ABC SPORT Daily

A France-Spain blockbuster is loading after an injury to legendary Belgian keeper Thibault Courtois led to a chaotic late defeat for his side. Was this an end of the road moment for Belgium's golden generation? Can Spain trouble the French? We ask Mark Schwarzer. Then we head to Oslo to get a vibe check on the feel-great story of the World Cup as Norway and Erling Haaland try to row a nation past...

In the last few months, Kylian Mbappe has been booed by his club fans, the target of racist attacks from a politician, and is the focus of global expectation, and yet he is gliding through this World Cup with a smile. He might have missed a penalty, but he also scored a screamer as he and France rolled into the semi-finals. Mark Schwarzer breaks down their campaign and then explains why he's "slig...

Sometimes during a hectic World Cup, you just need to hang with some great company. Kevin Prince Boateng has been a breath of fresh air on the SBS tournament coverage and when you consider he's played in almost every top league in the world, you can understand why. He joins us to talk about the World Cup so far, the difference between playing for European and African nations (he's done both) and f...

Lionel Messi was in tears. The Argentina manager was too emotional to finish his interview. Egypt's coach and players were seething at a sense of 'injustice'. Mark Schwarzer was in the stadium and pulls apart a World Cup classic before forecasting the tournament quarterfinals. Featured: Mark Schwarzer, Socceroos legend.  To catch up on everything that’s making sports headlines recently, listen to...

Belgium's Nicolas Raskin described their win over the USA as 'justice' after the Presidential pardon that had seen Falorin Balogun play the round of sixteen World Cup clash. There was no way to overturn the Europeans dominant win that leaves American football fans wondering about the impact of Donald Trump's intervention. PLUS, Ronaldo is finished with World Cup football and his manager is finishe...

England have spoiled Mexico's World Cup party with an astonishing 3-2 win over the hosts, setting up a clash with Norway and their star striker Erling Haaland. In a match that had it all the Three Lions triumphed off the back of some Jude Bellingham brilliance, but are they too reliant on their superstars? Meanwhile Haaland proved why he is one of the world's best as Norway overcame Brazil. Plus,...

Socceroos fans can't stop reliving the penalty pain that delivered defeat against Egypt. Mark Schwarzer explains why manager Tony Popovic erred in subbing off keeper Patrick Beach and what Australia needs to do to evolve into a nation that can go deeper at the next World Cup. The Australian legend argues we need to be more adventurous to go to the next level. Featured: Mark Schwarzer, Socceroos le...

An agonising penalty shootout loss to Egypt has sent Australia tumbling out of the World Cup. Tony Popovic has made massive moves throughout the tournament and he did so again, injecting Mat Ryan on the edge of the shootout for the previously brilliant Patrick Beach in goal. Questions abound on that decision and those chosen to take penalties for the Socceroos, but what was undeniable was the effo...

Everything is bigger in Texas, including World Cup clashes. Australia manager Tony Popovic is framing the clash with Egypt as a shot at history as the Socceroos chase their first-ever World Cup knockout win. Egypt is praying Mo Salah's hamstring can hold up as his nation chases a beautiful dream. We hear from reporters covering both nation's as we edge towards this do or die meeting. PLUS Ronaldo...

This World Cup has largely been dominated by the biggest possible names. Mbappe, Kane, Messi and Haaland have shone when it mattered most. While the best SHOULD do just that, it's not always the case. Why are they shining and who will own the tournament once it's all said and done? We're digging in.  Featured: NIav Owens, broadcaster, SBS Sport. To catch up on everything that’s making sports headl...

As Australia readies for a knockout clash with Egypt the possibility of a penalty shootout looms. Mark Schwarzer knows how to save a penalty and gives us his guide on how to do it. Then we ask why Tony Popovic is bristling with conversations around team selection and where the Socceroos are missing a chance to shine a light on some of their brightest stars.  Featured: Mark Schwarzer, Socceroos leg...

When Cristian Volpato was rejected by both Sydney A-League academies, he was in tears as his Dad drove him home. Today, the 22-year-old explains how he went from that moment to playing a pivotal role for the Socceroos at the World Cup. We hear about how Volpato decided to abandon aspirations of representing Italy to rush to this tournament for Australia. PLUS, Germany and the Netherlands out in dr...

The streets of Mexico have been one giant football viewing party. The stands have been shaking with delirious fans. On the ground the nation has three straight wins. There are three co-hosts at the FIFA World Cup, but no one seems to be having quite as much fun as Mexico. Former Mexican international Jenny Chiu joins us to explain what happens when 133 million people are bought into the fortunes o...

As the players rest their weary legs, and the fans rest their weary heads, Australian football is gearing up for a blockbuster World Cup knockout clash. Despite the success of the Socceroos draw with Paraguay, questions remain for Australia and Tony Popovic didn't always appreciate being asked them. What's undeniable is the scale of his achievement. We hear from Popovic and his players as we gear...

A nil-all draw never felt so sweet. Australians called in sick, wagged school and downed tools to watch the clash with Paraguay, did they get an iconic Socceroos moment? Not really, but they did get a great result. Mark Schwarzer joins us from the USA to analyses how the Socceroos fared against Paraguay. Jordy Bos, Aiden O'Neill, Cristian Volpato and Lucas Herrington were among those who starred a...

Another day, another injury concern for the Socceroos. Jacob Italiano has joined Mat Leckie in being ruled out for Paraguay and it leaves big questions that will shape the Australians eleven and how Tony Popovic's team will play. We speak to man who has covered six World Cups, SBS commentator David Basheer, about the Socceroos' challenge ahead and how he feels sound tracking a massive Aussie sport...

The Socceroos clash with Paraguay is enormous, so who should Australia pick? Mark Schwarzer argues why they should drop Patrick Beach and recall axed captain Mat Ryan as keeper. The Socceroos legend also breaks down why Nestory Irankunda should start and who he'd pick between Connor Metcalfe and Cristian Volpato in his Australian eleven. PLUS, we check in on Ronaldo after the veteran made history....

Scotland might not make it out of their group, but their fans, the Tartan Army might win the tournament. With their mix of kilts, plaid, bagpipes, sinaglongs, beers, and witches hats the Scottish supporters have been the universal hit of the tournament. We speak with their captain live from Miami. PLUS, we go inside the cult of Lionel Messi with Amanda Shalala as she and the Argentine faithful wit...

Soooooo, now what? With the defeat to the USA processed, we look at what the Socceroos need to do against Paraguay to qualify for the next phase of competition and how they might achieve that. Can you start Irankunda, Toure, Volpato and Metcalfe? Probably not, so who is in and who is out? PLUS, we revel in Cape Verde's mighty 2-2 draw with Uruguay.  Featured: Daniel Garb, football reporter, ABC Sp...

Australia was welcomed back to earth in Seattle, beaten 2-nil by USA as a huge opportunity went begging for the Socceroos. Mark Schwarzer explains why managerTony Popovic got it wrong at selection and how the Australians struggled with the occasion. The Socceroos legend does see reasons for optimism ahead of the clash with Paraguay, given strong performances from Connor Metcalfe and Cristian Volpa...

US manager Mauricio Pochettino has some thoughts on the Socceroos. Their physicality, their mindset, their belief. We hear from the Argentine as well as Australian manager Tony Popovic ahead of the blockbuster clash between the Socceroos and the USA, where the health of star American Christian Pulisic looms large. Featured: Jack Snape, football writer, The Guardian.  To catch up on everything that...

Disrespect can really drive Australians, especially in football. The 2005 defeat of Uruguay was the most pointed performance in Socceroos history and Mark Schwarzer was at the heart of it. The Socceroos legend explains why the lead in to the USA clash reminds him of that historic win, before breaking down some other key themes ahead of Australia's massive clash with America.  Featured: Mark Schwar...

The build-up to the Socceroos-USA clash has been dominated by a handful of American pundits and while it's been great to revel in the disrespect, there's more to this story. US football host Jillian Sakovits joins the show and explains the identity of this American team. We learn that some of the same voices who have been critical of Australia have also fallen out with Team USA. Jillian brings the...

World Cups are simply more fun when the Three Lions are roaring. England enters the tournament with a raft of stars, a newish German coach and the ever-present weight of expectation. How will they handle the literal and metaphorical heat? We ask former Lioness Izzy Christiansen to break down the storylines that matter before hitting on the insane World Cup debut of Cape Verde. Featured: Izzy Chris...

Nestory Irankunda thinks talk is cheap. Connor Metcalfe is still 'buzzing'. Cameron Burgess has broken down the defensive brotherhood. Vince Rugari takes us behind the scenes after a historic night in Vancouver and we hear from the Socceroo heroes as we unpack the reaction to Australia's stunning opening-round World Cup win.  Featured: Vince Rugari, football writer, Sydney Morning Herald. To catch...