Overview of The Athletic’s Totally Football Show
This episode recaps a dramatic World Cup day featuring France’s commanding win over Sweden, Norway’s late knockout triumph over Ivory Coast, and Mexico’s impressive victory over Ecuador. The hosts also look ahead to England’s last-16 clash with DR Congo, assess whether this France side might be the best ever under Didier Deschamps, and discuss what the knockout bracket now means for the remaining contenders.
Match Recap: France, Mexico, and Norway Advance
France 3-0 Sweden
- France looked relentless in their 3-0 win, with the hosts repeatedly praising their balance, depth, and attacking variety.
- Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Ousmane Dembélé all featured prominently in another dominant performance.
- Olise’s passing and creativity stood out in particular, with the panel noting how often France’s attacks looked like potential “goal of the tournament” moments.
- Didier Deschamps was visibly emotional and even appeared to salute Mbappé when he was substituted, underscoring the bond between coach and captain.
Mexico 2-0 Ecuador
- Mexico impressed at the Azteca, where the atmosphere was described as intense and chaotic, with thunderstorms delaying kickoff and beer showers in the stands.
- Ecuador struggled badly, especially defensively and mentally, and were undone by a red card for Piero Hincapié.
- Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored the goals after strong Mexican build-up and sharp attacking movement.
- The panel highlighted Mexico’s mobility in midfield and the challenge of playing them at altitude in Mexico City.
Norway 2-1 Ivory Coast
- Norway won late thanks to Erling Haaland, who scored the decisive goal after another standout moment from Antonio Nusa.
- Martin Sleipnes, the Norwegian podcaster/fan guest, gave an emotional reaction to the win, calling it a dream moment for Norway.
- The result was described as Norway’s first-ever World Cup knockout win, adding to the significance.
Is This the Best France Team Ever?
The biggest tactical conversation of the episode was whether this France squad could be the best ever.
Why France look so strong
- Deschamps is fielding more genuine attackers at once than in previous tournaments.
- The current forward line works because the attackers are doing serious work off the ball.
- Mbappé’s form and leadership continue to be central, but Olise was singled out as the player who makes the team “tick.”
- The squad has frightening depth: if it isn’t Mbappé, it’s Dembélé; if it isn’t Dembélé, it’s Olise, Barcola, Doué, or Cherki.
Where they rank historically
- The hosts compared this side with France’s 1998 and Euro 2000 teams, plus older greats like the 1958 and 1984 sides.
- Their conclusion: this may be the best France attack ever, even if the all-time “best team” debate remains open.
Mbappé’s record-breaking form
- Mbappé’s knockout scoring record was highlighted as absurdly good.
- He now has more World Cup knockout goals than several major nations have managed collectively since his debut.
- The panel joked that he is moving through records at an extraordinary pace.
England’s Path: DR Congo Next
The episode also focused heavily on England’s upcoming last-16 match against DR Congo.
What DR Congo offer
- DR Congo are described as a compact, frustrating side that can make opponents uncomfortable.
- Analyst Mahir Mazahi said they are not especially prolific and have struggled for goals.
- A potential team change was discussed: Fiston Maele could replace or challenge Cedric Bakambu, whose influence may be fading.
- Yoane Wissa was praised as an important figure both on and off the pitch.
England’s likely approach
- England are expected to win, but the hosts don’t anticipate a classic.
- The likely team news:
- Declan Rice should return.
- Jude Bellingham may move further forward.
- There are concerns at right-back due to injuries.
- Bukayo Saka is likely to start.
- The consensus: England should control possession and have enough quality, but DR Congo are not to be underestimated.
Other Tournament Notes
Netherlands and Ronald Koeman
- Koeman has resigned after the Netherlands’ exit.
- The panel noted criticism that his second stint never produced a win against a top-25 nation.
- Possible successors mentioned included Arne Slot, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Michael Reiziger.
Belgium vs Senegal and USA vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Belgium and Senegal were previewed as two experienced teams with knockout pedigree.
- Senegal’s recent form was seen as encouraging, though Belgium were viewed as a dangerous opponent once they got going.
- The USA’s match with Bosnia-Herzegovina was framed as a tricky test, especially given Bosnia’s ability to slow games down and frustrate better teams.
Key Takeaways
- France are terrifyingly complete and may be the tournament’s strongest team.
- Mbappé is rewriting World Cup knockout history at an astonishing pace.
- Mexico’s home atmosphere and altitude make them a serious threat for anyone facing them in Mexico City.
- Norway’s win was deeply emotional and historic, especially for fans like Martin Sleipnes.
- England should beat DR Congo, but only if they handle the physical, disruptive challenge properly.
Notable Quotes and Moments
- Deschamps saluting Mbappé after the France goal was treated as a rare and special moment.
- Martin Sleipnes on Norway’s win: it felt like a “dream come true.”
- The hosts repeatedly returned to the idea that France’s attack is so deep that if one star is stopped, another immediately takes over.