Soccer 101

Graham and Taylor don their tin foil caps to discuss soccer's greatest conspiracy theories, and attempt to determine which ones are completely fictional (most of them) and which ones have some truth to them (some of them). Topics covered include... 1) Nike forced Ronaldo to play the 1998 World Cup final 2) A swimming pool scandal ended Johan Cruyff’s Netherlands career 3) Colombia’s secret service...

This week, Graham and Taylor make sure not to record on Saturday at 3pm, so they aren't in violation of any sort of blackout rules. Is that how it works? Well, if you aren't certain either, this episode is for you! What is The 3pm blackout? What's the logic behind it? How is it enforced? Does it still serve a purpose? Those and many more questions answered on this week's episode! Hosted on Acast....

This week, Graham and Taylor delve into the history of the Asian Cup, and there's a lot of surprising history there for the delving. When did it first begin? Who are its most successful competitors? What are the factors holding it back from getting the billing it deserves? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham and Taylor discuss everyone's favorite hype-train-generator: the wonderkid! Why is there such fascination with these players? What are the pitfalls of being one? Who are some of the most memorable wonderkids in soccer history, and which ones actually came good? That and much more… including the mention of the name Freddy Adu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the 2024 (but actually 2023) iteration of the Africa Cup of Nations about to kick off, Graham and Taylor spend some time on the history of the tournament itself. When was the first AFCON? How has the tournament grown over the years? Why does it take place in the middle of the season? Which countries and players have had the greatest successes at the competition? We answer those and several mo...

On this episode, we get into the past, present and future of Gianni Infantino's current favorite child: The Club World Cup! What is it, how has it evolved over time, who are its most successful competitors, and what will future iterations of the tournament look like? Plus, does it actually need to change? Will it ever be a "marquee" tournament? How much of the tournament will Graham end up watchin...

With the recent news that Everton would be docked 10 points for violating Financial Fair Play rules, Graham and Taylor spend some time discussing points deductions. What are they, who hands them out, and why do they feel like the nuclear option? Plus, historical examples of their usage throughout English football history, and the rest of the world too! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

On this episode, Graham and Taylor toss themselves into the world of the throw-in. It's more interesting than it sounds, I promise! What is a throw-in? What is its history? Who are the great Champions of the Throw? How could throws evolve in the future? All that and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham and Taylor discuss a moneymaker... the expansion of the record transfer fee over the years. Why did the transfer record grow so quickly? Which ones have worked out and which ones weren't exactly a bargain? Which ones are responsible for inflating the market? What is the history of the transfer fee, while we're on the subject? All that and more on today's episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast....

Graham and Taylor discuss your grandmother's favorite topic... scarves! How did they first become common in football, how have their usage and sales evolved over time, why half-and-half scarves are a sign you're a tourist, and much more! Plus, some of our personal favorites... or rather, some of Taylor's favorites and then Graham's single favorite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

Graham and Taylor get into a topic that just sorta... keeps on going: the English league pyramid! How many different levels are involved and how many clubs does that cover? What is life like for the smallest clubs in the structure? Which clubs have risen through the ranks? All that and more on this week's episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRIZE TIME! We're answering all your questions about prize money in soccer, including how do teams get it, how does it differ between club and international levels, which leagues pay the most, and much much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Graham and Taylor tackle a concept that is ubiquitous in soccer (and sport in general) but simultaneously seen as a problem and potential source of a conflict of interest… gambling! How long has gambling been intertwined with soccer? What sorts of gambling sponsorship/advertising is in soccer? How big a problem is this for soccer in general? What measures have been taken to curb gamblin...

On this episode, Graham and Taylor dive deep into the branding statement/actual sports team known as Team GB. What is it, which countries are involved, how does it work when it comes to the Olympics, why is it controversial, and much much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, we answer a question from the Discord, courtesy of Scouto: What are coefficients, what are they used to determine, how are they calculated, and why do they matter? We have answers, and Graham attempts to explain math while recording! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Taylor and Graham spend some time discussing a few terms that get commonly thrown around, but can be a little more challenging to understand if you're new to the game: 1) Ball recovery 2) Duel 3) Hospital pass 4) Mickey Mouse Cup 5) Reducer 6) Corridor of Uncertainty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham and Taylor explore the history of the historic rivalry between England and Scotland. What is the history of England v Scotland in soccer? Why did this fixture happen in the first place? Does this rivalry matter in the 21st century? Plus, some of the best moments from the fixture over the years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Graham and Taylor delve deep into a topic that isn't at all divisive and doesn't make people completely lose their minds... VAR! What is it, why was it implemented, how does it work, how has it evolved, and what does the future hold? All that and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Graham and Taylor discuss a phrase that gets thrown around a lot but might not be as easy to understand: half spaces. What are they, why are they important, and which players are best at operating in them? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, Graham and Taylor go deep on World Cup preparations! When do teams announce their squads for a World Cup? What do warm-up friendly matches achieve? How do national federations decide on a training base? What do players take with them when they travel? All those questions answered, and many more as well! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, Graham and Taylor delve deep into season tickets: what are they, what are the benefits and drawbacks to becoming a season ticket holder, how has the process evolved over time, and what does the future hold? All that and much much more, including annoying Graham early and often. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham (who managed to keep his top on the whole show) and Taylor answer the following listener question: Taking a shirt off is an iconic football celebration. Except that for a good long while now it has been punished with a yellow card. Why? What harm does it cause? Who pushed for the rule change? What, why, how, huh? We answer those questions and a few more! Plus, our favorite shirtless celebra...

With the 2023 iteration of The Concacaf Gold Cup right around the corner, Graham and Taylor discuss the history of the competition, how it has evolved over time, the various guest nations that have played, and the most successful teams to participate. Plus, why does it seem less important these days (and why that's likely a temporary thing), and what its future will look like ahead of the 2026 Wor...

The season is coming to a close, which means the silly season insanity is about to ratchet up! But instead of looking at specific rumors or pending transfers, they're discussing the speculation itself. How does transfer speculation come to be? Who and what are the trustworthy sources of transfer news? Why are we (meaning football fans in general) so fascinated with transfer gossip? All that and mu...

Graham and Taylor discuss all-things Australia, without attempting to do accents or make jokes about shrimp and barbies. Instead, they focus on The A-League Men: the history of the league, how it has evolved, why it rebranded, current controversies, and future growth possibilities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.