Episode 131 - Can Carlo Ancelotti Fix Brazil? + Norway are on FIRE
Plus Italy struggling and CAF madness
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