On this episode, Patrick and Neel take a global tour of World Cup qualifying, from CAF chaos to Brazil’s search for identity under Ancelotti. Nigeria’s campaign turns wild after a points deduction for South Africa, and we look at why one of Africa’s most talented squads keeps finding ways to trip up. Then, Norway are flying through UEFA qualification with Haaland, Ødegaard, and Nusa leading the charge. Finally, Ecuador grind their way to success in CONMEBOL, while Brazil’s new era begins under Ancelotti. Enjoy!

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

01:22 – Patreon updates & fan questions

02:45 – CAF Qualifying: Group C madness

03:30 – Benin on top, South Africa’s points deduction

04:42 – South Africa field ineligible player vs Lesotho

06:08 – FIFA’s late ruling changes everything

06:59 – Eritrea withdraws, CAF chaos deepens

07:34 – Nigeria’s complicated qualification path

08:41 – Math, goal difference & yellow card tiebreakers

09:30 – Nigeria’s emergency landing & travel drama

10:13 – Nigerian FA corruption & unpaid coaches

11:13 – Nigeria’s constant managerial turnover

11:45 – Talent overload but no balance

12:50 – The Super Eagles’ tactical mess

13:38 – Too many attackers, not enough structure

14:39 – Building a stable international setup

15:00 – Moving to UEFA: Group I chaos

15:34 – Israel’s group & UEFA’s moral gymnastics

16:08 – Norway’s incredible rise

16:51 – Norway’s 29 goals scored, only 3 conceded

18:09 – How Solbakken built balance around Haaland

18:26 – Ødegaard, Nusa & Sorloth in perfect harmony

19:58 – Why Norway are terrifying on the counter

20:48 – How they blew away Italy

21:47 – Norway’s depth beyond the stars

22:20 – Oscar Bobb & Strand Larsen impress

23:30 – Why this system finally works

24:43 – Norway’s tactical identity & knockout threat

25:45 – Italy’s struggles under Gattuso

26:40 – Five wins and still second place

27:40 – Italy’s defensive frailty returns

28:50 – Two World Cups missed, another crisis looming

29:20 – Over to CONMEBOL: Ecuador shine

29:54 – Ecuador’s incredible defense, awful attack

30:47 – Style, structure & why they’re miserable to face

31:30 – How Ecuador stay high and compact

32:40 – Defensive line, recovery pace & low event games

33:23 – Scoring issues & Enner Valencia dependence

34:34 – Looking for Ecuador’s next striker

35:21 – Brazil’s slow start under Ancelotti

35:51 – Fourth most valuable squad in the world

36:45 – The striker dilemma

37:49 – Vinicius, Martinelli & Rodrygo options

38:49 – Midfield balance: Bruno G, Casemiro & Andre

39:45 – Transitioning from the old guard

40:29 – Can Ancelotti make Brazil more than the sum of its parts?

42:03 – The World Cup picture taking shape

42:32 – Norway, Nigeria, Ecuador & Brazil outlooks

43:24 – FIFA expanding chaos, but more fun teams

43:50 – CAF drama & new World Cup format

44:41 – Wrap up & where to find Neel