarter-finals, who in England in the quarter-finals, who in fact had the opportunity to tie that fact had the opportunity to tie that fact had the opportunity to tie that game, Harry Kane misses a penalty, right?

game, Harry Kane misses a penalty, right? game, Harry Kane misses a penalty, right? And they also have two runner-up finishes in the And they also have two runner-up finishes in the And they also have two runner-up finishes in the European Championship when everyone expected them to European Championship when everyone expected them to European Championship when everyone expected them to finally achieve it, that is, finally achieve it, that is, finally achieve it, that is, they lost one against Italy, another against they lost one against Italy, another against they lost one against Italy, another against Spain, at least Spain, at least Spain, at least they achieved one of the two. So they achieved one of the two. So they achieved one of the two. So England has always seemed to be left to England has always seemed to be left to England has always seemed to be left to watch. I like it, or maybe I just got really watch. I like it, or maybe I just got really watch. I like it, or maybe I just got really emotional with emotional with emotional with England's celebration at the front of the stands and England's celebration at the front of the stands and England's celebration at the front of the stands and their fans with their fans with their fans with Oasis's "Sonando Wonderwork". I'm a fan of Oasis's "Sonando Wonderwork". I'm a fan of Oasis's "Sonando Wonderwork". I'm a fan of Oasis, Oasis, Oasis, but I liked what I saw. I think it's but I liked what I saw. I think it's but I liked what I saw. I think it's a very well-structured team. Hopefully it a very well-structured team. Hopefully it a very well-structured team. Hopefully it would be interesting, although many people would be interesting, although many people would be interesting, although many people are pushing for an unprecedented final are pushing for an unprecedented final are pushing for an unprecedented final because of Portugal and Cristiano because of Portugal and Cristiano because of Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo and a first-ever champion. Ronaldo and a first-ever champion. Ronaldo and a first-ever champion. Yes, it would be nice to see something Yes, it would be nice to see something Yes, it would be nice to see something different, wouldn't it? Uh, different, wouldn't it? Uh, different, wouldn't it? Uh, something I wanted to include to wrap things up something I wanted to include to wrap things up something I wanted to include to wrap things up is the topic of the United States. The is the topic of the United States. The is the topic of the United States. The United States has surprised me in a United States has surprised me in a United States has surprised me in a way, and I don't take back way, and I don't take back way, and I don't take back what I said before, what I said before, what I said before, I didn't think the United States I didn't think the United States I didn't think the United States would make it through the group stage. I would make it through the group stage. I would make it through the group stage. I honestly didn't see it there.

honestly didn't see it there. honestly didn't see it there. Seriously, I didn't see it as that complicated. Seriously, I didn't see it as that complicated. Seriously, I didn't see it as that complicated. I didn't see it, I didn't see it, I didn't see it, eh, especially because the eh, especially because the eh, especially because the best eight third-placed teams qualify, David, best eight third-placed teams qualify, David, best eight third-placed teams qualify, David, too. Yes. So, I didn't too. Yes. So, I didn't too. Yes. So, I didn't see it as so complicated. What did see it as so complicated. What did see it as so complicated. What did suddenly make me doubt was the suddenly make me doubt was the suddenly make me doubt was the possibility that he could be a possibility that he could be a possibility that he could be a real cheerleader for the World Cup, but he was a real cheerleader for the World Cup, but he was a real cheerleader for the World Cup, but he was a driving force for Paraguay. driving force for Paraguay. driving force for Paraguay. Yes. Yes. Yes. And I think Paraguay got off easy. The And I think Paraguay got off easy. The And I think Paraguay got off easy. The United States, with their United States, with their United States, with their aim more precise, could have aim more precise, could have aim more precise, could have easily scored six goals against Paraguay. easily scored six goals against Paraguay. easily scored six goals against Paraguay. But we would be talking about something But we would be talking about something But we would be talking about something disastrous for Paraguay, something historic disastrous for Paraguay, something historic disastrous for Paraguay, something historic for the United States. for the United States. for the United States. Yes, it would have been a scandal. Yes, it would have been a scandal. Yes, it would have been a scandal. And then they played against Australia. And then they played against Australia. And then they played against Australia. Good game. Australia is not just Good game. Australia is not just Good game. Australia is not just any team either. any team either. any team either. They're Australian cripples They're Australian cripples They're Australian cripples and they were able to win that match. There's and they were able to win that match. There's and they were able to win that match. There's one player who has really caught my one player who has really caught my one player who has really caught my attention, it's Dest. Serginio Dest, what a attention, it's Dest. Serginio Dest, what a attention, it's Dest. Serginio Dest, what a player! I didn't really have him on my player! I didn't really have him on my player! I didn't really have him on my radar, but what he's shown in this radar, but what he's shown in this radar, but what he's shown in this World Cup has impressed me quite a bit. That's what's World Cup has impressed me quite a bit. That's what's World Cup has impressed me quite a bit. That's what's happening, isn't it? The happening, isn't it? The happening, isn't it? The World Cup is a showcase for World Cup is a showcase for World Cup is a showcase for players who might not be on the players who might not be on the players who might not be on the radar, as you say, to end up radar, as you say, to end up radar, as you say, to end up standing out, right?

standing out, right? standing out, right? Yes. And that's part of what Yes. And that's part of what Yes. And that's part of what the sporting tournament that crowns the sporting tournament that crowns the sporting tournament that crowns the king of sports means. the king of sports means. the king of sports means. Exact. Well, there you have it. Exact. Well, there you have it. Exact. Well, there you have it. This was the in-depth analysis. Thanks to This was the in-depth analysis. Thanks to This was the in-depth analysis. Thanks to Eduardo here who brings us a lot of Eduardo here who brings us a lot of Eduardo here who brings us a lot of important information, and important information, and important information, and to my good friend David Castro for the to my good friend David Castro for the to my good friend David Castro for the invitation and the compliment. invitation and the compliment. invitation and the compliment. Well, and Well, and Well, and now one is getting old and memory now one is getting old and memory now one is getting old and memory isn't the same, is isn't the same, is isn't the same, is it? But he also has a lot of information it? But he also has a lot of information it? But he also has a lot of information that I'm not very familiar with, but that's that I'm not very familiar with, but that's that I'm not very familiar with, but that's the good thing about bringing in people who the good thing about bringing in people who the good thing about bringing in people who know football, so we can know football, so we can know football, so we can talk in a pleasant way, have a nice talk in a pleasant way, have a nice talk in a pleasant way, have a nice conversation, and so people conversation, and so people conversation, and so people can also learn a little more about can also learn a little more about can also learn a little more about the history, the records, not the history, the records, not the history, the records, not just talk about the match, because just talk about the match, because just talk about the match, because everyone talks about the match, right? everyone talks about the match, right? everyone talks about the match, right? So, we've now reached So, we've now reached So, we've now reached the final whistle, ready to wrap things up. the final whistle, ready to wrap things up. the final whistle, ready to wrap things up. Now I've said it, as if to wrap things up. Now I've said it, as if to wrap things up. Now I've said it, as if to wrap things up. Now we're going to close. So, which Now we're going to close. So, which Now we're going to close. So, which match this week do you suddenly see as match this week do you suddenly see as match this week do you suddenly see as the most appealing? the most appealing? the most appealing? Well, the expectation surrounding Tuesday's Well, the expectation surrounding Tuesday's Well, the expectation surrounding Tuesday's Portugal match is generating a lot of Portugal match is generating a lot of Portugal match is generating a lot of excitement because of what excitement because of what excitement because of what Roberto Martínez's team has shown, and because of the doubts they've Roberto Martínez's team has shown, and because of the doubts they've Roberto Martínez's team has shown, and because of the doubts they've left behind.

left behind. left behind. Yes, Yes, Yes, I think that, I mean, in Portugal's second match I think that, I mean, in Portugal's second match I think that, I mean, in Portugal's second match , the Portuguese have to , the Portuguese have to , the Portuguese have to go out and win at all costs, because go out and win at all costs, because go out and win at all costs, because otherwise in the third match they will otherwise in the third match they will otherwise in the third match they will face Colombia. And well, that's going to face Colombia. And well, that's going to face Colombia. And well, that's going to be a catastrophe, just imagining be a catastrophe, just imagining be a catastrophe, just imagining Portugal not being able to get past the first Portugal not being able to get past the first Portugal not being able to get past the first round. round. round. Exact. Exact. Exact. In my opinion, the In my opinion, the In my opinion, the match that I want to see, that match that I want to see, that match that I want to see, that generates expectations for me, is the one against generates expectations for me, is the one against generates expectations for me, is the one against Portugal, because Portugal, because Portugal, because I'm going to cover it. I'm going to cover it. I'm going to cover it. Ah, well, what a privilege. I'm going Ah, well, what a privilege. I'm going Ah, well, what a privilege. I'm going to be at the stadium. to be at the stadium. to be at the stadium. What a privilege. What a privilege. What a privilege. But, for example, well, uh, Argentina, But, for example, well, uh, Argentina, But, for example, well, uh, Argentina, interesting, after Messi's hat trick interesting, after Messi's hat trick interesting, after Messi's hat trick , they're going to play against Austria tomorrow , they're going to play against Austria tomorrow , they're going to play against Austria tomorrow in Dallas, right? in Dallas, right? in Dallas, right? I have the Brazil-Scotland match very much on my radar I have the Brazil-Scotland match very much on my radar I have the Brazil-Scotland match very much on my radar , a game that generates a lot of , a game that generates a lot of , a game that generates a lot of excitement for me because excitement for me because excitement for me because I would like Neymar to return, that's why it I would like Neymar to return, that's why it I would like Neymar to return, that's why it generates so much excitement. How we generates so much excitement. How we generates so much excitement. How we need some pretty yogurt, don't we? need some pretty yogurt, don't we? need some pretty yogurt, don't we? Yes, yes. What a pity. I wish, I wish I had Yes, yes. What a pity. I wish, I wish I had Yes, yes. What a pity. I wish, I wish I had never imagined, David, that never imagined, David, that never imagined, David, that Brazil would have a Brazil would have a Brazil would have a foreign coach. That's something that's foreign coach. That's something that's foreign coach. That's something that's also kind of unprecedented. I imagine, I also kind of unprecedented. I imagine, I also kind of unprecedented. I imagine, I mean, I wouldn't have imagined it. Those mean, I wouldn't have imagined it. Those mean, I wouldn't have imagined it. Those galloping powerhouses, one used to galloping powerhouses, one used to galloping powerhouses, one used to get used to having a technician in the get used to having a technician in the get used to having a technician in the house. Yes, that's not it; it house. Yes, that's not it; it house. Yes, that's not it; it tells us and gives us a lot of reference tells us and gives us a lot of reference tells us and gives us a lot of reference to the crisis that Brazilian football is experiencing to the crisis that Brazilian football is experiencing to the crisis that Brazilian football is experiencing .

. . It's true. Brazil, as I said It's true. Brazil, as I said It's true. Brazil, as I said before, just like Paraguay, barely scraped through before, just like Paraguay, barely scraped through before, just like Paraguay, barely scraped through the qualifiers, finishing the qualifiers, finishing the qualifiers, finishing fifth. That wasn't seen before. Brazil was fifth. That wasn't seen before. Brazil was fifth. That wasn't seen before. Brazil was first, then second along with Argentina, first, then second along with Argentina, first, then second along with Argentina, now it ranked fifth. The thing is, now it ranked fifth. The thing is, now it ranked fifth. The thing is, well, the structure and well, the structure and well, the structure and distribution of places has been distribution of places has been distribution of places has been generous with Comebol and seven were included generous with Comebol and seven were included generous with Comebol and seven were included . Bolivia did . Bolivia did have the opportunity to play in the have the opportunity to play in the playoffs with a scandalous goal playoffs with a scandalous goal playoffs with a scandalous goal against them, against them, against them, and we, well, we're bad and we, well, we're bad and we, well, we're bad [laughs], my [laughs], my [laughs], my colleagues are going to ban me. Yes, no, colleagues are going to ban me. Yes, no, colleagues are going to ban me. Yes, no, well, there are 10 teams in Comebol, so to well, there are 10 teams in Comebol, so to well, there are 10 teams in Comebol, so to really not advance you have to really not advance you have to really not advance you have to be at a level, uh, not optimal. be at a level, uh, not optimal. be at a level, uh, not optimal. The pain that the Venezuelan national football team caused me was The pain that the Venezuelan national football team caused me was The pain that the Venezuelan national football team caused me was somehow somehow soothed by the baseball team's championship soothed by the baseball team's championship in the classic. in the classic. in the classic. Well, yes, well, Well, yes, well, Well, yes, well, but a passion is a passion, eh, to but a passion is a passion, eh, to but a passion is a passion, eh, to quote a character from the movie The quote a character from the movie The quote a character from the movie The Secret in Their Eyes.

Secret in Their Eyes. Secret in Their Eyes. Hey, that's my oldest girlfriend in Hey, that's my oldest girlfriend in Hey, that's my oldest girlfriend in sports and I'll always be with her no matter what sports and I'll always be with her no matter what sports and I'll always be with her no matter what . The . The . The Venezuelan national football team, as they call it, the Venezuelan national football team, as they call it, the Venezuelan national football team, as they call it, the Vinotinto. Vinotinto. Vinotinto. Yes, in the end, one's choice is Yes, in the end, one's choice is Yes, in the end, one's choice is one's choice, and for better or worse, one is one's choice, and for better or worse, one is one's choice, and for better or worse, one is always there. always there. always there. That's like if you have a child with bad That's like if you have a child with bad That's like if you have a child with bad behavior, you're going to stop loving them. behavior, you're going to stop loving them. behavior, you're going to stop loving them. Exact. You ca Exact. You ca Exact. You ca n't decide. n't decide. n't decide. It's something that's there. You can't control your It's something that's there. You can't control your It's something that's there. You can't control your heart or your feelings. heart or your feelings. heart or your feelings. Well, there you have it. This was the Well, there you have it. This was the Well, there you have it. This was the final whistle. We've reached the end of the final whistle. We've reached the end of the final whistle. We've reached the end of the program. Uh, thanks for connecting, program. Uh, thanks for connecting, program. Uh, thanks for connecting, thanks for being here with a couple of thanks for being here with a couple of thanks for being here with a couple of people who connected, so people who connected, so people who connected, so thank you. Hey, if you want to thank you. Hey, if you want to thank you. Hey, if you want to interact, like I said interact, like I said interact, like I said last week, do it respectfully so last week, do it respectfully so last week, do it respectfully so we can all have a good time. we can all have a good time. we can all have a good time. Thank you, Eduardo, for being with us. Thank you, Eduardo, for being with us. Thank you, Eduardo, for being with us. Thank you, David, for Thank you, David, for Thank you, David, for the invitation. Very happy. the invitation. Very happy. the invitation. Very happy. Yes, let's hope it happens again. Uh, I don't Yes, let's hope it happens again. Uh, I don't Yes, let's hope it happens again. Uh, I don't know if Germán is going to come back, know if Germán is going to come back, know if Germán is going to come back, the invitation is still open. And well, we're going to keep the invitation is still open. And well, we're going to keep the invitation is still open. And well, we're going to keep bringing in guests. Hey, I still owe you bringing in guests. Hey, I still owe you the program in English. He's coming, he's the program in English. He's coming, he's coming. The thing is, having coming. The thing is, having coming. The thing is, having Eduardo here, he has very Eduardo here, he has very Eduardo here, he has very specific things to say, and we manage to do it in Spanish specific things to say, and we manage to do it in Spanish specific things to say, and we manage to do it in Spanish . It's . It's . It's better to say them in the language of better to say them in the language of better to say them in the language of Cervantes.

Cervantes. Cervantes. Exact. So, Exact. So, Exact. So, thank you again for joining us. We'll be here thank you again for joining us. We'll be here thank you again for joining us. We'll be here again next week at 10 again next week at 10 again next week at 10 a.m., between 10:10 and 15 a.m., between 10:10 and 15 a.m., between 10:10 and 15 a.m. Central Time. And this was called a.m. Central Time. And this was called a.m. Central Time. And this was called CG Sports Spot Passion, our podcast. CG Sports Spot Passion, our podcast. CG Sports Spot Passion, our podcast. See you next week. See you See you next week. See you See you next week. See you later.