Seoul, Korea. May 31, 2002. France - Senegal. Let the chaos commence in 3... 2... 1... gol de Boupa Diop!!!!

The group stage of the 2002 World Cup had it all. In this episode we dive into the surprising and disciplined host nations, the hellish atmosphere in the port city of Busan and the magic of The Guus. There is talk of Brazilian Samba, David Beckham getting the Argentines back for 1998 and the usual chaos of a favored Italian side sabotaging themselves.

One of the last tournaments which could still surprise us did so from the first match and did not let up. How did Senegal, Turkey, the USA, Korea and even Belgium cause such stunning upsets? And what on earth happened to Argentina, Portugal and France?

All of this and much more, including mentions of Pierluigi Collina and Markus Merk, on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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The summer of 2002 saw a tournament for the ages take place in Korea and Japan. The first two nations to co-host a World Cup did so in style.

In the first part of our series on the 2002 World Cup we dive into all the intrigue during the build-up to the tournament. Why did Korea and Japan, two neighbors that do not particularly like each other, end up coordinating their efforts? What was the story behind the 20 ultra-modern stadiums? Did Roy Keane let his country down? Was Brazil seriously not a favorite? And, can somebody tell me what time the Netherlands kicks off at?

All of this and much more, including mentions of Collina and Hiddink, in this episode of Football In The 2000s!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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Since episode 1, we have promised our listeners that we would discuss the apparel of the 2000s... and now here we are with an episode exclusively about the decade's kits!

We start by discussing the wide-array of shirt manufacturers, sponsors and awkward fits that made the decade unique (3:00). What happened to the likes of Umbro, Admiral, Diadora and Errea? Why did we kill off the pointy collar? And is Cristiano Ronaldo the only player who still wants to wear long sleeves?

Then we dive into some of our favorite kits of the decade (8:50). Did the Germans make the worst shirts during this period despite having 2 of the biggest manufacturers in their backyard? Which random American fast food chain sponsored Fulham? How did the Cameroonian FA flip a middle finger to Sepp Blatter with their 2002 release? And did Kappa spearhead slim fit innovation?

All of this and much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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In light of Mario Balotelli's return to Serie A, this episode is all about the man himself!

We dive into one of the biggest enigma's of the modern game: Mario Balotelli. How will history ultimately judge him? Did he fail to fulfill his potential? Or was he a misunderstood genius?

How will football historians will evaluate Super Mario Balotelli now that his best days are behind him? We cover the highs and lows of a highly turbulent career that saw iconic celebrations, fireworks exploding in bathrooms, camo-Bentley's with bags full of cash and much more!

Was Balo a generational talent? What role did coming up in a country that wouldn't grant him citizenship until his 18th birthday have on his evolution? Was he one of the most lethal penalty takers ever? And, ultimately, did Mario fail us or did we, as a footballing community, fail him?

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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If you could choose one 2000s footballer to take the penalty that would save your life, who would it be (2:45)? Who was the Tom Brady of European football (10:00)? Who were the 2004 Detroit Pistons? Does Mourinho win the decade - and the podcast, for that matter (30:15)?

This is what the listeners wanted to hear! Tune in for our first ever mailbag extravaganza where Nicola and Franci cover all the above and much more!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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On this second part of our series on the Promises Of The 2000s, we delve deeper into stories of unrealistic expectations, questionable career choices and positional enigmas. Who was the French kid that Karim Benzema claimed to be better than Messi on his day (4:30)? Then, what happened to the career of the LeBron James of US Soccer (23:10)? And did the heir to Argentine greatness choose a humble life in Brazil over the riches of European stardom (43:00)?

We round things off with Nicola presenting Franci with some promises trivia (56:00). If you haven't already, make sure to tune in to Part 1 for more tales of promised greatness gone astray!

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

If you haven't already, tune in to our other episodes on any app you get your podcasts!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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Some players were predestined for greatness. They stupefied us all with their skill and had us gasping for air upon mention of their birthdates. They sky was the limit. Somewhere along the way, however, something went wrong.

Do you remember a Catalan Messi lookalike with Serbian roots at Barcelona in 2007 (4:45)? What about Chelsea's goalkeeper pre-Cech (19:45)? And what happened to the forgotten Dutchie of Real Madrid (32:10)? Where are they now?

On this episode of Football In The 2000s we begin to chart the careers of some of the most intriguing young promises of the decade before rounding things up with a very one sided trivia showdown (45:45).

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

If you haven't already, tune in to our other episodes on any app you get your podcasts!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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After having crowned the Greatest Right Back of the Decade, we humiliate ourselves on a right back trivia shootout! Play along and beat us!

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

If you haven't already, tune in to our other episodes on any app you get your podcasts!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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After having discussed the greatest goalkeepers of the decade, we shift our attention to the outfield, starting at right back. Who was the greatest 'number 2' of the 2000s and who will join them on the pyramid? First though, we pay our respects to some right-sided fullbacks that the streets will never forget (5:30).

Then, in the piece de resistance, we each present our pyramids and make our cases for the three tiers (15:20). What 6 legens will be immortalized in 2000s footballing history? Will a smiling Brazilian steal the show with his charm and speed or will a sturdy Frenchman have something to say about it? Will respect be attributed to a Mancunian Captain? What about the Galacticos' very own Pitbull? Tune in to find out and send us your own pyramids?

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

If you haven't already, tune in to our other episodes on any app you get your podcasts!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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Sooner or later it had to be covered. We heard our listeners, licked some salt from our wounds and decided to go all in on the 2004-2005 Uefa Champions League final! On the 25th of May in 2005, a star-studded Milan side headed to Istanbul to take on underdogs Liverpool. The stage was set for one of the most David vs Goliath final in decades. What we got was arguably the greatest final of all time.

Before discussing the match in depth, though, we touch upon how competitive that season's Champions League was (3:20) and some highlights from the knockout stages (12:30). Then, it is on to the final (25:30), analyzed from every angle and emotion before rounding things up by discussing the overall legacy of the match and its participants (54:30).

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

If you haven't already, tune in to our other episodes on any app you get your podcasts!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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On this episode we travel across the Atlantic and finally visit South America! There are many massive clubs in the region but one, in particular, seems to capture the international imagination more than others. What is it that makes Boca Juniors so special (2:40)? Are they truly the 'biggest' club in Argentina? And what do we make of their history?

Then, while sipping our mate and cutting into a prime ojo de bife, we dive into their 2000s exploits (13:53). Was Rolando Bianchi's side the most dominant of the entire decade? What happened with Juan Roman Riquelme and Martin Palermo? And was the first part of the decade the apex mountain of Argentine club football?

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

If you haven't already, tune in to our other episodes on any app you get your podcasts!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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What is a summer without the transfer window? On this episode Nicola and Franci reminisce on simpler times when the transfer record was broken "only" 5 times in 10 years (3:40). Learn more about the Argentine transfer king, how the Galacticos project inflated the market and how shady dealings between Italian clubs were already a thing.

Then, the guys cover some iconic transfers in greater depth (21:30). There is talk of Cashley Cole, a bizarre double-signing in East London, the first big Manchester City statement transfer and, of course, a discussion on the Beckham Experiment. Will he go down as the Michael Jordan of soccer in the USA?

Finally, we can never let you go without a high stakes round of trivia involving some of the most transferred players of the decade (54:55). Enjoy!

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

If you haven't already, tune in to our other episodes on any app you get your podcasts!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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On December 2, 2007, a young Lionel Messi with shaggy hair and a gelled up Cristiano Ronaldo made a trip to Paris for the Balon D'or ceremony. Both were considered the best talents of their generation and had remarkable seasons. Neither would come home with the award that night though, because there was one player that had a season for the ages. The Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, sponsored by France Football, would have to wait another year.

The man crowned that night was Ricardo Izecson Dos Leite, better known as Kaká. Kaká ended up being the last Milan, Serie A and Brazilian player to win the award and now, nearly 20 years later, it is time to provide him with the justice he deserves.

On this very special episode, we chronicle the life and times of one of Brazil's greatest ever players (5:55).

We travel from Brasilia to Sao Paolo, touching upon one of the more unique upbringings for a Brazilian footballer (11:58) before discussing his arrival at Hogwarts (Milan) as a Harry Potter-like figure with a name that was the literal butt of many jokes (21:15). Then, we ruminate on THAT 2006-2007 season, at the dawn YouTube, and THAT goal at Old Trafford (37:50) before commenting on his later career at Real Madrid (57:00) and his legacy (1:03:00).

Should Ricardo Kaká be remembered as one of the greatest ever? We think so.

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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Our final episode on Euro 2004 is a swashbuckling trivia showdown between co-hosts Franci & Nicola!

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

If you haven't already, tune in to Parts 1 & 2 where we discussed the tournament vibes, group stage play and the knockouts!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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In this second part of our series on Euro 2004, we dive into the knockout phase but not before a little work on crafting the ultimate soundtrack (per team) to represent the tournament (1:10).

In the knockouts we litigate the merits of Otto Rehagel's defensive masterclass, the purity of Czech play and the Portuguese roller coaster (15:10). Was this England's Golden Generation's best chance at winning a major tournament? Were the Czechs the true best team of the tournament? And, was this tournament better or worse than Euro 2000?

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

If you haven't already, tune in to Part 1 where we discussed the tournament vibes and group stage play!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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The sun never set on Portugal in the summer of 2004 when it hosted the Euros. The hosts were poised to win with their star Brazilian coach and teenage ear-pierced sensation (18:36). The Greeks put on their best impression of a German party pooper. A young scouser literally burst onto the scene. Italy's golden boy lost his mind and the Vikings retaliated by baking him a little souvenir.

All of this and much, much more (including Latvia, Bulgaria and a Czech renaissance) on this episode of Football In The 2000s! Join us as we introduce the group stages of the most bizarre European Championships of the decade!

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In this second part of our series on Euro 2000, we cover a chaotic yet magical knockout phase which saw Golden Goals galore, nerve-racking penalties and some of the best players we have ever seen show up for the big moments!

The quarterfinals saw a solid Italian defensive showing, Big Game Kluivert reminding the world that he existed and both France and Portugal staking a claim as favorites (4:45). The semifinals provided us with one of the best individual performances ever by a bald number 10 in a Euros and chaos in Amsterdam where the Dutch looked on in shock as their players De Boer-ed it (20:05).

After a short trivia showdown (39:55), we travel to Rotterdam for a final that even the best directors in the world could not have out-dramatized (54:12). The moral of the story, you ask? Football can be magical, cruel and confusing all at the same time. Here's to you, Euro 2000!

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

If you haven't already, tune in to Part 1 where we discussed the tournament vibes and group stage play!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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The summer of 2000 saw us all listening to 'The Real Slim Shady' and watching Gladiator but the most magical scenes happened in the Netherlands and Belgium, where football aficionados were treated to a spectacle during Euro 2000. The World Champs, led by prime Zidane showed up hungry for more. The holders Germany were, well, German. Portugal had their own Golden Generation, the Dutchies sought glory on home soil and Italy shamelessly strived to put on a defensive masterclass. The stage was set with one of the deepest talent pools to ever grace a European Championship!

On this first part of our historical dive into Euro 2000, we discuss the contenders (5:49), the (sometimes) state-of-the-art stadiums (12:40) and a group stage littered with groups of death and countless surprises (20:08).

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

Join us on Part 2 next as we dive into the knockout phase of the tournament and take on another trivia challenge!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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FC Porto shocked Europe in the early 2000s, gave us Mourinho, Deco and even the odd corruption scandal! But how did they do it? What were their secrets to success (and bribing)? And are they one of the most important teams of the decade?

Nicola and Franci seek to land on a unified theory of Northern Portugal's dragons in this episode, starting with a historical deep dive on the club (5:30) before tackling their European exploits (10:30), the post-Mourinho era (32:00) and discussing their consistent ability to develop some of the best talent in Europe (41:40). Welcome to the Stadium of the Dragon. Welcome to Porto.

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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The 2000s marked the last decade of the UEFA Cup before it became the Europa League. On this final installment of an epic three-parter, Franci and Nicola continue draft their respective XIs from the UEFA Cup finals of the decade (9:30).

Who will be the first pick in a star-studded draft (14:15). The list is long, spanning cult heroes like Pierre Van Hooijdonk to players that have surprisingly never won continental European honors with their club, like Patrick Vieira. Will a Balon D'Or winner make an appearance? What about a crazy 2000s goalkeeper who keeps getting mentioned on this podcast? Finally, who will manage and captain each side (50:30)?

All of this and much, much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

If you haven't already, make sure to tune into Part 1 - The Uefa Cup: Chaos, Golden Own-Goals & Mourinho and Part 2 - The Uefa Cup: Sevilla's Origin Story.

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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The 2000s marked the last decade of the UEFA Cup before it became the Europa League. On this second part of an epic three-parter, Franci and Nicola continue their discussion on the finals, this time focusing on 2005-2009 in depth (0:35).

Did Sporting CP experience the biggest upset of the decade? Did we already know Sevilla were going to open a virtuous cycle in Europe? How in God's name did Rangers sneak into a final? And did Rio Donetsk change the game under their Romanian manager?

Then, Franci is still on the lookout for his first ever head-to-head quiz victory against Nicola (19:42). Come and play along!

If you haven't already, make sure to tune into Part 1 - The Uefa Cup: Chaos, Golden Own-Goals & Mourinho.

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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The 2000s marked the last decade of the UEFA Cup before it became the Europa League. On this first part of an epic three-parter, Franci and Nicola dive into what made the tournament so special during this era before discussing the finals from 2000-2004 in depth (12:20).

Why did Galatasaray vs Arsenal descend into rioting in the streets of Copenhagen? Did Boca Juniors make a sneaky appearance in the 2001 final against Liverpool? Was Pierre Van Hooijdonk the most underrated Dutch player of all-time? Was Mourinho's coming out party one of the biggest sliding door moments of the last half-century in European football? And did Pierluigi Collina manage to steal the show while refereeing his last ever European final?

All of this and much, much more (including a certain Mauricio Pellegrino) on this episode of Football In The 2000s.

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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After having discussed the goalkeepers that the streets won't forget, Franci and Nicola turn to The Pyramid of the best 6 goalkeepers of the era (0:50). Did 'Der Titan' do enough to not be a pure-nienties keeper? Cech or Van Der Saar? And will the real Nelson Dida please stand up? Then, is it Iker or Gigi up top (26:08)?

The guys round things off with another edition of trivia, this time focused exclusively on the legendary men between the posts (42:15)!

If you haven't already tune in to part 1 where the craziest goalkeepers and iconic moments of the era were discussed in depth!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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You can discuss Ancelotti's Milan, Ronaldinho's Barca, the Invincibles, Bianchi's Boca, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex all you want, but none of those sides or managers won 7 league titles in a row.

In this episode we discuss the most dominant side in Europe during the 2000s: Olympique de Lyon. We journey to the capital of French gastronomy on the banks of the Rhone and at the foot of the alps to immerse ourselves in a unique slice of Ligue 1 history.

We chart their rise from second division to being bought out buy a local visionary businessman to the talent and, later, title factory that they developed. There is talk of arguably the best free-kick taker of all time, a muscle midfield, young local startlets and underrated glue players.

Was Lyon the most dominant side of the era? Could they have done more in Europe? And did they pioneer a financially sustainable football model? Tune in to find out!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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Dear listeners, the time has finally come to discuss the weird goalkeepers of the decade! In this first part of their goalkeeper series, Nicola and Franci discuss some iconic goalkeeping moments from the era (7:14). Were penalty shootouts often decided by the bending of rules? And who was the crazy Portuguese goalkeeper who took his gloves off in a Euro 2004 shootout?

Then it is on to discussing the goalkeepers that the streets will never forget (20:45). Respect is paid to a German turned WWE wrestler, a Turkish war-paint wearing legend, the all-time greatest goalscoring keeper and a world-class English blunderer who won Spurs' last trophy. Who was the most cult? Tune in to find out!

Stay tuned for part 2 where the narrative will shift to discussing pyramids of the best goalkeepers of the decade and another trivia showdown!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, make sure to give us a rating & review and to share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it!

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On the second episode of a special two-parter, Francesco and Nicola travel back to the summer of 2006 in Germany and to what many believe was the best World Cup of the century!

They start by discussing a testy quarterfinal matchup between hosts Germany and a star-studded Argentina side (0:55). Was this the best Argentina side of the post-Maradona era? And did Cool Jens Lehmann write himself into history as the GOAT of shithousery? There is also talk of Lehmann's sock and Fabricio Coloccini's hair!

Then, get your thinking caps on and play along for on our first ever 2000s Football Quiz (17:09)!

Tune in to Part 1, if you haven't already, to hear all about Corruption, Stadiums & The Battle of Nuremberg!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, make sure to give us a rating & review and to share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it!

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On the first episode of a special two-parter, Francesco and Nicola travel back to the summer of 2006 in Germany and to what many believe to be one of the best World Cups of the century!

After reminiscing on some of their fond memories from the tournament, they dive into how Germany became the host and the surrounding allegations of corruption (6:10). This part includes tales of corporate cronyism, arms deals and FIFA committee members succumbing to stress. Homage is also paid to Serbia & Montenegro's sole appearance as well as to Togo and Trinidad & Tobago (11:50) before providing an overview of the state-of-the-art stadia built by the Germans (21:40).

Then, the pièce de résistance takes us to the Frankenstadion in Nuremberg where the Netherlands faced off against Portugal in a Round of 16 showdown for the ages (28:45). How did the referee end up handing out 16 yellow and 4 red cards? Was Portugal that much better than the Netherlands? And did Marco Van Basten shoot himself in the foot with his stubbornness?

Tune in next week for Part 2, including tales of Jens Lehmann's socks, an underwhelming Argentina side and our first ever quiz!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, make sure to give us a rating & review and to share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it!

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The 2000s (2000-2009) were a pivotal decade for football. This podcast is dedicated to reliving the great moments, players, stories and many paradigm shifts of the era. Join co-hosts Nicola and Francesco Volpi as they dive deep into football's last great (and crazy) decade!

In this first episode of the new series, Nicola and Francesco provide an intro to the many themes they will cover. They start by discussing their personal memories of the decade (2:58), including iconic kits and crazy goals from the Bundesliga. Then, Francesco presents his financial analysis of bizarre record transfers (11:52) and the many big clubs that experienced financial difficulties. Nicola rounds things off by presenting his case for the 2000s being the decade of the Cinderella's (36:40), with an extra close look at the wild year of 2004.

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, make sure to give us a rating & review and to share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it!

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Roy is back this week to discuss Jürgen Klopp with Nicola. The guys discuss his latest announcement, legacy and what they love about Klopp teams before embarking on a highly contentious draft competition (8:30). Who will setup the best XI exclusively made up of Klopp-coached players?

The choices to make are excruciating: Virgil or Mats? Did Perisic play for Klopp? Is Ilkay Gündogan Klopp's secret GOAT? Who does Nicola refer to as Benjamin Button? And will any respect be payed to FSV Mainz?

All of this and much more on this episode of HFC!

Make sure to follow us on our brand new instagram @husman.fc! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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This week Nicola interviewed Philip Sassoon, a director and player at St. Ambroeus FC. St. Ambroeus was the first club for refugees and asylum seekers to be recognized by the Italian football federation.

On the episode, Nicola and Philip deep dive into the origin story of this unique club (2:00) and what the public response to it has been (7:00). Then they discuss the evolution of the club and what their future ambitions are (13:00). They end with a wide-ranging discussion on the political element and how the current stances of the Italian government and football federation are affecting them as a club (25:00).

All of this and much more on this episode of HFC!

Make sure to follow us on our brand new instagram @husman.fc! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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Chris Lee is back on Husman FC to discuss the current state of football travel around Europe (1:56). Is the commercialization (and globalization) of top-tier football making it inaccessible? Why are more and more football lovers flocking to non-league, women's and continental matches? And how many truly iconic grounds are still left?

All of this and much more on this episode of HFC!

Make sure to follow us on our brand new instagram @husman.fc! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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What if the folks at FIFA decided to allow one extra team into the World Cup? And, what if that team could only consist of players whose nations didn't qualify? Furthermore, what if there could only be one player selected per country?

Roy and Nicola present their teams and attempt to reach a consensus. Will the best goalkeeper of the past decade make it (6:45)? A defense riddled with promise is made pragmatic with the insertion of a serial winner (8:30). Then, will it be Martin Ødegaard or Erling Haaland from the Norwegian contingent (17:24)? Ultimately, will magic or conservatism rule the day up front as Team World seeks to outplay champions Argentina (28:00)? Finally, what retiree polyglot will manage this makeshift All Star team to a Round Of 16 exit (37:30)?

Tune in to find out!

Make sure to follow us on our brand new instagram @husman.fc! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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Seb Stafford-Bloor of The Athletic joins Nicola to discuss all things German football! Why should we watch a league where the same team wins every year and hoards nearly all the best players? Tune in to find out!

Seb breaks down what makes the Bundesliga unique when compared to its European counterparts (2:30) and provides a preview for the second half of what we expect to be a very exciting season (20:15). There is of course space for the Wild West of the Zweite Bundesliga (49:12) before rounding off with discussing the early vibes for the upcoming Euros (62:00).

You can find Seb's (@SebSB) work on The Athletic as well as the Tifo channel on youtube!

Write us in with your thoughts at our X account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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What if I told you there was a club that trumped any notion you might have of cult status? What if I told you there was a club whose own fans rebuilt their stadium? A club whose corner flags have been designed by one of their own? Whose owner is a fan? A club with deep roots in an old geopolitical divide that has now galvanized global audiences?

On this episode author Kit Holden joins us from Berlin as we discuss his book 'Scheisse! We're Going Up!: The Unexpected Rise of Berlin's Rebel Football Club' (2:03). We cover a lot of ground including what makes Union's fanbase unique, what their history as a club from the former East Germany means and what is going on at the club this season (31:20).

If you would like to dive deeper into everything we've covered on this episode, checkout Kit's full-length book here.

Write us in with your thoughts at our X account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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It is the 17th of May, 2006. We've made it to the steps of the Stade de France. Catalunya vs England. Yellow vs blaugrana. Wenger vs Rijkaard. Ronaldinho vs Henry. Lehmann vs... the world? Arsenal vs Barcelona, live from Saint Denis.

In this episode we cover one of the most thrilling finals of the decade. This was the final that had everything. There was drama from the early stages with a highly consequential (and perhaps controversial) red card. There were disallowed goals. There were last minute referee changes. Some stars didn't show up. One manager put on a substitution masterclass, the other a surprisingly gritty defensive one.

What happened in Saint Denis on that night in May 2006 and what meaning can we draw from it nearly 20 years after the fact?

If you haven't already, tune in to the first part of our coverage of the 2006 Champions League Final in which we covered the full build-up, including these sides' entertaining and remarkable rides through the group and knockout stage of the competition. The journey takes us through some all-time defensive performances, dramatic late penalties, offside goals and some very, very '2000s Groups'.

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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This week we are joined by football historian Chris Lee from Outside Write to discuss the intersection of football and politics. Our interview centers around his most recent book Defiant: A History Of Football Against Fascism.

Chris takes us on a journey from Italy under Mussolini (8:10) to debunking myths about the politics behind El Clasico in Spain (25:30). We then hear the remarkable story of how a team that now sits in the third division of the Portuguese pyramid helped to bring down the Salazar dictatorship (38:30). There is also talk about South America (44:47) and an infamous Death Match in Ukraine (47:55).

You can find more content from Chris Lee on his website, Outside Write, here. And, if you would like to dive deeper into everything we've covered on this episode, checkout his full-length book here.

Write us in with your thoughts at our X account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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This week, Nicola reads out his recent essay about Italy winning the World Cup and what sports fandom can offer people who are stuck between two cultures. You can read the article here. If you liked this and want more of it, please write us!

Write us in with what you want to hear more of at our X account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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This week, the HFC feed is serving up something a little bit different. Nicola reads out his article from last year about what we can learn from their run to the world cup semifinals. You can read the article here. If you liked this and want more of it, please write us!

Write us in with what you want to hear more of at our X account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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Chaos reigns supreme as the guys have a lot to catchup on following a big Champions League week. Roy breaks down Arsenal's chances to go through following a great Martinelli showing versus Sevilla (5:30). Then it's over to the San Siro where an inconsistent Milan side finally scored a goal (7:20). What is the general read on Pulisic's start at Milan? There is, of course, airtime given to the current toxic environment at Manchester United following a wild night in Copenhagen (16:58). Is Jadon Sancho really eating lunch by himself and what does Gary Neville have to say about it?

Then the core segment is all about the cult Morocco team that shocked the world a year ago by making a run to the semifinals of the World Cup (25:28). Following an emotional reading from Nicola, they go match by match through their historic achievement (30:30). Are their tactical masterclasses under-appreciated? And what exactly happened against France (51:45)?

Write us in with what you want to hear more of at our X account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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This week Roy hijacks the podcast and forces Nicola to ruminate on the MLS as a concept. First though, he introduces listeners to his 5 league parlay which will, almost certainly, come back to haunt him next spring (00:56). Then there is an inevitable chat about the recent betting scandal facing Sandro Tonali and other Italian players (6:30). Is football hypocritical when it comes to betting? And why does betting hold such a central role in the game despite its innate toxicity?

Then they dive deep into a Major League Soccer sized rabbit hole (15:22). How does the league work? Is it actually improving? And will it ever compete for viewership with other American sports or its European counterparts?

Finally they attempt to reach a unified theory of the Top 5 foreign imports to the MLS (32:20). There is a lot of love for Mexican talents, shoutouts to obscure early 2000s Nigerian backflippers and some nostalgia sprinkles for a Premier League legend. And, of course, there is space to discuss the biggest flops, existential red cards and players shamelessly vaping on the bench (55:25).

Write us in with what you want to hear more of at our X account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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This week Roy and Nicola finally dive into one of the biggest enigma's of the modern game: Mario Balotelli. How will history ultimately judge him? Did he fail to fulfill his potential? Or was he a misunderstood genius?

First though there is chat about Beckley's Beckham, Eden Hazard's retirement (1:55) and what it all says about the constant overload on the best players nowadays (5:10).

Then they postulate about how football historians will evaluate Super Mario Balotelli now that his best days are behind him (11:40). They cover the highs and lows of a highly turbulent career that saw iconic celebrations, fireworks exploding in bathrooms, camo-Bentley's with bags full of cash and much more!

Was Balo a generational talent? What role did coming up in a country that wouldn't grant him citizenship until his 18th birthday have on his evolution? Was he one of the most lethal penalty takers ever? And, ultimately, did Mario fail us or did we, as a footballing community, fail him?

Write us in with what you want to hear more of at our X account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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The guys continue their dive into Spanish Cult teams this week by traveling to the Northwest corner of the Iberian peninsula to cover one of the most mesmerizing mid-market runs of the last half-century (2:08).

The tale sees Brazilians being pitched on the Rio of Spain, Barcelona being corrupt, Copa Del Rey party pooping and much more! How good was Deportivo La Coruña in the nineties and early 2000s? Nicola shares a personal anecdote about how he came to respect this team so much, Roy sings the praises of Fran and they postulate about what made it all possible and whether it could ever happen again.

They wrap things up by rounding up the last week's Champions League action (37:22).

Write us in with what you want to hear more of at our X account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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On this episode of HFC, Roy and Nicola introduce the first installment of a series on cult teams that captivated audiences worldwide. Before that though, Nicola expresses his love for the manager taking the premier league by storm (3:18). Roy then counters by asking why Inter keeps winning the Milan derby with such ease (6:25).

Then, where better to kickoff the new series off than in the most cultish league of all? Roy takes us back to a stretch from 1998-2004 that saw Valencia emerge as a continental powerhouse (11:43). They explore the rise and subsequent fall of a legendary club who, after fifteen years, is yet to finish work on their 'new' stadium. How much of their success was due to Santi Cañizares' hair? Do we underrate Claudio Ranieri's role in it all? Could they have won even more? Will we ever see another Valencia emerge? And where does Rafa Benitez rank in the pantheon of great 21st century managers (49:30)?

Tune in for our next episode on another Spanish cult team and write us in with what you want to hear more of at our X account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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Husman FC is back and fully recharged from the snoozy international break! Nicola and Roy quickly roundup the latest on Harry Maguire, Richarlison and how the youth of today are consuming football (2:30). If you did not support a specific club, what player would you choose to follow for the next 10-15 years?

Then it is on to the segment nobody asked for but everyone has been secretly waiting for: The Bad Hair Eleven (10:40)! Nicola and Roy attempt to create an All-Star team of great players with iconic yet horrific hairstyles. There are many contenders but can they gel and go for glory against our eventual Good Hair Eleven? We breakdown the goalkeeper who insisted on donning a $5 haircut late into his career, a defender who seemingly had green branches growing out of the top of his head and a big 'captain energy' defender who had years worth of hair but refused to wear a headband.

Then, who was the right midfielder who showed up to training with blond cornrows after his Caribbean spring break? It's bad bald vibes in midfield and a toupee that came off mid run before identifying the Michael Jordan of soccer with a rat-tail. The team can only be managed by one man, who will almost certainly reluctantly accept and then proceed to insult his own players in press conferences. Tune in to find out who we are talking about!

You can send in your own Bad Hair teams to our twitter account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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Husman FC is back with a bang following the Champions League draw (00:08)! We start our opening vibe check by asking if the group of death is really that deadly? Who makes up the group of vibes? And is Arsenal part of a Europa League-esque group? We also chat a bit about the ongoing shambles at the Spanish federation and how we hope it brings about much needed change in the game (12:40).

Then, in honor of the end of the transfer window, we hop back into the time machine and look at some of the biggest transfers that never were (17:05). We postulate into full 'what if' mode, creating parallel universes and daring to dream. What if a young Polish striker's deal with Blackburn had not been derailed by an Icelandic volcano? What if Arsene Wenger had not forced a promising Swede to attend a trial at Arsenal? Would we not have gotten Mourinho? The whirlwind journey sees us touch upon Zidane's late 90s bald spot, dwell way too long on Blackburn Rovers and Marouane Chamakh at a gas station toilet (what?!)!

You can send in your own postulations to our twitter account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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The year is 2006, the place is Saint Denis (not Paris) and the squads are seemingly on opposite trajectories. The glow of the Invincibles seems to have faded on Arsene Wenger and his side coming into the 2005/2006 season. Not many still think he has many tricks left up his sleeve in the farewell to Highbury season. In the Catalan capital a new power, led by a flamboyant Brazilian baller is on the rise. They have already defeated the mighty Galacticos domestically and now seemingly only one man, Thierry Henry, stands in their way. Can they be stopped?

In this first part of our coverage of the 2006 Champions League final we cover the full build-up, including these sides' entertaining and remarkable rides through the group and knockout stage of the competition. The journey takes us through some all-time defensive performances, dramatic late penalties, offside goals and some very, very '2000s Groups'.

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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Against all the odds, we made it to a second episode of Husman FC (and so did you). To celebrate we discussed our key takeaways from the recent Women's World Cup, including what the men's game could learn (5:10), before diving into some bizarre observations from the first game week of the newly baptized #madeinitaly Serie A season (12:40).

Then it's on to our core segment where nostalgia permeates from every pore as we dive into FourFourTwo's 2001 list of the 100 best young players in the world (26:20). Where are they now? What could they have been had they played today? Has Djibril Cissé been secretly mentoring Erling Haaland all along? Was Landon Donovan that good? And did Croatia have another Modric that we all forgot about? We cover all of this and much more before opening up the Husman FC mailbag for the first time ever (1:06:48).

You can send in your own postulations to our twitter account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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Welcome to Husman FC: a new LIP produced podcast about football/soccer! On this inaugural episode, Nicola and Roy briefly introduce the genesis of the podcast and conduct an early vibe check on the 2023-2024 season before diving into the core segment where they each draft their all-time Diego Simeone formation of players who have never actually played for El Cholo (12:43). They reflect on Simeone's impact on Atletico, what it means that he (of all people) has become the longest-tenured manager in Europe and dive into the data that proves his success (or lack thereof).

Send in your own postulations to our twitter account @InPostulation, Instagram @lostinpostulation and via email lostinpostulation@gmail.com! Also don't forget to give us a rating and to share this podcast with anybody else you think may like it!

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On this episode, we crossover harder than AI on Tyronn Lue in the 2001 NBA Finals. Wait, what? Wasn't this a football/soccer podcast? Why are they talking about the NBA?

Many of the paradigm shifts we discuss over and over again on this podcast were also evident in the NBA during the decade, whether that be the internationalization of the league or a passing of the torch between generational talents. Plus we all grew up watching both, so we decided to try a new concept: the NBA Crossover!

To kick things off, we look at the 2004 NBA All-Stars and pair each one up with their footballing alter-ego from the same year (6:18). Who was Allen Iverson? Was there anybody as insane as Kevin Garnett in the footballing world? And who are our two coaches (clue: they are probably still around)?

There is talk of Bow Wow, baggy suits, David Stern, "Soft Europeans" and much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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Were the Galacticos an on-pitch success or, were they ultimately fated to remain a purely commercial venture? Was Florentino's strategy of purchasing only attacking talent wise? What if Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho or Totti had joined the project? Could things have ended differently?

In this second part of our Galacticos mini-series we analyzed what went right, wrong and sideways during one of football's most indulgent experiments.

There is talk of John The Baptist, Cassano, Posh Spice, a certain long-haired Sevillan defender and much, much more! Tune in now!

All of this and much more on this episode of Football In The 2000s!

Make sure to follow us on our Instagram (@football2000spod) and tell us of more topics you would like to hear. Finally, please give us a rating & review and share this podcast with anyone you think may enjoy it! Thanks!

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