The Atlantic Voice Podcast

Book review day, and Peter is back, sharing with us his thoughts on James Montague's "Thirty-one Nil" which looks at the world's game away from the mainstage slate of the Brazil's, France's and Spain's that hog our attention. In light of the expanded field this year, it is, as Peter points out, more than timely reading.

A win - or even a draw - sends the hosts to the knockout stages of the Mundial. And with all the excitement and hype, what would, and this World Cup, mean for the future of the beautiful game in the US? As seems to be forever the case, the media are wondering about soccer's ultimate destiny on these shores. But is it time to stop asking, or even care, what the answer is?

(I didn't mean to go in hard - it's a great article.....)

The first round is done and the tournament should really kick in to gear over the next week, as teams now have a real sense of their direction of travel. And it's the same for show, as we follow up on some thoughts and lay out the next few days.

The 23rd edition of the Mundial ends its first seven days of action and Zeff decides whether or not this expanded edition is in fact better than what's gone before. Yes, we all know it's more expensive, but is it better? Plus England take the field for the first time - what will the "Pick of the Day" dictate you do with your hot dog?

"Angel City" is the first in Zeff's reviews of the first episodes of the many (well, five) reality show docu-series about teams and their 'celebrity' owners. We're start with "Angel City" as, well, it starts with an 'A'. And executive producer Eric drops by with a few of his ....."notes"

Day 5 and Zeff is reviewing the rules for the reality show reviews that begin this week. He's also getting in touch with his Scottish heritage (no pun intended although one of the upsides of a kilt is the accessibility). But that other Gaelic mob the Welsh, shouldn't feel left out, as "Welcome to Wrexham" will get a mention....

We promised you culture and you're getting it, as today's guest Peter drops by the show to share this thoughts on David Winner's book "Brilliant Orange" - a look at the Dutch and their relationship with the beautiful game. And Zeff has a couple of TACOs to award.

A day for other voices, as our friend Nathan drops by to take a look at some of the group stage matches that are compelling for reasons other than football. And in an unscheduled visit our esteemed executive producer has a few words of ..........wisdom?

We're heading out to Los Angeles! Well, we're imagining we are, as the US open their campaign against Paraguay in Sofi Stadium. And so we're spending a few figuring out if playing at home will propel any of the three host countries to the ultimate victory.

It's back! The World Cup of Tea returns to the Atlantic Voice's chunk of the internet airwaves. You daily companion piece to the big tournament that will be going on for what might feel like forever! It's Day 1, and here at the pod, we invite you to play World Cup Bingo!

So, download your sheet here! There are prizes, you know....