Transcript of FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Preview | Morally Abhorrent New

Howdy everyone, it is Mike Ryan here live. Morally abhorrent. We're gonna bring Chris Velika on in a second. I think you can hear the bear rummaging through his cave right now even. Uh, we're gonna, we're gonna bring Bear on in just a moment to preview this incredible round of 32. But, uh, we get underway with Canada and South Africa, a standalone match. Not really sure what FIFA was thinking with just one match on Sunday, and it ends up being probably the worst matchup of the entire World Cup tournament. Uh, no real takeaway here other than Alphonso Davies, uh, Canada's most talented, most brilliant, uh, soccer product, finally makes, uh, his World Cup debut in 2026 for Canada. Changes the game somewhat, does impact it. They certainly looked a lot more threatening in the attack once he, uh, joined the field. Canada gets a late winner. Thank God, uh, we don't have to sit through extra time in that one because that game, Bear, was probably I know it was a knockout stage, so you had some dramatic moments and some clearances off the line and whatnot, but, uh, that was a pretty boring match. It was probably the worst match of this tournament.

It was— well, you figure we had the most exciting, most batshit wild match last night with Austria and Algeria, so of course we're going to back it up with the biggest dud. But as a better— like, what's better than that? The only thing that was disappointing for me is that it ultimately didn't go to kicks because I, I DK before the tournament started, we played that over 4.5 matches to go to penalties, and it looked like we were going to get one there, but credit Canada for getting the, uh, the late winner. But yeah, this is going to be interesting to see. A lot of people that are new to soccer, we saw all of the, the overs and the big star scoring and both teams to score in the group stage. Knockout round matches are a completely different animal, and it would not be surprising to me to see a lot more matches wind up this way than what we saw late, say, last night with a 3-3 wild match where the lead changes hands a couple of times.

Yeah, I've spoken to some sources inside of sportsbooks, Bear, and everyone in the United States is kind of blown away at the sheer volume of this. So you have some World Cup games rivaling American football action, and we'll talk to you about the betting angle here. Canada was a lot of people's pick to make it to at least the round of 16. I think most people assumed that they were going to win their group if that was going to be their path. They don't end up playing in Vancouver. They're going to stay here in the States and they're going to need all the luck that they can have against our next opponent because there's an absolute banger of a game between Morocco and Netherlands. I think that one's happening in Monterrey. That match is going to be incredible. I don't think we anticipate Canada going very long, but this is probably the greatest moment in, in their soccer nation's history, at least on the men's side.

No, it has to be a first knockout round, uh, win, whether it was going to be them or they get through. And I think this was something that a lot of people were looking at when you looked at the betting angles and look at the handicapping. The Netherlands were a lot of people's sleeper. Morocco were a lot of people's sleeper. Like, I thought Morocco could win that group against Brazil. Ultimately they finished second. But yeah, you have a matchup now tomorrow in Monterrey this is like a quarterfinal or a semifinal type matchup with what, 2 teams in the top 8 in the FIFA rankings, which really don't mean a hell of a lot to me, but people will see that. And obviously the Dutch defense has been a little bit of a, a mess so far. People thought it was going to be one of the stronger units in the, in the tourney, but they haven't kept a clean sheet yet. And Morocco has certainly been getting goals when they needed them at opportune times. So this is a great one to finish off tomorrow night, and I would certainly expect the winner of this one to get through, uh, to the quarterfinal and most likely play France.

All right, so let's say on that game, since you've already done a pretty good job, uh, previewing it, Bear, uh, what's the betting angle here, uh, for you? I, I think this is, uh, gonna be a popular both teams to score, uh, bet. Uh, that one's probably gonna be a little taxed.

Yeah, it is, and that was what I landed on when I was doing my, some of my little videos before. I think both teams to score is a very obvious angle here because you do have players like Dumfries in the back, uh, for the Netherlands who can score. Hakimi, who is not shy about putting the ball, uh, on goal. They did— both teams to score would be my play here. And then a draw, you might be able to get a pretty nice price on a draw too because I think you're probably paying a little bit of a tax on the Dutch, uh, just because of their goal-scoring ability here. But Morocco is certainly a team that can, can shut them down. And 1-1, even 2-2, would not be a surprise to me at all. But both teams to score, despite the tax and despite my talking about how in the knockout rounds you normally don't see a lot of this, I, I think draw, both teams to score, would be the way I would attack this.

Who do you think gets through? I, I favor the Dutch to advance in this one. I think it's going to be a high-scoring affair. I know Morocco's, uh, gone deep in knockout stages here recently in a couple of different tournaments. But, uh, with Brobbey coming on in the attack and Gakpo seemingly being a much different player when he puts on that orange shirt, uh, I think that they'll be able to crack that, uh, that back line.

I ultimately do think, uh, the Dutch will get through. I do think they have more options, uh, to score. I hope not because I have Morocco to reach the round of 16. Ticket in pocket as well. So, but I, I do think the Dutch ultimately get through. I, I will wonder though, if they get to, if they get the kicks, maybe you do have a, uh, an edge here for Morocco because I'm, uh, the Dutch goalkeeping has been a little bit of a question mark moving forward.

Yeah, uh, definitely favor Morocco's keeper there. We get things going tomorrow with an absolute banger of a match, one that we kind of saw like a freight train coming our way when the groups came out. Everyone I, I— everyone was excited about the possibility of Japan and Brazil. Now this is an upset special that I foretold in our initial preview episodes, and I know Brazil with their high press, uh, they look good. Vinícius, for my money, is probably— you can make an argument he's been the best player this tournament. I think probably second best. I, I just rate what Jude Bellingham has done defensively, but Vinícius has been really, uh, really a pleasant surprise with how effective his high press been and his clinical finishing. I, I don't think this is Scotland, right? I don't think that Japan is going to be as fazed by the pressing as certainly Scotland was. Japan just seems so skilled and so good with the ball at their feet. They do have some injuries here which, you know, play into Brazil's advantage a little bit, but I think both teams score here, and I'm gonna still hold on, to, to the hope that I had before this tournament got going, that Japan can, can snipe Brazil here.

That being said, my confidence is a little shaken with how well Brazil has played here in the last two matches.

Well, is it more of a who Brazil maybe has played in the last two matches? Not exactly the best competition. I'm with you. I think, I think Japan to advance at a plus price is certainly worth a look. I think both teams to score is certainly worth a look. And like, you played it out pretty well. Japan does not have a player the caliber of level of Vini Jr., uh, on the squad. But their midfield is very good. They are a structurally sound, disciplined team that aren't gonna open themselves up despite being, uh, very aggressive. Brazil's midfield, I still think athletically is a problem. I mean, I know the match— again, whoever the hell it was, Haiti or whoever they closed it out with, like throwing Fabinho on— and this is not the 2018 World This is 2026, like it's crazy that he's still playing. I, I'm with you. I think Japan can give them a lot of problems. Uh, all of the, uh, the underdog type options— both teams to score, draw, Japan to advance— I think all of those are on the table.

We have, uh, Germany-Paraguay as the, uh, the middle match tomorrow, and I guess the line kind of reflects what you and I probably think here that this is a bit of a flat track for Germany. I don't think Paraguay scores in this one. And if I'm looking at player props in that attack, I think that this one, once Paraguay gets in a position where they have to chase the game— and we saw with the US, once that defensive integrity has to be compromised when they start chasing a game— I think Germany can start putting balls in the back of the net. And this is a great opportunity for the super sub to to score as soon as that dude checks in the game. I'm always playing that action.

It's, it's been crazy that he has been the guy who, uh, Nagelsmann has gone to. Like, we have not— he— I don't know, Nick Voldemar must not be in favor at all. Like, he must not have any idea what to do with him. I mean, so for him not to have played so far was surprising. But I agree, I think this is a, a Germany-to-nil win. I think looking in the player markets for maybe a Florian Wirtz assist or anytime goal or assist. I think something like that is probably in order as well. This feels like, like a 2-0 type win for Germany and, and moving on to play France in the quarters or the round of 16, I should say.

All right. On Tuesday, we got some really intriguing matchups and one that most people have circled as possible match of the round of 32, Ivory Coast versus Norway. A lot of people are going to be betting both teams to score. A lot of Haaland to score bets. One of my favorite bets that hasn't cashed is he had Haaland to score with a header. This is what he does really well and Norway whips in crosses. So I think you can do that. Now Ivory Coast do have some center backs that are pretty good in the air too, but no one, no one can, can match up with Haaland aerially. So I always think that that's an interesting bet to place with Erling Haaland. He tends to do it a lot. So I'm going to be prop hunting here. A lot of people like the draw. I think Ivory Coast is a better team though.

I do too. I, I, I like Ivory Coast to, uh, to advance, uh, as well. Maybe you win in 90. I mean, they certainly have, uh, found some goals after halftime in this tournament. Unfortunately couldn't hold on to that 1-0 lead, uh, against Germany, which could have flipped that bracket somewhat. But I think they're in a bit— that did not bother me like from my forecast point on Ivory Coast because I'd much rather be here playing Norway and then potentially Brazil or Japan than I would being flipped onto the, the other side of the bracket and basically having your tournament done in the round of 16 against France because that's a, that's a no-go right there. But I am with you. I like the Ivory Coast. I think prop hunting is a way to go here. I think it's an under tight game. I think Ivory Coast are really, really good defensively. I think you look— you mentioned the center backs, uh, you've got Yandy Amade who can control the ball with the dribble, uh, you've got Franck Kessié in the midfield, a veteran guy who again can kind of control the pace of the match, and maybe you limit, uh, Haaland's, uh, ability in the air and the other players, uh, that they have, that Sirloaf and the other attackers that they have.

I'm curious to see— again, this is like a, a, an NFL-type philosophy or a final regular season game of college football season where 10 changes— what was it, 9 or 10 changes in that last match against France. Get these guys some rest and now we'll see, are they a little rusty? Are they a little, uh, rested? How is that going to work against the Ivory Coast? But I do like the Ivory Coast here to advance, and I think there is an excellent chance that we see either Japan or the Ivory Coast move through potentially to the semifinal. If you're looking for a long shot or a dark horse type play, take a look at the prices on Japan or Ivory Coast to reach the semis, because what we've seen on the other side of this, the bottom side of this draw here and of that mini pod there, Mexico, England— like, I would not be scared at all if I'm Ivory Coast or Japan if I get past Brazil to, uh, to face England or Mexico and potentially move on.

Barry, you made some really good points about, uh, how Ivory Coast can keep the ball away. The only thing that scares me away from that under is, uh, Dallas Stadium appears to be a bit of an over venue. Uh, the indoor games, I'm still trying to gather data, but the games, the ball tends to fly in, in that venue. So I don't know, uh, but I think logic would suggest under possibly because everyone's gonna just be looking at those kits and thinking like, man, this game is gonna be so fun. It is early in the day. And to your point, maybe a little bit, a bit of a sleepy start here in this one. France-Sweden, I think this might be the ass-kicking of the first round of the knockout stage. Uh, Sweden, I, I just hate the way that they play defensively. I, I don't, I don't rate their manager one bit as a, uh, as a Chelsea supporter.

Really? I was gonna say, I figured you'd be a big grandpa again.

Yeah. Uh, and look, France is probably the most— and not even probably, is the most athletic team in this tournament right now. I think that they're just going to be running by Sweden and I don't think that this is a 2-0 type of bet here because Sweden's been talented in the attack and even when they're getting their ass kicked, they find a way to score a goal. But player props spreads, I think France dominates this one.

Yeah, this is probably a France over 2.5 type team total. Bet for me. I'd look for your— for best. 3.5 seems a little bit steep, but, uh, France over 2.5, maybe France, uh, over 1.5 in the first half, because like you said, they are gonna, uh— and other than the, the first half against Senegal in our group text, where, I mean, we're talking about France and how poor they looked in that first half, and, oh, here we go again, and Bappé is killing them, and then the second half they made the move, uh, tactically. And ever since then, it has been all systems go. They have been a completely different dominant team. Uh, I know, like I said, it was Norway's B team that they put out there, but that would— offensively, I mean, now you have Dembélé going, uh, it's going to be a problem for everybody. They are what I've— they've been the most impressive team in the tournament for me. And despite landing on this side of the bracket and potential really tough round of 16 game with Germany and then potentially a semifinal against either Portugal or Spain, it's going to be hard to keep them out of the final there, I think.

But yeah, I would be looking to maybe lay 2.5 goals with France, team total over 2.5, and then look for them to get a good start early on here at MetLife in a couple of days.

Yeah, the prospect of Dembélé finally getting going in the national team shirt is terrifying. I will say, though, Norway, even though it was a B team, they got into threatening positions often, and I wasn't a fan of how France defended in that game. And I think that they're going to need to tighten that up if, if they're indeed to go to, to the final here.

Sure.

It was just something that I wasn't the biggest fan of, so I, I filed that one away.

Yep. Uh, Mexico wasn't even out there. That's the most worrying thing. It was, it was, it was their normal defensive unit that, uh, but I wonder if there was a little bit of a a lack of concentration at times, just knowing Norway were so open for business, and they kind of just kind of let up a little bit. They did play, they did play better in the second half.

Yeah, but Norway was just so poor finishing too, like that, just in the final third they, they got into these threatening positions and, and they just botched things. They met, they missed the pen. It was one of the worst pens I've ever seen taken. Um, you mentioned that you have, uh, over what, 4.5 games to go to PKs here. Uh, well, there's a good possibility of that happening in Mexico-Ecuador. This is a nil-nil draw, uh, multiple hydration break type of game here. We're going to extra time in this one, I think, Bear.

Yeah, it feels like that as well. I mean, Ecuador got that win against Germany the other day in a match that they needed to have, and they got it. But yeah, this is in Mexico City, um, that is going to be a problematic, uh, atmosphere for them. To, to get, to get any type of result here. Mexico's defense has been good. Uh, home crowd obviously all in favor of Mexico. Pardon me for looking up, I got the golf on here right down the street at TPC River Highlands, the, uh, the 5th major. So we're watching that, uh, as we're talking. Scheffler just was in the, um, in the rough there and put it on the green. He's got a pretty look. But yeah, I'm with you, both teams to score, no draw possibility, all of the, the wonderful type knockout round matches, uh, that I love to look and wager on and watch. And, uh, give, give, give me boring all day long. But yeah, this feels like maybe a Mexico 1-0, Mexico to win in kicks type of, type of play.

Yeah, I was really surprised, number one, by the incredible comeback by Ecuador. That they are not built to, to come back in the fashion that they did, and that was a tremendous moment for them. I had Ecuador making it to the knockout stages, didn't have them finishing where they A lot of people had them as a dark horse. Yeah, these are two teams that I had. Yeah, I had them going to the quarterfinals and getting like France in a rock fight and knocking them out in the process. And now this is a real tough draw for both these teams that I, that I had making some noise here in the knockout stage. And if I'm Mexico, I'm real worried because that team is used to playing in altitude. It won't really affect Ecuador. They're used to dragging games in the mud. This is exactly the type of match that Ecuador is very comfortable in. And while I favor the host nation here to get through, that is not the opponent that I had them seeing. And I'm a little worried about Mexico here. So I, I think I might be putting some money on Ecuador to advance here.

Well, you know, England is certainly rooting for Ecuador because they will not want to have to face Mexico and deal with the elevation there and that the crowded Azteca, uh, in, in the round of 16 as well. So you, you know, England is certainly looking to to see Ecuador instead of Mexico.

Well, speaking of England, they're going to be playing in Atlanta against, uh, DR Congo. And Alexi Lalas mentioned this on the broadcast a little bit, and I know he's not the most popular guy, but I do think people are a little bit hyperbolic when it comes to their England, uh, uh, their England analysis here. And, uh, and they get a little breathless anytime, you know, they're not up 3 goals in inside of 20 minutes. I think they're a really talented team. I already mentioned I think Jude Bellingham's probably playing the best complete game of this tournament so far. I'm holding on, uh, a Golden Ball ticket for Jude Bellingham, so I'm gonna just—

10, 12, 15 to 1 maybe.

Yeah, yeah, that insane prices. There's such incredible value there that, you know, yeah, I'll take multiple darts on some guys. Vinicius and Jude Bellingham were two of those guys, and I'm sitting pretty right now. Those guys look pretty good.

While you mentioned that, what's your opinion on, Golden Ball. Like, do you think if Argentina— like, will they— if, if Messi wins, uh, the Golden Boot and if Argentina get to the final and lose, like, do you think he could still win the Golden Ball as well? Or do you think that's going to go to— if France wins, one of the— either Mbappé or Alissé?

Yeah, uh, well, Alissé's got to do a little bit more. Like, there hasn't been like that, that the, the Modric type of midfield play, right? That the guy that I had is like a dark horse for the Golden Ball entering was like Vitinha, right? Someone that can do stuff like that, and he hasn't really flashed either. This might be a year where— I know it sounds obvious and it's almost boring to talk about, Bear, but every time Messi steps on the field, he, he just shows a complete mastery in the, uh, of the game. He has mastered the attacking aspects of this game, and I don't know if there's such a thing as Messi fatigue when it comes to voting for the—

I don't think so either.

Yeah, Bellingham tracks back defensively and Messi doesn't do that. So like, in terms of like complete performance, this is also going to have to rely on England going for— with Argentina's draw right now, they don't look like they can be stopped presently from a deep run. Sounds boring to say, but maybe Messi takes both of them from what it's looking like.

You mentioned that, you mentioned England. No, we really didn't give a thought on that match. And I, I think what you were talking about with what Alexi said, I think there is some truth to that. I mean, Thomas Tuchel, like, that's every England match is gonna, is gonna look the same. Like, you know what you're gonna get. And this feels like an England to win 2-0 type of match. I can see 1-0, I see 2-0, uh, potentially as a score here. Uh, Congo will be, I think, hard-pressed to score. And by the way, can we get the Superfan to Atlanta? Like, not to go off on a little bit of a tangent here, yes, like, the World Cup is for the fans, by the fans. The fans make it, the countries make it. It's not supposed to be political. And politics obviously got involved in this guy not getting a visa to be able to come to Atlanta and go to the game. Please, the team, the nation has talked about what an inspiration he is. And now you got— you're in the knockout round for the first time. Come on, get my man Lumumba to the match.

Well, I saw that he pulled an endorsement deal. He's got a deodorant, uh, really? Yeah, endorsed for him. It's actually a pretty inspired thing because I can imagine you're working up a sweat when you're standing like a statue.

Absolutely. Like, I I'm trying to picture myself with the workout. Like, if I'm standing there for 90 plus, that's got to be a little bit of a good little core type workout.

Yeah, I was in, in Guadalajara for their match against Colombia, and I was like, all right, how much of this is a put on? Does he— he can't possibly be doing this the entire match, right? Maybe when he knows the camera's on him, he plays it up. No, the guy is legit a statue. It's a real deal. It's awesome. Senegal, Belgium. I like Senegal here. I don't understand, is this brand recognition? I know Senegal, you know, I think in their last match they finally started putting it together. I don't think they played their best game yet here, but the same can absolutely be said about Belgium. I, I'm not at all impressed with Belgium. They're still counting on a waterlogged corpse in Lukaku. I like Senegal to advance here.

Yeah, I can see that. I I'm on— this is probably not a match I will be wagering on, uh, it does feel also very dry. I could see maybe under 2.5 is potentially a way to go, but I am concerned about Belgium because you wonder if maybe they started playing themselves a little bit more into form in that last match. I know it was New Zealand and, and I know they're no good, but you did see what, 34, 35 shot attempts. The goals finally started coming when they need them. They did wind up winning the group like they should have. It wasn't as easy as they thought. And anytime you've got, uh, a Doku or De Bruyne or Lukaku, you've got guys who can control control a match. So like, talent-wise, it's there. I've been vocal about how they've been underperforming. You've got a keeper who can single-handedly win you a match, so they are— they're dangerous moving forward. And I think, uh, the US certainly lost out when Belgium wound up winning that group and it was Belgium-Senegal as opposed to Egypt-Senegal.

Yeah, I don't really fear Belgium as much. I know that they have like threatening players. KDB can still give you a good scare, but they're just counting on some really old players that I'm not falling for the New Zealand trap, you know. I'm just not. I, I bring on, bring on the winner of this game. I'm, I'm good. Uh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, we got to play both of them, uh, against the United States in, uh, San Francisco, Santa Clara, uh, the Bay Area hosting this one. A nice path. I mean, if you're fantasy booking it, this is one of the handpicked opponents you would like, but you know, gotta play it. The weight of expectations bear. I, I have a feeling you're gonna say something a little unpopular here. What you got?

Very unpopular. Like, you gotta play it. Um, it is the type of team who is gonna ugly the matchup. It's gonna be a bog, a slog. They are good on set pieces because of their height inside. And you mentioned there's a lot of pressure now on the US to go out there and win. You see this and it's like, oh, they're going to win. Oh, and you can beat— Belgium's been uninspiring and Senegal have issues in their camp. We can get to the quarterfinal and play either Spain or Portugal. And you look at that big number, what is it like, I'll try to like -800 or whatever to advance now for the US. Like everyone's considering this a foregone conclusion. Like ask Italy about Bosnia and advancing past them as a foregone conclusion. Didn't happen. Uh, I— draw is going to be— in terms of betting the number, handicappers and bettors like to bet the number. And in terms of the number, draw is going to be probably too, uh, too nice of a price for me to avoid, uh, getting behind here. Uh, I, I do think ultimately, I mean, athletically the US is better, like, like, yes, pace-wise, and they're probably better than what Italy were too.

And so maybe they can potentially—

and Bosnia is not at all athletic, they are laboring. And so I do think styles make fights. So I, I kind of understand the price here, Bear, a little bit. I'm with you, I, I always think the knockout stages are a different deal. I'm always worried about you know, these teams that kind of play anti-football, especially against teams like the US that kind of love the smell of their own farts when they're pushing forward a little bit. We, we've seen them open up and be susceptible some to some counterattacks, but I don't think they have the athletes to really hurt us back there. I maybe Bosnia spread in this one. What kind of— I don't know what kind of juice I'd be laying there, but yeah, like a +1.5 maybe, maybe throw that in.

Yeah, You probably, probably still gonna have to lay out a little, think of the price. I would think in mind, plus 1.5, I would think that would be, be a favorite as well. I'll take a look at the lines and see what we get by the time Wednesday rolls around.

All right, uh, we head over to Portugal-Croatia. Now Portugal-Colombia proved that a 0-0 draw can still be thrilling. That was one of the best matches I've seen. That was an absolute scene at Hard Rock Stadium last night. And, uh, yeah, really impressive, really dramatic game, really great moments. The offside, I mean, that the game can be like—

what are we doing, by the way? Like, like, what do— what are we doing? Yes, I get technically he was offside, but like, between that and then like, uh, the, the player for Iran whose ass was like offside, they're facing the other— like, what are we doing?

Like, yeah, I'm with you. That's not the spirit of the law. That, that, that's just not the spirit of that rule. I always thought that there should be a more margin of error too. Like, give a couple inches here. He's not getting an advantage by having a toenail off.

Or like when a fingertip is off, you can't use your hand. Like, why does that matter?

Yeah, and I, I get it, and everyone gets exacerbated and, you know, throws their arms in the air. And then I— it was pointed out to me on, on social media that, you know, we stop games for like 15 minutes in the NFL and we do the same kind of thing with catch. And I'm like, yeah, I guess, uh, Yeah, we're probably being a little too hard on soccer. The Americans don't exactly have their act together here, but Portugal—

what's the catch? Did he do the same exact shit? It's all— yeah, we do the same exact ball, right?

Uh, we got Portugal, Croatia. Not a— not an opponent I'd want to see. Croatia, they're like zombies, man.

I—

every year I, I say they're too old. I thought they were too old when they made it to the final. I'm, I'm done doubting them, but I like Portugal. I, and I know that was nil-nil yesterday, but I came away still thinking, all right, that I, I can see this team making the run. This is the Portugal that I thought we were getting in this tournament. The Ronaldo thing, you know, he's gonna have to play better. He's, he, he's just gonna have to play better, Bear, um, or risk the consequence. I, I, it's not— I don't— he was— he wasn't hurting them. As much as he was hurting them in their first match, but he's just—

he wasn't helping them either.

Yeah, he's just a non-factor. He's perpetually offside. Um, he's got a— he's got to respond to it. He— I think he showed, um, that he can bounce back and put forth, uh, put forth a good performance, and he's gonna have to just simply play better here. But, um, I got Portugal advancing in this one, and we can finally send off this golden generation of Croatia. Does this match scare you in Toronto?

Oh, it It totally scares me because Croatia, they still have guys who can, who can contribute at that age. They've been through the wars. Like, they know this is, this is their last stand. And look, one of my, one of my buddies who is Portuguese, um, texting with him throughout the match yesterday, and he was talking about Ronaldo and talking about how Ronaldo in the past had talked about how Ryan Giggs, when he was at United, was a big influence and impact, and he learned so much from Giggs. And the one thing that it appears that he hasn't learned from Giggs is that the end of your career, maybe you step aside and you're okay with coming off the bench and being impactful for about 25 minutes later, and later in the match when you've got your energy, and other— and the starters are kind of wearing down a little bit. And realizing that maybe you're not a starter anymore for the good of the team. You put yourself in the best position to win, and you can have a great impact later. Like, that, that's the problem. Like, he should not be starting. Uh, we saw immediately, uh, Rafael Leão, when he put it— brought him on in the, in the 70th minute, that immediate run down the left side and, uh, doing chances.

Like, like, you, you gotta bring him in. All— and they— Roberto Martinez will not. He won't. But he needs to. That being said, I still like that Portuguese midfield. And, and if they don't get past Croatia there, it's going to be very, very ugly and, and sad actually, because you do have one of the great players of all time, and for him to end his career on the international level on a down note where he really— him not having a great tournament and how it impacted the, the chemistry and the team is really not good to see. But I do think Portugal will win, and that is going to set up potentially a, a, a quarter— for around a 16th match that could be, uh, a final in any other year.

Yeah, I— well, let's touch on Spain-Austria. I, I don't think Spain's gonna have much difficulty in Austria, especially in that midfield. I just think they, they can chew them up here. Uh, Lamine Yamal to score, uh, I think he gets going in this game too. But this one's going to be easy for Spain. Austria.

Yeah, this is Spain 2-0, Spain 2-0, Austria not to score, full halftime, full time, all of the different ways. Just find your best price on Spain. It's something along those lines because what we've seen from Austria has not been great. Very fortunate to get out of that group. Switzerland with the draw as well.

Switzerland, Algeria. I think this is an opportunity here for an upset. Um, I have not been impressed at all with Switzerland this tournament, and, uh, I, I think Algeria still can put forth a much better effort than we've seen right now. I don't think they've played a complete game. I see that this one is a potential for you to, to contribute to your over 4.5, uh, matches going to PK there.

I, I do. And it's also, it also would be very nice if, uh, Switzerland would win and Austria would go out because we got one of those head-to-heads before the tournament as well, uh, Switzerland to go further than Austria. That was, uh, they had the head-to-head. So, uh, as long as Austria don't shock the world against Spain, we'll get our money back at worst. But you keep, you keep wanting more from Switzerland. You keep wanting more from Algeria, but draw does feel very enticing here.

Yeah, I think this one goes to PKs. Australia-Egypt, both teams to score. I've been impressed with Australia's athleticism, um, once they get going on the counter. They got guys that can move. And, uh, Egypt's been a nice story when a lot of people were, you know, not, not too bullish on their chances entering this tournament. You know, probably should have won the group. I, I know that I was bummed. I held the ticket on them to win the group. I know a few people that did. Yeah, this one might have a draw on it. I like both teams to score here. I think this match can be fun.

Both teams to score, by the way. Egypt's got some, some injuries, uh, in, and they on their defensive line, uh, and that could be a big problem here. Both teams to score draw feels, uh, it feels like a good play.

Argentina, Cabo Verde. Uh, Messi to score.

Yeah, what I've been doing— twice.

Yeah, what I've been doing and, and finding a lot of success is, uh, next goal scorer when these matches, uh, are in progress. That's like really the only value that I find in Messi at this point because he's so taxed. Uh, but yeah, Messi's gonna boss this team.

Yeah, again, this is a I mean, they could play probably, what, 180 minutes and Cape Verde wouldn't score.

Yeah, this match is in Hard Rock. This match is in, in Miami.

Oh yeah, they got no chance. This is, this is probably 3-0.

Yeah. Uh, and finally, the last match of the, uh, the round of 16, Colombia-Ghana from Kansas City. Yeah, you know, under here, I, I think Colombia will go through. I think Colombia win in regulation, but no, maybe— yeah, but I can see this one being nil-nil at the half and people getting a little nervy. What do you think of this one?

Yeah, this, this could be very reminiscent of the match that we just saw today. It could be a lot like that because Guillermo Quiroz, that system is hard to break down. Uh, we did ultimately see Croatia get a couple yesterday, but Ghana were already through, so it really didn't matter. This is, this is going to be really, really, really rough to watch. We saw Colombia have some opportunities yesterday, but Ghana is not going to make it easy on them. This feels like a 1-0 type. Ghana plus a goal and a half, like you talked about earlier with Bosnia-Herzegovina. Yeah, Ghana plus a goal and a half, both teams to score no. 0-0, 1-0 feels very much in play here.

All right, Bear, well, uh, I'll let you go on that note, let you watch the end of that, uh, that PGA tournament over there.

61 to tie Sheffler now for the lead, 20 under in the clubhouse. The rain is coming down about 20 minutes, 25 minutes east of here, so, uh, I'm sure we'll see what happens. Could be, uh, threatening me throwing on the grill here shortly.

Yeah, love seeing you, buddy. Go Canes, as always.

Absolutely. That's— let's throw it up. Let's, let's go. We're ready, ready for this year. I, I can't wait. I got— I know on the field, talent-wise, uh, Miami could be better than they were a year ago. It's just going to be a question of how do the losses of the alphas in that room— you're losing a Key Messidor, you lose a Reuben Gaines, you lose a Keontae Scott, you lose a CJ Daniels— all of all those, you lose a season ago, you lose the core, the guys that kept it together. And a lot of times maybe there's a little bit of a— so that the self-policing that went on in that locker room, it's going to be up to a couple of guys in there to— Mark Fletcher and some other guys in there to really step forward and make sure that they, uh, get back to the, to the game that they were in last year and came out so close to winning.

Yep. Well, here's to, uh, making the same type of memories that we made last year. That was an incredible run. It was great. Great to finally talk about us in a positive light too.

Yeah.

All right, Bear, we'll see you. We'll close things out here on Morally Abhorrent with a personal note here on these games. And again, Bear, thank you. I have really been buoyed by this World Cup. Obviously, it's well chronicled. The show's name is Morally Abhorrent. I've been buoyed by the human spirit in a weird Ted Lasso-y type of way. The healing power of sport, I guess. Seeing all these cultures come together and interact in harmony and in celebration, they have plenty of things in common. One glorious thing in common is this World Cup, the biggest tournament ever. Uh, the love of partying, love of boozing. Uh, it's, it's been an incredible sight to see. And I know Bear touched on some of the travel issues that have marred this, uh, tournament, but to those cultures that have made it to the United States. I think I am really proud that the American people have answered the bell, have welcomed these people, and shown them that we aren't our government. We aren't the worst parts that they see on social media. And I think a lot of people are learning through interactions when these entire communities come to your town.

Incredible stories like in Lawrence, Kansas, rallying around the Algerian soccer team, or anytime the Tartan Army go through lifting small businesses like mine, uh, anytime they invade a town, uh, shout out to the Tartan Army. Hopefully we, we see you again, my friends. This has been an incredible World Cup. It's already been the most attended World Cup ever. Um, the vibes around this World Cup have people thinking that maybe it's not going to be another 30 years, um, for the United States to host one of these, which is not something that I thought would be possible once we entered this. I thought it was such a nightmare that generationally there was no coming back from, and this might be my only chance, uh, to see as an adult a World Cup, a men's World Cup at least, in the United States. And I think the encouraging thing is people are being decent to one another, and once you get the games going, our infrastructure is shining. I think to a very large degree, people are blown away by our venues. And I think, you know, we're in play. They're saying 2038, let's do it. Let's absolutely do it.

And, you know, leaders come and go, but the American spirit will prevail and meet the moment with kindness. And I think we've seen that so far. And another thing that I've seen that I'm really proud of is, This World Cup is being talked about much differently than other World Cups. You're not getting the tired, you know, Mike and the Mad Dog type of perspective on, you know, soccer's boring, soccer puts me to sleep, all the same kind of clichés. Those voices are still out there, but they're not the leading voices. And you have talents like Colin Cowherd talking about this sport seriously, and guys like Nick Wright doing homework and trying their best best, um, to, to learn about the sport and embrace it. And you're not hearing the same kind of tired stuff that you're usually hearing, and that's because media has also changed. Guys like Pardon My Take, they, they don't treat soccer like a joke. They, they get into it and they inject our culture into it. And I think they're on to something with the throwing the fours up and, and, you know, embracing our bad chance. That's who we are, you know.

We All too often we try to come up with a cheap facsimile of European culture just because that's what the club sport is. And like, no, let's SEC this thing up a little bit. And I like that attitude. I'm proud of our soccer culture and I'm proud to, to show it off. And I think that the old guard has literally died off. And I hope it's a message to people like Stephen A. Smith and other legacy media personalities that you see on television, then you got to kind of treat this with some respect. When you combine the numbers between the English and Spanish language, this is the biggest thing in sports, and it's not something that's happening abroad. It's the biggest thing in this country. You know, you're, you're getting NFL playoff type of numbers when you combine these ratings. This is a huge deal. And I know that they have their formulas on daytime television and they know what works with the ratings, but that's because because they've never made an investment in talking, uh, soccer, uh, with any kind of sincerity or seriousness or knowledge. And I think that it's worth the investment here.

And this is what we hope for when we hosted a World Cup— a true launch pad for the sport so it can get mainstream coverage, mainstream respect, mainstream attention, and more people go into the beautiful game, more people talking about it with conviction and knowledge that helps. That's a rising tide that lifts all boats, and we should be, uh, really embracing that and encouraging what we're seeing so far, which is, you know, guys like Dan Levitar do, like, trying to watch this game and learn from people that are viewing it through an analytical eye so they can educate themselves on this incredible sport, so they can talk about more than just the drama, right? More than just the blown calls. Learn tactics, learn who's good at crossing, learn about the, the Gegenpress, you know. And these are all fun cultural exchanges that we're having. And I think people are getting bit by the bug and are going to want more. And while it's expensive to be a soccer fan or even participate in the sport in this country, it is super accessible with streaming options. You can follow the Bolivian league if you want in the United States, and many people do.

And as DraftKings Sports is now available in all 50 states, the action no doubt has, has a part in growing this sport. I think that, um, you're going to be blown away by the impact that this World Cup has. I think it's going to be a different scene going forward. I'm not expecting, you know, First Take to talk about, you know, promotion races and relegation races. I, I get that, but that's still a pie-in-the-sky type of dream. But our own domestic league hitting the ground running after this You know, MLS in there in the teeth of their season. Once this World Cup ends, I think that there's going to be a lot of positive momentum for this sport, and it's really buoyed by the sports fans in this country that are making it happen, making it be a positive. So with that being said, we'll wrap things up here on Morally Abhorrent. I will be back with you, uh, as a special live postgame to Tuesday's Dan Lebatard show. I am slated to be joined by Tom Bogert, who has presently been following Team USA all across this great nation. Uh, he'll be live at practice, I believe, waiting for media availability.

There is no better U.S. soccer insider on the planet than Tom Bogert. He's already joined us on Morale Up Horn, and we are going to catch up with him, get the, uh, the latest pulse on, uh, the U.S. men's national team, and preview an opponent that, you know, bear maybe may be a little nervous about in Bosnia. So we'll talk to you on Tuesday live at the end of the day on Levittard Show. We'll see you then. Thank you very much for stopping by.