Box2Box with Rob Gilbert, Derek Dyson and Willem van Denderen.
The Socceroos and Japan this week fell at the Round of 32, which was disappointingly as far as any of the AFC’s nine representatives made it at the World Cup. The Asian Game’s Paul Williams returns to diagnose just why the ambitions of those in the confederation collectively fell so flat.
The BBC’s Simon Stone then reviews England’s epic encounter with Mexico at the Azteca, which breathlessly rattled from incident to incident and ultimately saw the Three Lions escape the scene of their greatest torment with a famous victory.
Also on the agenda: Ange Postecoglou to Al-Nassr, Sam Kerr to Gotham FC & reflections on the 48-team World Cup in practice.
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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert and Willem van Denderen
The Australia Cup returns this week, with nine debutants among the 32 sides set to contest the national stage. Lachie Flannigan (10/Paramount+) will be behind the mic as Rochdale Rovers meet Southern Districts Raiders on Tuesday evening, and throughout the competition; he joins Box2Box for the first time to preview its commencement.
Then to the never-ending political and ethical machinations of FIFA and its tournaments. What impact has the White House’s intervention had on Gianni Infantino’s presidency stronghold? What of its increasingly fawning adulation of its superstars? The Times Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler returns to run the moral compass over a madcap administration in full flow.
Also on the agenda: Bellingham, Tuchel, Embolo & Vozinha’s sea slug, and CBA negotiations break down between the APL & PFA.
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Spain are FIFA Men’s World Cup champions for the second time, defeating Argentina 1-0 in a fragmented and frustrated final frequently interspersed with the pomp and glamour expected of an American World Cup final. ESPN’s Joey Lynch spent the bulk of the tourmanent on the ground in North America; he joins us to reflect, and cast an eye towards the next Socceroos mission.

We then look forward. The Sports Ambassador's Tracey Holmes joins us with the 2027 Women’s World Cup less than a year away, the Matildas having booked their tickets. What can we expect as FIFA head back into a nation where they hosted a tournament as recently as 2014, and left much to be desired?
Also on the agenda: Brunswick Juventus hit four in the Australia Cup but Preston fans mar NPL weekend, Canberra United find a new backer, and plenty more…
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Box2Box, with Willem van Denderen & Will Hastie!
The A-Leagues seasons look set for commencement without a playing labour agreement in place, a fortnight on from the PFA announcing CBA discussions with the APL had reached exhaustion. PFA chief-executive Beau Busch returns. Beau also discusses the week’s saddening news, with much-loved Captain Socceroo Paul Wade going public with his probable CTE diagnosis.
Meanwhile on the pitch, the Australia Cup has been electric. Three Cupsets within 24 hours saw Preston Lions, Sydney United and Lions FC progress at the expense of A-League opposition; 10/Paramount’s Erik Paartalu discusses the big picture topics at play in Australia’s best sporting competition.
Also on the agenda: Infantino complaint outside IOC’s remit, Klopp underway at Germany, Australia Cup & Championship maturation.
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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert and Willem van Denderen...
Gianni Infantino’s position as FIFA President looks increasingly untenable following a week where his floated plan to sell a portion of the World Cup to private investment was denounced emphatically by some confederations and many individual member nations. Simon Hill returns to pick through what’s been yet another seismic week, that feels to have acted only as a portent for bigger things still yet to come.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s hardline youth policy seems to have softened, with Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson among Xabi Alonso’s initial signings. The Athletic’s Liam Twomey considers whether a shift in attitude could bring a calming of the turbulent waters at Stamford Bridge.
Also on the agenda: Lucas Herrington on verge of record-breaking Hull City move, Australia Cup draw promises further action & loads more…
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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert and Derek Dyson…
The Socceroos realigned their World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw over Paraguay, sealing passage to the knockout stages for the third time. Tony Popovic’s side now face Egypt; Network 10’s Teo Pellizzeri returns to assess the state of play as both nations look to make history with a first win beyond the group stages.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel’s England shot out of the blocks in their opening match against Croatia, but then found the going tougher against less-fancied Ghana and Panama. Martin Tyler has watched England at World Cups as closely as anyone down the years; what chance a reprise of 1966?
Also on the agenda: Iran skipper Mehdi Taremi slams ‘disaster World Cup’, African sides progress in numbers and plenty more…
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Daniel Garb joins Willem van Denderen from Anaheim, Los Angeles to review the Socceroos 0-0 draw with Paraguay in San Francisco, which saw them through to the knockout stages of a World Cup for the third time. Jordy Bos, Tony Popovic and next-up opponent Egypt are all on the discussion table.

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The great Lawrie McKinna joins Willem van Denderen from Anaheim, Los Angeles at the conclusion of his third Green & Gold Army World Cup tour. Lawrie speaks to the Socceroos & World Cup thus far, the fluctuating fortunes of his former cubs Newcastle & Central Coast, and the growing export market of Australian managers, among plenty more.

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