E234: The Final Countdown: World Cup Semi-Finals, Saliba Injury & England Crash Out (World Cup Show)

What this episode covers

The World Cup has reached its final weekend, with Spain and Argentina emerging from the semi-finals to set up a meeting in New Jersey.Gavin and Justin review the quarter-finals, including Mikel Merino’s latest decisive contribution for Spain, Martin Ødegaard’s standout performance as Norway pushed England into extra time, and the controversial VAR intervention that changed Argentina’s win over Switzerland.Attention then turns to the semi-finals as Spain overpower France, William Saliba suffers a worrying back injury and England surrender their lead against Argentina following a series of increasingly defensive decisions from Thomas Tuchel.The episode also examines whether international managers should be required to represent their own countries, why England continues to produce so few elite coaches, the battle for the Golden Boot and whether the third-place play-off still deserves a place at the World Cup.Chapters:(00:00) - Arteta's Non-Negotiables & Intro(00:24) - France Beat Morocco & World Cup Quarter-Finals Begin(02:50) - Spain vs Belgium & Mikel Merino's Late Winner(06:10) - England Edge Norway & Ødegaard Shines(08:51) - Argentina vs Switzerland & Embolo's Controversial Red Card(13:06) - Spain Outclass France & Saliba's Injury Blow(18:06) - Argentina Knock Out England & Tuchel Under Fire(23:04) - Should International Managers Coach Their Own Countries?(33:01) - Golden Boot Race & The Third-Place Play-Off Debate(37:19) - Outro

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