The Cooligans

Latest Episodes:

How to Fix the USMNT for 2030, Tyler Adams Interview & Summer Transfer Window Chaos Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

Fresh off their 11-city Breakaway Tour, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros return to the studio to process the post-World Cup soccer landscape. Christian kicks off the episode with an unbelievable travel horror story about a chaotic flight delay from Miami to Dallas involving an intoxicated passenger, an unruly accusation, and an emergency flight attendant swap. The hosts then dive into a blueprint for the future, detailing radical ways to overhaul US Soccer and turn the USMNT into legitimate contenders for the 2030 World Cup—from ending pay-to-play under Arsène Wenger and merging CONCACAF with CONMEBOL to creating a 50-state "States Cup" tournament.

Next, the guys welcome USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams for an exclusive, wide-ranging interview. Tyler breaks his silence on the team's World Cup exit against Belgium, setting the record straight on what really went down in camp when Folarin Balogun's red card suspension was rescinded 20 hours before kickoff. He reflects on Mauricio Pochettino's front-foot tactical philosophy, reveals why Pochettino declaring he "wished he was American" after singing Country Roads was his favorite team memory, and details his ongoing community mini-pitch initiative with Allstate.

Finally, the hosts analyze the summer transfer window frenzy and critique the latest kit drops across world football. They break down major moves including Morgan Rogers’ £117M transfer to Chelsea, Anthony Gordon joining Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski signing with the Chicago Fire, and Casemiro’s move to Inter Miami amid LA Galaxy discovery-rights drama. They close out the show with a look at Manchester City and Real Madrid's roster overhauls, Sebastian Berhalter’s transfer to Middlesbrough, and a fashion breakdown of the best and worst jerseys of the season.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Post-Tour Return & Christian's Wild Flight Delay Story

(12:29) — 10 Ways to Fix the USMNT & Win the 2030 World Cup

(41:46) — Tyler Adams Exclusive: Balogun Red Card Drama, Poch's Impact & Belgium Defeat

(51:49) — Blockbuster Transfers: Morgan Rogers to Chelsea & Anthony Gordon to Barça

(01:01:41) — MLS Transfer Chaos: Casemiro, Lewandowski & Sebastian Berhalter

(01:13:20) — European Giants Overhaul: Man City's Rebuild & Real Madrid's Free Transfers

(01:20:26) — Kit Reviews: Best & Worst Jersey Drops of the Season

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Spain Wins World Cup 1-0 vs Argentina: Defensive Masterclass, Rodri Golden Ball & Final Grades Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros cap off their 11-city Breakaway Tour with an electric live reaction show immediately following Spain’s 1-0 World Cup Final victory over Argentina. The hosts dissect a defensive masterclass from La Roja, who neutralized Lionel Messi and held Argentina to zero shots on target across 120 minutes of play. The guys break down the game's turning point—Enzo Fernández's second yellow card for dissent—and Ferran Torres' dramatic extra-time winner just 30 seconds into the second half of extra time. They also marvel at Spain’s historic achievement of conceding just one single goal across eight World Cup matches.

The conversation turns to post-match awards as the hosts analyze Rodri earning the Golden Ball, comparing his quiet, game-controlling influence to sports legends like Shane Battier and Sergio Busquets. They touch on Unai Simon taking home the Golden Glove after only needing to make 10 saves all tournament, as well as the debate over Kylian Mbappé’s Golden Boot title following a wild 10-goal third-place exhibition match. From Shakira’s halftime performance to Kermit the Frog's surprising appearance, the guys review all the viral moments from the historic final.

Finally, Christian and Alexis hand out their official 2026 World Cup grades, debating the merits of the expanded 48-team format and reflecting on how the tournament brought fans together across host cities. The hosts close out the show with heartfelt gratitude for their crew, wives, and community as The Cooligans celebrate nearly 11 years on the air.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Live from Webster Hall: Spain Wins the World Cup 1-0 Over Argentina

(02:44) — Defensive Mastery: How Spain Shut Down Messi

(12:30) — The Red Card Breakdown: Enzo Fernández's Ejection & Ferran Torres' Winner

(21:10) — Stock Up & Stock Down: Scaloni's Struggles vs. Rodri & Ruiz Midfield Control

(35:09) — World Cup Awards Debate: Mbappé's Golden Boot & Rodri's Golden Ball

(46:16) — Final Tournament Grades: Evaluating the 48-Team Format & Fan Culture Across America

(55:20) — Wrapping Up the 11-City Breakaway Tour & Celebrating 11 Years of The Cooligans

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World Cup Final Preview: Spain vs Argentina, Tournament Superlatives & NYC Czar Maya Handa Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

In the final daily live episode ahead of the historic World Cup final, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down the highly anticipated match between Spain and Argentina. The guys discuss the latest news regarding White House officials meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to address potential health dangers from Canadian wildfire smoke in the New York-New Jersey area. They analyze tactical keys to the final, debating whether Spain's possession-heavy dominance can stifle the emotional, chaotic intensity of Lionel Messi and an unstable but miraculous Argentinian squad.

The hosts welcome New York World Cup Czar Maya Handa to the show to discuss her unique journey from NYC Footy to managing Mayor Mamdani’s campaign and overseeing massive local tournament initiatives. Handa provides an insider look at organizing affordable ticket lotteries, turning on 24/7 pitch lights across the five boroughs, hosting emotional watch parties for incarcerated individuals at Rikers Island, and celebrating Gotham FC’s monumental upcoming stadium move to Queens. Senior betting correspondent Ben Fawkes also calls in to break down the final odds, dissecting the three-way moneyline, Spain’s status as a -160 favorite, and player props for Messi, Lamine Yamal, and Mikel Oyarzabal.

To wrap up the tournament's daily coverage, Christian and Alexis hand out their official World Cup superlatives, highlighting their favorite stunning goals from Cape Verde and Haiti, alongside major breakout performances from Folarin Balogun and Ismail Saibari. They don't hold back during their "Fading Star" selections, calling out disappointing tournament cycles for Cristiano Ronaldo and Christian Pulisic. Finally, the guys review the tournament's biggest villains and controversies, hashing out everything from FIFA's aggressive ticket pricing to the overhead skycam cable strikes and political image-laundering surrounding Donald Trump.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Wildfire Smoke Drama & Sunday's World Cup Final Preview

(04:43) — Tactical Masterclass: Spain's Possession vs. Argentina's Chaos

(15:24) — Interview with NYC World Cup Czar Maya Handa: Rikers Watch Parties & 24/7 Soccer Fields

(34:19) — World Cup Final Betting Breakdown with Ben Fawkes: Odds & Player Props

(43:12) — Tournament Superlatives: Favorite Goals, Epic Upsets & Breakout Stars

(49:05) — Fading Stars & Biggest What-Ifs: The Fallout of Pulisic, Ronaldo & Tuchel

(52:06) — Villains of the Tournament: FIFA Ticket Prices, Donald Trump & Final Outro

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Argentina Beats England 2-1: Tuchel’s Tactical Collapse, Messi's Brilliance & Spain Final Preview Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Live from Atlanta, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros deliver an immediate, high-energy live reaction show following Argentina's thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over England in the World Cup semifinal. The hosts launch directly into a scathing critique of England manager Thomas Tuchel, placing 100% of the blame squarely at his feet for executing an incredibly cowardly low-block game plan after Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions up 1-0. They highlight an embarrassing statistic showing that England averaged a meager 12% possession between Gordon's opening goal and Lautaro Martinez's dramatic match-winner.

The guys break down the pivotal tactical adjustments and execution blunders that allowed the reigning champions to completely manipulate the second half of play. They analyze Enzo Fernández's spectacular equalizing strike against Jordan Pickford, set up by a composed pass from a slow-walking but deeply calculated Lionel Messi. The tactical breakdown extends to England's fatal defensive lapse in the 92nd minute, where a fresh Ezri Konsa and John Stones were caught completely asleep on the far post, allowing the shorter Lautaro Martinez to secure the victory with an open header.

Beyond the action on the pitch, Christian and Alexis read through viral social media reactions from figures like Wayne Rooney, Iker Casillas, and Zito condemning England's hyper-pragmatic approach. They break down Enzo Fernández's standout performance as their "Stock Up" player while labeling Thomas Tuchel's decision-making as total coaching malpractice for "Stock Down". Finally, they react to a breaking medical report regarding Arsenal center-back William Saliba undergoing back surgery before looking ahead to the massive Argentina vs. Spain final matchup and sharing their closing tour details for New York City's Webster Hall.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Initial Reactions to Argentina's 2-1 Semifinal Comeback Over England.

(01:30) — Blaming Thomas Tuchel: The Cowardly 1-0 Low Block & 12% Possession Nightmare.

(06:12) — Dissecting the Goals: Enzo Fernández's Stunner & Lautaro Martinez’s 92nd-Minute Winner.

(10:36) — Internet Reactions: Tweets from Iker Casillas, Wayne Rooney & The Falklands Banner Controversy.

(25:04) — Stock Market: Enzo Fernández Rising as Tuchel's Defensive Tactics Solidify "Stock Down".

(34:05) — World Cup Final Preview: Argentina vs. Spain Predictions

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Spain Shuts Down France 2-0: Deschamps Era Ends, Ian Wright & England vs Argentina Semis Preview Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

In this electric live reaction episode of The Cooligans, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros broadcast straight from Dallas, Texas, to break down Spain’s masterclass 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semifinals. The guys dissect an astonishingly clinical Spanish performance that completely neutralized the French powerhouse, restricting them to zero shots on target in the first half and a measly 0.3 XG over the entire match. They evaluate the major fallout of the result, including the end of Didier Deschamps’ historic cycle as France manager, a devastating non-contact back injury to William Saliba, and how Lamine Yamal’s unassuming brilliance consistently unhinged France's defense.

Arsenal and England legend Ian Wright joins the show to share his emotional experiences traveling across America during the tournament and running his grassroots Airbnb training experiences. Wrighty delivers pure entertainment as he recounts a hilarious story of accidentally headbutting a broadcast trailer wall while passionately watching Arsenal. Transitioning to elite tactical analysis, the legendary forward provides an invaluable striker clinic for USMNT's Folarin Balogun, laying out the exact micro-adjustments needed to take fewer touches, tighten up movement inside the box, and reach a world-class international status. He also weighs in on the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's disallowed goal for Norway and fiercely defends Jude Bellingham from out-of-context post-match media spin.

Finally, the hosts pivot to the remaining blockbuster semifinal fixture: a highly anticipated, historically charged showdown between England and Argentina. Christian and Alexis debate England’s heavy reliance on Bellingham and Harry Kane, look at how Tottenham's Cristian "Cuti" Romero transforms into an absolute beast when wearing his national team colors, and analyze whether Enzo Fernández can control the tempo of the midfield. The episode wraps up with official score predictions, debating whether Lionel Messi’s veteran squad will succumb to exhaustion or if the Three Lions will march into the final.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Spain Clamps Down France 2-0 in the Semifinals

(04:00) — The Deschamps Era Ends: France's Shotless Collapse & Saliba's Back Injury

(13:22) — Player of the Match & The Unassumingly Devastating Lamine Yamal

(22:16) — Special Guest Ian Wright: Emotional US Fan Culture & Trailer Headbutts

(31:45) — Striker Clinic: Ian Wright’s Masterclass Advice for USMNT's Folarin Balogun

(36:43) — The Haaland "Assault" Controversy & Protecting Jude Bellingham from Media

(44:10) — Semifinal Powder Keg: England vs. Argentina Lineup Debates & Official Score Predictions

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World Cup QF Drama: Argentina Beats Swiss, England Overcomes Norway Cable Controversy & Semis Preview Jul 12, 2026

Show notes

In this electric, late-night episode of The Cooligans After Dark, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros fire up the microphones live from Miami to unpack a chaotic day of World Cup quarterfinal action. The guys kick off with Argentina’s high-stakes 3-1 victory over Switzerland, a match far tighter than the final scoreline suggests. They dive headfirst into the massive refereeing controversy surrounding Breel Embolo's game-altering second yellow card for simulation. Spurred by the new "mistaken identity" VAR protocol, the hosts engage in a fierce debate over whether video review belongs anywhere near yellow cards, while praising a clutch, world-class brace from Julián Álvarez that saved an exhausted, human-looking Lionel Messi against a disciplined Swiss squad anchored by a legendary Granit Xhaka.

The theater only intensifies as the guys shift focus to the watch party tour's very first extra-time thriller: England's dramatic 2-1 triumph over Norway. Alexis and Christian tackle a double dose of tournament controversy, starting with Erling Haaland’s disallowed go-ahead goal that was nullified by a highly questionable, soft defensive flop. They then dissect Jude Bellingham’s crucial equalizer, which was clouded by allegations that a Norwegian goal kick struck an overhead skycam cable—a claim the players explicitly pointed out but FIFA's advanced ball sensors conveniently denied.

To close out the night, the hosts look down the bracket to preview the titanic semifinal matchups ahead. Christian and Alexis trade tactical blueprints and drop official score predictions for the highly anticipated Spain vs. France heavyweight bout. Finally, they map out the psychological warfare and massive historical narratives set to collide when the Three Lions meet Argentina with a spot in the World Cup Final on the line.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Cooligans After Dark: Live from Miami & Tense Argentina vs. Switzerland Reactions

(02:53) — The Embolo Red Card Controversy: Is VAR Ruining Yellow Cards?

(17:38) — Julián Álvarez Saves Argentina: Player of the Match Breakdown

(31:57) — England vs. Norway: The Soft Haaland Foul That Erased Norway's Lead

(35:22) — The Cable of God: Jude Bellingham's Goal & The FIFA Sensor Conspiracy

(41:34) — Midfield Royalty: Bellingham's Iconic Masterclass vs. Gassed Haaland

(52:53) — Semifinal Previews & Predictions: Spain vs. France & The Argentina vs. England Powder Keg

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Spain Knocks Out Belgium 2-1: Mikel Merino Closer Heroics, KDB Retires & Semis Spain vs France Preview Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

In this high-energy live reaction episode of The Cooligans, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros broadcast live from a remarkably humid Miami to break down Spain's dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinals. The guys dissect an unpredictable game of two halves that saw a cagey opening explode into a chaotic, vibe-driven second period. They analyze Belgium's impressive defensive resilience and Charles De Ketelaere’s shocking header that broke Spain's clean-sheet streak, all before a devastating gluteal injury forced world-class Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois out of the match.

The hosts heap praise on Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, dubbed the squad's ultimate closer, who stepped onto the pitch and scored the game-winning goal just three minutes later. They weigh the post-match fallout of the result, reflecting on the poignant international retirement of Belgian maestro Kevin De Bruyne. The conversation highlights a fiery "Stock Up" and "Stock Down" segment, evaluating Lamine Yamal's performance under constant double-teams against an erratic outing from Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón and a disappointing shift from Jeremy Doku. Alexis also leverages Belgium's competitive display to launch a passionate critique of the structural flaws, pay-to-play dynamics, and developmental discrepancies holding back U.S. Soccer.

Looking ahead to the next phase of the tournament bracket, the guys preview a monumental semifinal heavyweight clash between Spain and a relentless France team. They also cast their eyes toward the remaining high-stakes quarterfinal matchups. Christian and Alexis debate whether Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard can exploit an injury-hampered England backline, and map out tactical expectations for a highly physical battle between Switzerland—led by Granit Xhaka and Swiss-Dominican hero Ruben Vargas—and Lionel Messi's resilient Argentina squad.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Live from Miami: Spain 2-1 Belgium & KDB's Final International Match

(02:18) — Courtois' Butt Injury Chaos & Mikel Merino: The Ultimate Box Office Closer

(05:06) — The Lamine Yamal Double-Team Tactics & De Ketelaere's Market Value Boost

(16:41) — Stock Market: Ruiz & Yamal Trend Up, Unai Simón & Jeremy Doku Slide Down

(22:20) — Semifinal Blockbuster Preview: Can Spain Outscore the French Freight Train?

(27:11) — England's Heavy Favoritism vs. Haaland's Familiar Norway

(37:01) — Argentina vs. Switzerland: Ruben Vargas' Dominican Hype, Granit Xhaka & Official Tournament Grades

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France Shuts Down Morocco 2-0: Mbappe Greatness, Messi Golden Boot Rivalry & Spain vs Belgium Preview Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

In this energetic live reaction episode of The Cooligans broadcasting straight from a venue in Boston, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros deliver immediate analysis following France’s clinical 2-0 victory over Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals. The guys break down a complete, poised, and deeply unified French squad that currently looks a notch above tournament heavyweights like England and Argentina. They marvel at the incredible maturity and selfless play of Kylian Mbappé, whose dynamic run set up Ousmane Dembélé's fifth goal of the tournament to lock down the victory.

The hosts dive into the jaw-dropping stats surrounding this historic French team, noting that they are the first nation since Brazil in 2002 to feature two individual players with five or more goals in a single World Cup campaign. They contrast France's elite tactical output with a highly compact, lackluster performance from Morocco, placing a "stock down" tag on abysmal defensive outings from fullbacks Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui. The conversation then shifts to the dramatic subplot of the Golden Boot race, where Mbappé and Lionel Messi sit tied at eight goals apiece following Argentina’s miraculous, highly controversial 3-2 comeback win against Egypt.

Finally, the guys look ahead to the next massive quarterfinal clash on the bracket: Spain versus Belgium. Christian and Alexis dissect Luis de la Fuente’s tactical setup for Spain, praising the standout tournament performances of Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzábal, while analyzing whether Kevin De Bruyne can pull off a masterclass to keep Belgium's run alive. They close out the stream by taking fan comments from the live chat, discussing Nico González's viral post-match tattoo, and celebrating Swiss-Dominican hero Ruben Vargas.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Live From Boston: Post-Match Reactions to France 2-0 Morocco

(04:22) — The Complete Team: Didier Deschamps' Longevity & Mbappé's Evolution

(10:18) — Historic Stats: France's Elite Attack vs. Morocco's Compact Backline

(15:45) — Golden Boot: Messi & Mbappé Tied After Wild Egypt vs. Argentina Drama

(21:23) — Stock Market: Dembélé and Deschamps "Up" as Hakimi and Mazraoui Trend "Down"

(28:39) — Quarterfinal Preview: Spain vs. Belgium Lineups, Form, and Score Predictions

(34:04) — Live Comments & Outro: Nico González Tattoos, Ruben Vargas Praise, and Boston Fan Vibes

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USMNT Crashes Out: Pulisic Leadership Drama, World Cup Takeaways & 2030 Lookahead Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

In this emotional and packed episode of Cooligans Daily Live, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down the devastating aftermath of the USMNT's early exit from the World Cup following a crushing defeat against Belgium. The guys dive deep into the mixed post-match reactions from the squad, parsing Christian Pulisic’s controversial, nonchalant injury comments against Tim Ream’s raw, tearful vulnerability. They debate whether Pulisic truly possesses the leadership qualities and emotional relatability required of "Captain America" after a highly disappointing tournament performance where he failed to register a single shot on target.

Sparks fly as Alexis and Christian clash over whether this tournament cycle actually showed marketable progress for U.S. Soccer. While Christian finds pride in the team's tactical control against opponents like Paraguay and Australia, Alexis argues that bowing out at the Round of 16 represents a complete stagnation of the program. The hosts review the roster to highlight their tournament standouts—praising Folarin Balogun's defensive evolution and Malik Tillman's breakout performances—while heavily criticizing a shaky backline and an unsettled goalkeeping situation under Mauricio Pochettino.

Beyond the national team, the guys catch up on blockbuster domestic news as Gotham FC announces their official stadium move to Queens at Etihad Park alongside NYCFC. Turning back to global tournament action, they dissect the biggest international storylines, including Germany's shocking penalty shootout exit to Paraguay, Roberto Martinez’s questionable tactical reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal, and a wild geopolitical controversy surrounding a phone call between Donald Trump and FIFA's Gianni Infantino. Finally, they check in on the blistering Golden Boot race featuring Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Gotham FC's Move to Queens & Grieving the USMNT Exit

(04:41) — Christian Pulisic Post-Match Fallout & Leadership Critique

(11:22) — The Great Progress Debate: Did the USMNT Hit a New Level?

(18:41) — USMNT Tournament Awards: Breakout Standouts & Biggest Flops

(26:56) — Fixing U.S. Soccer: Goalkeeper Crisis & Looking Ahead to 2030

(34:51) — World Cup Coaching Blunders & International Players of the Tournament

(43:01) — Shock Exits, Tournament Villains & The Golden Boot Race

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USMNT CRASHES OUT! USA 1-4 Belgium Immediate Live Reaction & Post-Mortem with Taylor Twellman Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

The USMNT's World Cup run comes to a crashing, embarrassing halt after a 4-1 dismantling by Belgium in the Round of 16. Hosts Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros try to process a complete tactical and fundamental capitulation on home soil. Despite winning the possession battle with 57%, the Americans looked paralyzed by fear and completely disconnected on the pitch. This allowed a heavily rotated Belgian squad playing without Kevin De Bruyne or Jérémy Doku to exploit amateur defensive errors from start to finish.

MLS on Apple TV analyst Taylor Twellman joins the studio to deliver a brutal reality check on the current state of US Soccer. The guys pull no punches dissecting individual disasters, including Sergiño Dest's fatal ball-watching on Belgium's early goals and 38-year-old Tim Ream being targeted and posterized in aerial duels. They also analyze Christian Pulisic's rough night where he was dispossessed 11 times before exiting with a calf injury. This left Malik Tillman as the lone starting bright spot after scoring the USA's solitary goal.

Beyond the pitch, the crew debates the psychological toll of the Folarin Balogun red-card reinstatement saga and Donald Trump's external political meddling. Looking ahead to the future, they review Mauricio Pochettino's cryptic post-match comments regarding his uncertain future with the federation. They debate what structural changes—from youth academy coaching overrides to a high-pressure promotion and relegation culture—are desperately needed to bridge the gap between American athleticism and elite international football intelligence.

Timestamps:

(0:18) – USMNT out of the World Cup: how did the USA capitulate 4-1 to Belgium?

(3:07) – Taylor Twellman joins the post-mortem: are we any better than we were 12 years ago?

(6:29) – Christian Pulisic's nightmare night: breaking down the captain's high turnovers and injury exit.

(8:28) – The Trump distraction factor: did off-pitch political drama sabotage the players' psychology?

(13:22) – Mauricio Pochettino's tactical shifting: is he still the right man to lead the 2030 cycle?

(16:16) – Fixing American youth development: how do we bridge the critical 17-to-21 gap?

(39:31) – Stock Up, Stock Down: rating structural failures like Dest and Freeze against Tillman’s bright spot.

(55:37) – Pochettino’s cryptic post-match statement: has the manager already coached his last match?

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