The 90th Minute x Rabona TV

Latest Episodes:

US Open Cup being undermined by MLS Jun 23, 2023

Show notes

We discuss what the underlying reason is why MLS and MLSPA are trying to undermine the US Open Cup, the oldest soccer competition in the United States. Why are MLS, US Soccer and MLSPA at loggerheads regarding the competition, and why are they being so vocal to the disillusionment in how the competition is being run.

With Kartik Krishnaiyer back on the podcast, we also get his thoughts on the Berhalter re-hiring, the ridiculousness of Matt Crocker's "The Process", and how player power within USMNT and USWNT is getting out of control.

Plus we answer your questions in the Listener Mailbag section ahead of a big week in the Concacaf Gold Cup.

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Gold Cup Preview with Jon Arnold Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

Jon Arnold, a freelance journalist and the author of the popular newsletter "Getting CONCACAFed," joins the World Soccer Talk podcast to give a preview of the upcoming Gold Cup. Fresh off winning the CONCACAF Nations League, the USMNT is among the favorites to win the tournament. However, there are only five players that featured in that squad. With BJ Callaghan managing his last games before Gregg Berhalter's return, can he lead the side to more success?

Now that teams are competing with more frequency in the Nations League, the standard of competition in CONCACAF continues to rise. The United States may be the defending champion of this competition and the Nations League, but it will face a stiff challenge in the Gold Cup.

That title defense from the 2021 tournament starts against Jamaica, which made headlines for naming Demarai Gray in a talented squad. Arnold lays out the chances Jamaica may have to break through against top opposition like the United States. It is also an important tournament for Mexico, which is coming off a struggle of a weekend in the Nations League.

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US Soccer's aversion to hiring foreign coaches Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

This episode of the World Soccer Talk podcast, which is an interview with AFP's Simon Evans on US Soccer and foreign coaches, is presented by Sling.

Gregg Berhalter is back, and US Soccer stated that it went through a rigorous evaluation process to come to that conclusion. The Federation did not state any names as to who it contacted. Yet, media report several candidates were not American. However, none were up to the task by US Soccer's measurement. It settled on Berhalter half a year after his contract expired.

The players are clearly fond of the coach. But, is this the best US Soccer could do? It stated that finances were no issue, nor were the contract statuses of particular coaches. Berhalter does hold the best win percentage in USMNT history. How valid of an argument is that given somewhat weak opposition.

Simon Evans of the AFP joins the podcast again to discuss the argument for and against foreign coaches with the USMNT.

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US Soccer rehiring Berhalter shows lack of ambition Jun 16, 2023

Show notes

In the surreal world of US Soccer, the Federation has decided to re-hire Gregg Berhalter as the "new" US Men's National Team head coach, according to reports. We break down the news, as well as discussing why this shows a lack of ambition for US Soccer especially with World Cup 2026 around the corner.

We also dive into what Berhalter's record was in games outside of Concacaf, why his signing shows a complacency within US Soccer Federation to not rock the boat and to not be more aggressive, as well as discussing our throughts on the Concacaf Nations League semi-final between USA and Mexico.

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Dempsey, Davies and Edu on USMNT ahead of Mexico clash Jun 14, 2023

Show notes

Ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Mexico and the United States in the Concacaf Nations League, World Soccer Talk's Kyle Fansler chats with three headline members of CBS's Concacaf coverage. Former USMNT players Clint Dempsey, Charlie Davies and Maurice Edu are all part of the analysis on CBS's platforms during the Nations League Finals. The coverage of the game is also available on CBS's networks, with the 'Continental Clasico' available on Paramount+.

In this interview, Davies, Dempsey and Edu talk about the ever-changing USMNT. Davies and Edu worked with interim head coach in BJ Callaghan during their time in MLS. So, they can provide an inside look on what was a surprising hire. Also, Dempsey talks about Folarin Balogun. Dempsey is arguably the USMNT's greatest forward of all time, and he is joint-top of the all-time goalscoring record. Dempsey gives his take on the importance for Balogun to get off to a strong start in the stars and stripes.

Finally, all three provide insight on what it is like to work with CBS. The constantly growing platform is gaining serious praise for its coverage of both club and international soccer. Dempsey is, relatively speaking, the newest to this job as a pundit. Davies and Edu, on the other hand, know what makes CBS special, and they provide those answers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can CBS grow Serie A’s popularity in the US? Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

CBS Sports are coming off their best weekend ever with the UEFA Champions League Final coverage creating quite a stir across world media. At the same time, the news of Kate Abdo renewing her contract for 4 more years has been well received by soccer fans throughout the US.

We share details on when CBS Sports' deal is ending with Serie A, as well as how does Serie A capitalize on the success they had this season, and how can CBS Sports build off that to help Serie A increase the popularity of the Italian league on TV moving forward?

Is there an opportunity for Serie A to push on from here?

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Messi to Miami: Winners and Losers Jun 09, 2023

Show notes

In the biggest soccer story of the year, we break down the pros and cons of the Messi to MLS saga, and what it means for MLS Season Pass.

Lionel Messi moving to Inter Miami changes everything with MLS. It papers over the cracks, but it also presents Major League Soccer with a unique opportunity. With great power comes great responsibility, so we discuss what it means for Major League Soccer moving forward.

Are there negatives or challenges with the Messi signing? For sure. But certainly, the positives heavily outweight the challenges. It's a new chapter in US club soccer, and we dive head first into it.

Also discussed is what this means for FOX Sports and Apple, as well as Telemundo and Univision. Strap yourselves in for a fascinating ride.

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Guillem Balague interview about Champions League documentary Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

Guillem Balague is one of soccer's most famous journalists, regardless of country. Renowned for his ability to capture the emotion and personality of the game, he is a major part of CBS's developing and entertaining soccer coverage. And, with a new documentary series on Paramount Plus, there is no better time to learn more about Balague.

In this interview, Balague talks about Destination: European Nights, which is now available on Paramount Plus. The six-part documentary series has the Spanish journalist travel around Europe during the UEFA Champions League. World Soccer Talk's Kyle Fansler asks Balague about what it is like to travel around and get to know all these different cultures. With visits to Georgia, Israel and the usual cathedrals of the sport, Balague has a better understanding of European soccer than most.

Outside of that, Balague also discusses his work with non-League side Biggleswade United, which is in the ninth tier of the English pyramid. There, he is the chairman of the club. Finally, Balague talks about his relationship with Grant Wahl. Like Balague, Wahl was an influential journalist, particularly in the American soccer scene. The two were colleagues, and Balague was with Wahl just before the latter passed away during the World Cup.

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CBS Sports' Champions League Final coverage plans Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

We preview CBS Sports' UEFA Champions League Final coverage plans and what viewers can expect. Plus we dive into Financial Fair Play (FFP), and whether Manchester City - if they win - will have their treble triumph tarnished as a result of the investigation that's going into the accusations of violating FFP. In doing so, we share the thoughts of Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry on the topic.

Also discussed are why salary caps are used by sports teams, whether Manchester City and Inter Milan's fanbase will be a factor in the Champions League Final TV ratings, news about our interview with Guillem Balague, how UEFA is hypocritical at times.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where does MLS Season Pass go from here? Jun 02, 2023

Show notes

This week, Apple finally broke its silence about MLS Season Pass. In its attempts to get soccer fans (and journalists) off Apple's backs who are asking probing questions about how the service is doing, the tech giant refused to answer any questions. In doing so, it's sending a wrong message because people are now wondering why Apple (and MLS) are being so secretive. What do they have to hide?

We share more details about what was discussed, what industry insiders are telling us, examples of viewing numbers shared by other streaming services, and where MLS Season Pass goes from here. We also answer your questions about promotion and relegation, and where France's Ligue 1 stands in the global soccer world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.