Episode 25: The Guts and Glory of Cape Verde, Those Who Must Tip the Scales and Other Revelations of Truth and Consequence
The Away End with Daniel Alarcón and John GreenShow Notes
On Episode 25 of The Away End, the full spectrum of the World Cup is on display. We begin with everyone’s favorite Cape Verdean, Janine de Novais as she joins Daniel and John to talk about how a small country stole the spotlight during this World Cup with their stirring performance in the Round of 32 against Messi and Argentina. She adds some context to help us better understand the “Cabo Verdean Way” and how it now feels be Cape Verdean in light of this performance. Daniel and John then discuss how, once again, corruption was on display for everyone to see as the rules were bent to allow Flo Balogun to play for the USMNT against Belgium. And in an episode full of contradictions, they discuss the ugly Paraguay vs. France, the majesty of the Mexico vs. England and the misery of Spain vs. Portugal. Then a new segment for those of you who are here for the stories, an ode to the players that have made an impact on us that we’ll miss due to elimination. And as always, some listener questions. If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review wherever you listen, tell your friends about The Away End, and email us at [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from The Away End with Daniel Alarcón and John Green
On the 30th and final episode of Season 1 of The Away End, Daniel tells a story of his first international call-up, and how he got the name “Cabeza de Brócoli”. Then John ends the season with the obligatory AFC Wimbledon story about Barry Fuller and how, when things seem bleak and even futile, seeing things to their utter end with ferocious effort creates the most memorable result, no matter the outcome. And for the last time of this 2026 World Cup, your letters bring us home as they always have! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Episode 29 of The Away End, Daniel and John celebrate Spain for their World Cup victory and try to make sense of a miserable game that no one will ever willingly rewatch. They also discuss what they obviously got wrong about the third-place game between England and France -- a game of no consequence that also happened to be the most entertaining match of the tournament. They reveal the winners of The Away End’s Bracket Challenge, and your questions bring us home! If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review wherever you listen, tell your friends about The Away End, and email us at [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Episode 28 of The Away End, Daniel and John talk about the semifinal matches, starting with the incredible England vs. Argentina match where Messi, once again did some beautiful things to deliver Argentina to another World Cup final, as Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez were able to get the ball directly through the windows of England’s parked bus. And in a stark contrast, Spain was able to keep the ball away from France as France’s superstar front line was unable to show up. They talk about the players they will miss and preview the Spain vs. Argentina final as we get close to the moment that we’ve all been waiting for! Finally, your letters bring us home! If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review wherever you listen, tell your friends about The Away End, and email us at [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Episode 27 of The Away End, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill joins John and Daniel for a look at how the state’s lead executive is dealing with hosting the world’s biggest sporting event, growing the sport here in the United States, her favorite World Cup moments so far, and who she hopes to see in the final when it comes to New Jersey. Daniel and John talk about the players they will miss and somehow, during this exercise, applaud themselves for being the real heroes of this World Cup even before they preview the Semifinals! And as always, your questions bring us home. If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review wherever you listen, tell your friends about The Away End, and email us at [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Episode 26 of The Away End, “To lose is to win a little bit.” As all the host countries have now been eliminated, there are lessons to be learned on how not to gain a tactical advantage. Daniel and John start with their thoughts on the USMNT’s performance against a fired-up Belgian side in the midst of unwelcome interference. Daniel talks about his experience in Bogotá as Colombia was eliminated by Switzerland in an agonizing round of penalty kicks and Egypt couldn't escape the GOAT doing GOAT-like things. Daniel and John preview the quarterfinals and say goodbye to some of the players that they are going to miss. And as always, listener questions and stories bring the spirit of the World Cup into focus. If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review wherever you listen, tell your friends about The Away End, and email us at [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.