We're back after a thrilling and dramatic inaugural Round of 32 at the World Cup!

We were going to lead off the pod with Germany, but then Cabo Verde happened (again). What a story and what a performance (again) from the Blue Sharks, who took Messi and the defending champions to the very brink in Miami, and in the process, provided one of the greatest World Cup games of the century. We spend some time heaping love on their performance, from the heroic individual performances to the brilliance of Bubista's tactics to their undying belief and stamina. What a moment, what a team.

Next, we move on to tournament disappointments, including Germany, The Netherlands, and Senegal. First, we wonder what should Germany's identity be moving forward and why couldn't Nagelsmann get it right with this group. Then we tackle Koeman's catastrophe versus Morocco, where he seemed to sabotage his own team's chances for success, before asking what went wrong for a Senegal group that was fully in control with ten minutes to play against Belgium.

Elsewhere, all six pre-tournament favorites advanced, but only France and Spain comfortably. England were pushed to the brink by a terrific DR Congo, with Harry Kane coming up huge again. Is this a sign of trouble for the Three Lions or were Congo just awesome? Brazil also need a late winner to send Japan home, but a promising second half performance has us wondering if we're foolishly doubting Carlo once again.

Portugal, too, were up against it, with some questionable VAR interventions salvaging Ramos' stoppage time go-ahead. We debate if Croatia were unfairly treated, how they bossed the second half, and whether this version of Portugal has any chance against Spain.

We also officially welcome Morocco and Norway into our Official Contenders circle. Congrats to all involved.

All 3 hosts have advanced, so we look ahead to each's chances to reach the quarterfinals. The U.S. is, like, better than Belgium right? Can Mexico really knock out England in the Azteca? And can Canada hang with Morocco?

And finally, we power rank the remaining 16 nations and identify the round's best games.

One final cheers to maestro, Bubista!

Chapters:

00:00 – the start

01:28 – Cabo Verde

11:42 – Germany

21:17 – Netherlands

29:27 – Senegal-Belgium

33:50 – England-DR Congo

40:53 – Brazil

43:48 – Spain & France

45:12 – Portugal-Croatia

54:10 – Argentina

57:43 – Morocco & Norway are contenders

01:01:39 – Hosts advance: USA, Mexico, Canada

01:13:22 – Farewell Ivory Coast, Japan

01:19:24 – Round of 16, power rankings

01:22:51 – Round of 16, pick 'em