World Cup Rambling

In this episode, we look back at the Maracanaço – the decisive match of the 1950 World Cup, a match bound up with myths and legends.  Brazil – the host nation and the hot favourites – playing in front...

5 Juli 20251h 1min

It’s time to revise and expand on a topic that was covered in the series one episode “The Carnival is Over”.  It’s the summerof 1970 and England are the reigning World Champions.  The Three Lions are ...

7 Juni 20252h 40min

This month, we revisit the epic last 16 match between England and Argentina from France 98.  It was a match layered with history – the ‘Animals’ game from 1966, the Hand of God in 1986, not to mention...

3 Maj 20251h 43min

This episode reflects on France’s disastrous World Cup defence in 2002. Roger Lemerre’s team arrived in South Korea as World Champions, European Champions, and Confederations Cup holders. They had Zin...

8 Apr 202540min

Scotland’s qualifying campaign for World Cup 98 was ticking along nicely (absent Estonians notwithstanding).  As the campaign reached a climax, Scotland were top of their group and in a good position ...

5 Apr 202534min

We’re back for Series 5 of World Cup Rambling and we begin by checking in on Scotland, so often the tragic clowns of the World Cup circus.  In this episode, we look at the infamous occasion in October...

1 Mars 202533min

51 games down, one to go – the World Cup Final. It’s a historic occasion.  Whoever comes out on top – Italy or Brazil – will be the first nation to win the World Cup four times.   Memories of 1970 are...

7 Dec 20241h 37min

I’m joined by Jon Spurling, a football author who has been a fixture on my bookshelf over the last two decades. Some of Jon’s books are “All Guns Blazing:  Arsenal in the 80s”, “Top Guns: Arsenal in t...

30 Nov 20241h 39min