The Sports Gazette's FIFA World Cup Podcast

Jackson Fuller, Michael Johnston and Tom Desborough recap a thrilling World Cup Final that saw Lionel Messi lift the trophy he's always craved. How did Argentina outplay France, and what does this tournament mean for Messi's legacy? Also, what do we want to see from Mbappe moving forward in his career? Finally, the two Englishmen discuss Southgate returning as England's manager. 

The original trio: Michael Johnston, Jackson Fuller and Dan Evans are all on to preview Sunday's World Cup Final featuring a heavyweight bout between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Will Argentina be able to slow down France's star power? Or is it simply destiny for Messi to lift the trophy? We take a look at some of the key questions, tactical battles and make predictions in this episode. 

Michael Johnston, Jackson Fuller and Alex Guilford recap France's 2-0 victory over Morocco that sets up a delicious Messi vs. Mbappe World Cup Final. The trio heap praise upon Antoine Griezmann and Morocco's entire squad while dissecting France's innate ability to win these types of matches. Also, who do we like to win the final?

Jackson Fuller, Michael Johnston and Shubi Arun recap a dominant 3-0 Argentina win over Croatia to send Messi and company into the World Cup Final. Julián Álvarez provided the help Messi has been craving, while Croatia underwhelm despite a positive start. Is Argentina now ready to go lift the trophy?

Jackson Fuller is joined by Andrew Smith and George Yates to preview this week's semi-finals between Argentina-Croatia and France-Morocco. Which aging superstar, Luka Modric or Lionel Messi, will reach the final? Can Morocco keep its Cinderella story alive against the star-studded French?

Jackson Fuller is joined by Seth Nobes, Alex Reed and Conor Kenan to recap another exciting day in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, but a disappointing day for England fans as France took their chances in a 2-1 win. Does Southgate deserve another major tournament with England, and was this tournament a success for The Three Lions? The foursome also dive into Morocco's upset over Portugal, and if Morocco can keep the magic alive against France in the semis. 

Michael Johnston is joined by Shubi Arun and Reuven Blingnault to try and digest a wild Friday as both World Cup went to penalties. Brazil are no longer dancing, with Luka Modric turning in a masterclass to get Croatia back to a World Cup semi-final. Meanwhile, despite a late push from the Netherlands, Argentina can still dream about Lionel Messi lifting his first World Cup trophy. To close the pod, African football expert Ali Howorth joins us to discuss Morocco's run to the quarter-finals and their entire continent's performance at this tournament. 

Michael Johnston is joined by Alex Guilford and Nyah Barnett to dive into all four quarter-final matches scheduled for this weekend. Can England stop Mbappe? Are we headed for a Brazil-Argentina semi and what's next for Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo. Marina Izidro, a Brazilian freelancer for TV Globo and Sport TV, also joins the pod to discuss some of the political ramifications of Brazil's success at this tournament. 

Jackson Fuller is joined by Joaquín Serna Sánchez and Todd Harris to recap a thrilling conclusion to the Round of 16. Morocco oust Spain on penalty kicks, while Portugal dominate Switzerland without Cristiano Ronaldo. The trio also pick their favorite upcoming matches in the quarterfinals. Somehow, all eyes aren't fixed on France-England. 

Jackson Fuller is joined by Lyle-Anthony Golding and Caleb Mutombwa to recap another exciting day of World Cup action. Brazil danced their way to an easy victory over South Korea, while Croatia displayed their big tournament experience in a penalty shootout win against Japan. The trio also take a look to Tuesday's fixtures featuring Spain-Morocco and Portugal-Switzerland. Is there really any chance Fernando Santos drops Cristiano Ronaldo to the bench?