Matchday 3 of AFCON 2025 is in the books — and while there were no major shocks, the final group games set up a fascinating knockout bracket.In this episode, I quickly review the decisive Matchday 3 games before shifting the focus to what really matters now: the Round of 16 and the path to the final.We look at how Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria and Senegal finished the group stage, which teams impressed (and which didn’t), and why the lower half of the bracket is significantly more loaded than the upper one.I break down every Round of 16 matchup, share my thoughts on the favorites, compare them with my model projections, and discuss which quarterfinals and semifinals could already be shaping up.With the knockout stage about to begin, the tournament finally feels ready to explode.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#AFCON2025#AfricaCupOfNations#AFCON#AFCONKnockouts#RoundOf16#AfricanFootball#Morocco2025#FootballTalk#MySoccerUniverse00:00 Intro & Happy New Year02:17 Matchday 3 Review – Final Group Games08:55 Round of 16 Preview & Bracket Breakdown13:26 Schedule & What’s Coming Next15:03 Final Thoughts

As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take a step back and reflect on the football moments that truly moved me.This is not a ranking based on trophies alone, but on emotion, chaos, joy, heartbreak, and unforgettable stories — from national teams and club football to personal highlights with LASK and Milan.In this episode, I count down my Top 10 Football Moments of the Year, plus five that narrowly missed out. From World Cup qualification drama and Nations League madness to a magical Champions League run and one of the wildest seasons I’ve ever experienced as a fan.This episode is available as a full video and audio podcast on My Soccer Universe – Football Talk.Let me know your own moments of the year — football is always better when shared.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss #Football#Top10#FootballMoments#Soccer#ChampionsLeague#WorldCup#NationsLeague#LASK#ACMilan#PSG#EuropeanFootball#FootballPodcast#MySoccerUniverse00:00 – Intro01:15 – Five Moments That Just Missed the Top 1003:58 – #10 Austria’s Bright Future? | U-17 World Cup Final05:25 – #9 Pressure, Penalties & Glory | Women’s Euro & WCL07:35 – #8 Misery Meets Silverware | Europa League Final09:58 – #7 Glasner Does It Again | Crystal Palace FA Cup11:52 – #6 Napoli Erupts Once More | Scudetto Drama14:05 – #5 Turnaround for Milan? | From Chaos to Hope19:25 – #4 Droughts Ended | World Cup Qualification Drama23:23 – #3 Nations League Drama | Portugal’s Triumph26:06 – #2 From Chaos to Belief | The Wild Year of LASK33:46 – #1 Kings of Europe | PSG’s Champions League Magic38:53 – Final Thoughts & Thank You

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Matchday 2 of AFCON 2025 delivered the tournament’s first real surprises — and finally, the spark that makes AFCON special.Hosts Morocco were held to a 1–1 draw by Mali, Senegal could only manage a draw against the DR Congo, and Nigeria lit up the competition with a thrilling 3–2 win over Tunisia after nearly throwing away a three-goal lead. Mozambique celebrated their first-ever AFCON victory in a chaotic five-goal classic against Gabon, while Ivory Coast and Cameroon produced the most entertaining match so far in a wide-open 1–1 draw.In this episode, I recap all Matchday 2 games, assess the updated group standings, adjust tournament projections and favorites, and look ahead to the decisive Matchday 3, where qualification drama is guaranteed.The AFCON is officially underway.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#afcon2025#afcon#afconmatchday2#africacupofnations#caf#nigeria#senegal#morocco#egypt#ivorycoast#cameroon#tunisia#mozambique#africanfootball#internationalfootball#footballpodcast#footballanalysis#tournamentrecap00:00 – Intro02:08 – Matchday 2 Recap: Goals, Draws & First Surprises09:44 – Group Standings & Updated Tournament Projections11:49 – Looking Ahead: Matchday 3 Scenarios & What to Watch

AFCON 2025 is officially underway in Morocco, and Matchday 1 already delivered drama, standout goals, and early signals about the tournament’s balance of power.In this short Christmas Day update, I recap all opening matches in chronological order, highlight Morocco’s spectacular tournament opener, near-upsets involving Egypt and Nigeria, and hard-fought wins for several favorites. I also take a closer look at the overall look and feel of the tournament — from kits and match balls to atmosphere and presentation.Using my updated model projections, I revisit the group outlook, early knockout paths, and adjusted favorites after the first round of games. A concise AFCON check-in with analysis, context, and a look ahead to what’s coming next.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#afcon2025#afcon#africancupofnations#morocco2025#internationalfootball#footballanalysis#soccerpodcast#footballpodcast#africanfootball#tournamentfootball00:00 Intro & Christmas Check-In01:18 Tournament Look & First Impressions (Kits, Ball, Atmosphere)04:28 Matchday 1 Recap – All Results in Chronological Order12:41 Updated Projections & Tournament Favorites15:31 Final Thoughts & What to Watch Next

In this final club-focused episode before AFCON takes center stage, I take a step back and reflect on a packed and often chaotic week in European football.I start with the Intercontinental Cup, where PSG lifted the trophy after an extraordinary penalty shootout, before moving into a look at the UEFA Conference League and its increasingly strange league-phase format.From there, it’s all about cup football across Europe — with dramatic Copa del Rey upsets, mixed fortunes in domestic cups, and a broader question about whether some competitions still make sense in an already overloaded calendar.With no Austrian Bundesliga action and Milan exiting the Supercoppa early, my focus shifts to the weekend leagues:– Germany, where Leverkusen reassert themselves as Bayern’s closest challenger– Italy, with Juventus quietly climbing back into Champions League contention– Spain and the Netherlands, where Barcelona and PSV continue to set the pace– England, where late drama, red cards, injuries, and fixture congestion once again dominate the conversationI close the episode with thoughts on squad overload, unnecessary competitions, and where European football stands as we head into AFCON season.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss #FootballTalk#EuropeanFootball#IntercontinentalCup#ConferenceLeague#CopaDelRey#PremierLeague#Bundesliga#SerieA#LaLiga#Eredivisie#DomesticCups#FixtureCongestion#FootballCalendar#AFCON#EndOfYearFootball00:00 Intro – A Different Kind of Football Week03:38 Intercontinental Cup Final – PSG over Flamengo in Penalty Drama07:06 UEFA Conference League – League Phase Final & Playoff Picture13:20 Domestic Cup Action – Copa del Rey, KNVB Beker and Taca de Portugal19:05 Weekend League Review – Germany & Italy26:01 La Liga & Eredivisie – Barcelona, PSV & Missed Chances32:21 Premier League & Portugal – Chaos, Injuries & Title Races40:09 Final Thoughts – What Comes Next

The Africa Cup of Nations is back – and AFCON 2025 in Morocco promises to be one of the most fascinating editions in years.In this episode of Football Talk, I preview the entire tournament: why AFCON is being played in January, why it’s officially called “2025” despite stretching into 2026, and why this competition still feels unique in modern football.I break down the host nation Morocco, the stadiums and cities, the qualified teams, and the notable absentees – before walking through every group with personal thoughts and tactical impressions. Using my probability model, I then project the group stage, build an expected knockout bracket, and assess who really has the best chance of lifting the trophy.From Morocco’s home pressure to Senegal’s consistency, Nigeria’s chaos, and the influence of European-based African stars, this episode blends emotion, history, and data to set the stage for AFCON 2025.I also preview the opening fixtures, share my expectations for the tournament, and outline how I’ll be covering AFCON as it unfolds.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#AFCON#AFCON2025#AfricaCupOfNations#TotalEnergiesAFCON#AFCONPreview#Morocco#Morocco2025#AfricanFootball#CAF#CAFChampionship#FootballAnalysis#TournamentPreview#GroupStage#KnockoutStage#FootballPredictions#DataDriven#EloRatings#FootballTalk#SoccerPodcast#FootballPodcast#MySoccerUniverse#GlobalFootball00:00 – AFCON 2025 Introduction & Tournament Context01:48 – Why I Love the Africa Cup of Nations04:37 – Host Nation Morocco: Cities & Stadiums05:49 – Qualified Teams, Groups & Notable Absentees11:57 – Group Stage Predictions (Model-Based Projections)13:56 – Expected Knockout Bracket & Tournament Path16:11 – AFCON 2025 Favorites: Morocco, Senegal & Challengers17:14 – Matchday 1 Fixtures & Opening Games to Watch18:15 – Personal Thoughts on AFCON, Style & European Influence22:08 – Final Thoughts & AFCON Coverage Plan

In this episode of Football Talk, I review the European weekend action with a broader lens, looking for the common threads behind the results rather than just the scorelines.A recurring theme emerges: pragmatic coaching decisions and late turnarounds. From LASK and Milan sitting second at the winter break, to title contenders like Bayern and Arsenal being pushed by supposed minnows, this round once again showed how tight and unpredictable Europe’s leagues have become.I break down the key developments in the Austrian Bundesliga, Serie A, the Premier League, Ligue 1, and a wider European roundup covering Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Along the way, there are stunning goals, controversial refereeing decisions, late drama, and early signs of how the title races may shape up going into the new year.I also look ahead to a packed upcoming schedule, including domestic cup competitions, European action, and the start of the Africa Cup of Nations.A compact but wide-ranging episode, focused on patterns, context, and what really matters beneath the results.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss #FootballTalk #EuropeanFootball #MidweekReview #SerieA #PremierLeague,#Bundesliga #AustrianBundesliga #ACMilan,#LASK,#TitleRace #FootballPodcast #SoccerAnalysis00:00 Intro – Pragmatism, Turnarounds & Finding the Weekend Theme05:15 🇦🇹 Austrian Bundesliga – LASK Surge, Chaos Behind Salzburg08:55 🇮🇹 Serie A – Milan Slip, Inter Top, Napoli & Juve Signals15:41 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Premier League – Lucky Leaders, Salah Watch & Northern Derby18:25 🇫🇷 Ligue 1 – Lille Madness, Marseille Luck & PSG Rotation20:10 🌍 European Roundup – Netherlands, Germany, Portugal & Spain26:15 Final Thoughts – What Is Coming Up

The new “league phase” was supposed to save European club football — but is it actually making things worse?In this episode of Football Talk, I step back from results and tables to ask a bigger question: Is UEFA killing its own competitions under pressure from both FIFA and the biggest clubs?While reviewing the midweek Champions League, Europa League and Conference League action, it became clear that the new format creates an unwieldy table, unclear stakes, and a competition that feels increasingly like a glorified staging ground for the knockout rounds.I break down: • Why the league phase feels less compelling than the old group stage • How financial pressure from the Premier League and FIFA is shaping UEFA’s decisions • Why “just wait a few matchdays” doesn’t work in a short league phase • How seeding and revenue concentration reduce genuine jeopardyI also suggest alternative solutions, including: • Smaller league tables • Cross-competition playoffs between Champions League, Europa League and Conference League • Smarter scheduling to keep Europa & Conference League relevant • Head-to-head aggregate formats or true Swiss-system alternativesThis is a discussion about structure, fairness, money, and the future of European football — not just this season’s results.The knockouts may still save the spectacle, but the warning signs are already there.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss #ChampionsLeague #UEFA #EuropeanFootball #FootballReform #UCL #EuropaLeague #ConferenceLeague #FootballPolitics #FootballFinance #FootballPodcast #ClubFootball #ChampionsLeagueFormat #UEFAReform

Chaos everywhere this weekend! I recorded Episode 44 live while watching Milan, which meant comments throughout on an unexpected comeback that echoed LASK’s dramatic draw in the Austrian Bundesliga.We start with the wildest league in Europe — Austria — where the top 8 are separated by only a handful of points, Salzburg still lead despite a terrible run, Sturm have internal problems, Rapid are spiralling, and LASK’s winning streak finally ends in a dramatic 2–2 against Hartberg.Then to Spain, where Real Madrid fall apart again, Barcelona have a perfect week (including a wild 5–3 at Betis!) and Atlético go from title race back to crisis.In the Premier League the top three close up again, Villa stun Arsenal late and City walk past Sunderland – while Liverpool’s defensive wobble continues in another chaotic draw and now even Mohamed Salah is talking his way to the exit door.Across Europe Marseille slip in France, PSG and Lens now lead, Bayern and Stuttgart smash goals in Germany, Ajax stop the bleeding in the Netherlands and Porto take charge in Portugal.We finish back in Italy with Coppa Italia shock exits, Milan bowing out disappointingly, Inter and Napoli dominant, Fiorentina collapsing, and Milan finally turning around a crazy game at Torino.Massive weekend everywhere—let me know your thoughts!Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss #FootballTalk #PremierLeague #LaLiga #SerieA #Bundesliga #AustrianBundesliga #Milan #LASK #RealMadrid #Barcelona #Arsenal #AstonVilla #Liverpool #MohamedSalah #XabiAlonso #weekendreview 00:00 Intro + Watching Milan While Recording 04:26 Austrian Bundesliga Chaos (LASK, Salzburg, Rapid) 12:42 La Liga – Real Crisis & Barcelona’s Wild Week 19:08 Premier League – Villa Shock Arsenal & Salah Drama 24:45 Around Europe – Ligue 1, Bundesliga, Eredivisie, Portugal 30:56 Serie A – Milan Comeback & Coppa Italia Reflections 43:53 Outro + Viewer Questions

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The World Cup draw finally happened… but only after a painfully long two-hour ceremony! In this episode I give my full reaction to the format, the pots, and especially the 12 groups that were drawn for the expanded World Cup.I go group by group with first impressions, early favourites, possible dark horses and the big fixtures to look forward to. Then I take a step back and look at the bigger picture: which teams are expected to advance, how the knockout bracket might look, and what this means for the real contenders.Using my own aggregated rating model combining Elo and bookmaker odds, I predict each group, select the likely third-place qualifiers and then build a projected knockout bracket — including where Austria may end up. Spoiler: it’s not an easy path…I finish with final thoughts from an Austrian perspective and look ahead to what I’ll cover next.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#WorldCup2026 #WorldCupDraw #FIFAWorldCup #FootballTalk #SoccerPodcast #MySoccerUniverse #WorldCupGroups #WorldCupAnalysis #WorldCupPredictions #AustriaFootball00:00 – Intro & general thoughts00:45 – The endless pre-show (and why it frustrated me)03:15 – Format, pots & draw rules explained05:38 – Groups A–C: Brazil vs. Morocco an early headline match09:26 – Groups D–F: USA luck, Germany’s route, Dutch concerns11:20 – Groups G–I: France face a tricky group12:57 – Groups J–L: Austria, Argentina & that deceptive Group J16:08 – Predicting all 12 groups based on ratings17:57 – Expected knockout bracket & likely matchups23:56 – Final thoughts (Austria’s difficult path & general takeaways)

Recorded on a business trip in a Vienna hotel room, this fast-paced Football Talk episode breaks down another dramatic weekend across Europe.We start in the Austrian Bundesliga, where LASK make it six wins in a row with a massive 3–0 at Rapid Vienna — who just sacked their coach. Salzburg drop points in Altach (with a penalty shout ignored), Blau-Weiß Linz lose their relegation duel and also fire their coach, and suddenly LASK are one point from the top… but I’m still avoiding the “C-word” (championship!).In Serie A, Milan go top with a gritty 1–0 win over Lazio thanks to a beautiful team goal finished by Leão. A late handball controversy around Pavlović had everyone talking, but the no-penalty decision felt right to me. Roma lose at home to a revitalized Napoli, Fiorentina look in deep trouble, and tensions are rising among their supporters.Then to the Premier League, where Arsenal and Chelsea draw 1–1 in a statement performance from ten-man Chelsea. City nearly bottle a 2–0 lead against Leeds but win late through Phil Foden. Liverpool finally get a win (without Salah), and Crystal Palace suffer another loss, with coach Oliver Klaassen clearly unhappy.We finish with a quick tour through France, Germany, and Spain:– PSG surprisingly lose at Monaco– Marseille miss the chance to go top as Toulouse equalize late– Bayern hang on to their win against St. Pauli– Barcelona beat Alavés, Real Madrid drop points to Girona– Atlético look like they might just re-enter the title raceA short roundup of the upcoming midweek action closes the episode.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss Recorded on a business trip in a Vienna hotel room, this fast-paced Football Talk episode breaks down another dramatic weekend across Europe.We start in the Austrian Bundesliga, where LASK make it six wins in a row with a massive 3–0 at Rapid Vienna — who just sacked their coach. Salzburg drop points in Altach (with a penalty shout ignored), Blau-Weiß Linz lose their relegation duel and also fire their coach, and suddenly LASK are one point from the top… but I’m still avoiding the “C-word” (championship!).In Serie A, Milan go top with a gritty 1–0 win over Lazio thanks to a beautiful team goal finished by Leão. A late handball controversy around Pavlović had everyone talking, but the no-penalty decision felt right to me. Roma lose at home to a revitalized Napoli, Fiorentina look in deep trouble, and tensions are rising among their supporters.Then to the Premier League, where Arsenal and Chelsea draw 1–1 in a statement performance from ten-man Chelsea. City nearly bottle a 2–0 lead against Leeds but win late through Phil Foden. Liverpool finally get a win (without Salah), and Crystal Palace suffer another loss, with coach Oliver Klaassen clearly unhappy.We finish with a quick tour through France, Germany, and Spain:– PSG surprisingly lose at Monaco– Marseille miss the chance to go top as Toulouse equalize late– Bayern hang on to their win against St. Pauli– Barcelona beat Alavés, Real Madrid drop points to Girona– Atlético look like they might just re-enter the title raceA short roundup of the upcoming midweek action closes the episode.

In this episode of Football Talk, Roland dives into a hectic European midweek he only half-watched due to being under the weather — but there’s still plenty to unpack.We start with an honest take on the new Champions League league-phase format: why it’s confusing, why stakes feel low, and how big clashes like Arsenal vs. Bayern or City vs. Leverkusen didn’t really carry the weight they should. There’s also discussion about possible alternatives, including a true Swiss-style format that could restore tension and purpose.The emotional core of the episode is Austria’s run to the U17 World Cup Final, where the team fell 1–0 to Portugal. Roland breaks down the match, the controversial offside situation, Austria’s nerves, and why this generation is still a massive success story for Austrian football.From there, we move into all three European competitions — the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League — highlighting the biggest surprises, the winners and losers of the matchday, and the worrying decline of Austrian clubs on the continental stage. Roland also reflects on why the Austrian league structure and recruiting philosophy might be contributing to weak results.As always, the episode finishes with a look at current standings, who’s likely to qualify, and which upcoming fixtures truly matter.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss #footballtalk #championsleague #europaleague #conferenceleague #u17worldcup #arsenal #bayern #liverpool #psg #austria #uefa #footballanalysis #soccerfootball talk, european midweek, champions league league phase, arsenal vs bayern, man city vs leverkusen, liverpool psv, u17 world cup final, austria portugal, europa league results, conference league results, austrian clubs europe, football analysis, matchday review, uefa competitions, soccer podcast

00:00 – Intro & Feeling Under the Weather00:37 – Why the League Phase Isn’t Working04:57 – Austria’s U17 World Cup Final: Heartbreak & Hope07:56 – Austrian Clubs in Europe & Structural Problems10:20 – Champions League Roundup (Main Match: Arsenal vs Bayern)15:05 – Other Champions League Results21:14 – Champions League Standings24:13 – Europa League Overview & Austrian Perspective30:12 – Conference League Surprises & Standings35:14 – Closing Remarks & Schedule Update

Roland delivers a feel-good, slightly sick-from-bed but very excited episode of Football Talk.Austria’s U17s have reached their first ever FIFA U17 World Cup Final after defeating England, Japan, and Italy — an emotional highlight worthy of celebration.The Austrian Bundesliga adds to the joy: LASK continue their remarkable run with a huge win at Sturm Graz, while every top team inexplicably loses at home in one of the wildest rounds of the season.In Italy, AC Milan win the Derby della Madonnina thanks to a heroic performance from Mike Maignan. Spain sees the temporary reopening of Camp Nou with a big Barcelona win, while Real Madrid drop points. The Premier League delivers shocks as Liverpool fall to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle stun Manchester City. Across Europe, drama unfolds in the Eredivisie, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and Portuguese Cup.Despite being under the weather, Roland enjoys one of the happiest football weeks of the year.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss #FootballTalk #AustriaU17 #U17WorldCup #LASK #AustrianBundesliga#MilanDerby #SerieA #CampNou #LaLiga #PremierLeague #Eredivisie#Bundesliga #Ligue1 #EuropeanFootball #SoccerUniverse🎵 BLOCK 1 — Opening & Big Austrian Storylines00:00 – Introduction (sick in bed, audio-only format)02:03 – Austria's U17 run to the World Cup Final05:26 – Austrian Bundesliga chaos⸻BLOCK 2 — Serie A, La Liga, Premier League11:18 – Italy: Derby della Madonnina – Milan beat Inter18:23 – LaLiga: Camp Nou reopens, Barcelona win 4–021:00 – Premier League: Liverpool collapse at Forest⸻BLOCK 3 — Eredivisie, Bundesliga, Portugal, France, Closing24:37 – Eredivisie: PSV gain advantage as rivals slip25:50 – Bundesliga roundup27:38 – Portuguese Cup quick recap28:57 – Ligue 1: OM crush Nice, Monaco meltdown30:39 – Final thoughts & schedule preview

The World Cup playoff draw is complete — and the road to 2026 just became much clearer. In this episode I react to the full draw, examine Italy’s difficult path, and take a deeper look at the biggest storyline outside Europe: the extraordinary CONCACAF qualification campaign.I begin with a post-mortem on Concacaf, where Haiti and Curaçao produced historic qualifications, Suriname reached the intercontinental playoff, and giants such as Honduras and Costa Rica missed out. Given the issues in Haiti and the unique player pathways used by Curaçao and Suriname, these qualifications are all the more remarkable.I then run through all 42 teams already qualified, before breaking down the inter-confederation playoff draw and assessing home advantage and favorability for each matchup.The heart of the episode is the UEFA playoff draw:– Path A (Italy, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Wales)– Path B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania)– Path C (Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey, Romania)– Path D (Czechia, Ireland, Denmark, North Macedonia)I give my thoughts on each path, discuss likely favorites, and close with winners and losers of the draw — plus a quick preview of upcoming content linked to the World Cup draw on December 5.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------World Cup playoff draw, World Cup 2026 playoffs, Italy playoff path, Italy Northern Ireland playoff, Bosnia vs Wales, Ukraine vs Sweden, Poland vs Albania, Turkey vs Romania, Slovakia vs Kosovo, Czechia vs Ireland, Denmark vs North Macedonia, inter confederation playoff, Haiti World Cup qualification, Curaçao World Cup qualification, Suriname World Cup playoff, Concacaf World Cup qualifying review, World Cup 2026 teams, FIFA World Cup draw reaction, football analysis, My Soccer Universe, international football reaction, FIFA playoff format explained#WorldCup2026 #WorldCupPlayoffs #Italy #CONCACAF #Haiti #Curacao #UEFAPlayoffs #FootballAnalysis #SoccerUniverse #WCQ2026 #internationalfootball 0:00 – Introduction1:34 – CONCACAF Post-Mortem: Haiti & Curaçao Make History6:31 – 🌍 All 42 Qualified Nations – Quick Comments8:31 – 🌐 Inter-Confederation Playoff Draw Explained & Favorites11:00 – 🇪🇺 UEFA Playoff Draw Overview11:00 – Path A: 🇮🇹 Italy vs 🇬🇧 Northern Ireland + 🇧🇦 Bosnia vs 🇬🇧 Wales12:10 – Path B: 🇺🇦 Ukraine vs 🇸🇪 Sweden + 🇵🇱 Poland vs 🇦🇱 Albania12:52 – Path C: 🇸🇰 Slovakia vs 🇽🇰 Kosovo + 🇹🇷 Turkey vs 🇷🇴 Romania14:14 – Path D: 🇨🇿 Czechia vs 🇮🇪 Ireland + 🇩🇰 Denmark vs 🇲🇰 North Macedonia15:03 – Winners & Losers of the Playoff Draw17:23 – Wrap-Up & Upcoming World Cup Draw Content

The final matchday of World Cup qualifying delivered everything: miracles, heartbreak, late goals, penalty shootouts, and one of the biggest national-team failures in recent memory. In this episode, I break down all the action from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Concacaf as the last direct tickets for the 2026 World Cup were secured and the playoff field was finalized.Ireland produced a miracle in Budapest to clinch a playoff place, Norway completely humbled Italy in a result that triggers a deeper look at a long-developing Italian decline, and Austria finally return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 after a tense 1–1 draw with Bosnia. Scotland delivered an unforgettable night at Hampden to qualify in spectacular fashion.Outside Europe, we witnessed extreme drama: the DRC eliminated Nigeria after a surreal penalty shootout, Iraq advanced thanks to a last-gasp spot-kick, and in CONCACAF both Haiti and Curaçao qualified against the odds while several giants fell away.I also take a detailed look at the upcoming playoff draw, explain the format, and put the entire qualification cycle into global perspective.It’s been a remarkable finish — let’s unpack it all.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#WorldCup2026 #WorldCupQualifiers #Italy #Austria #Ireland #Scotland #Norway #Nigeria #DRC #CONCACAF #UEFA #InternationalFootball #FootballAnalysis #WCQ2026 #SoccerUniverse0:00 – Introduction1:31 – 🇮🇪 Ireland’s Miracle in Budapest – Playoff Secured5:36 – 🇵🇹 Portugal 9–1 Armenia & Early Sunday Results7:15 – 🇨🇩 DRC Eliminate 🇳🇬 Nigeria in Wild Penalty Shootout11:25 – 🇳🇴 Norway Humble 🇮🇹 Italy12:54 – Italy’s Deeper Problems: Why the Failure Was Inevitable19:18 – 🇳🇱 Netherlands & 🇩🇪 Germany Seal Qualification with Big Wins21:55 – 🇮🇶 Iraq Advance After Dramatic Late Penalty vs 🇦🇪 UAE23:37 – 🇦🇹 Austria vs 🇧🇦 Bosnia – First-Half Struggles & Disallowed Goal28:14 – Austria’s Equalizer & First World Cup Since 199832:46 – 🇸🇽 Scotland’s Hampden Miracle vs 🇩🇰 Denmark36:38 – 🇭🇹 🇨🇼 Haiti & Curaçao Qualify + CONCACAF Madness & Intercontinental Playoff Explained39:31 – UEFA Playoffs: Format & What to Expect40:11 – Final Thoughts & Global Overview

World Cup qualifying enters its decisive phase, and the last three days have delivered shocks, heartbreak, and wild swings across all confederations. In this episode, Roland breaks down the key storylines from Asia, Africa, CONCACAF, and Europe — and looks ahead to what could be a dramatic final matchday before the playoffs.We begin with three teams officially qualified and three more effectively through thanks to overwhelming goal differences, while several others — including Austria — missed early qualification by the narrowest of margins.Roland then addresses criticism coming from Italy regarding the playoff format and explains why Europe needs a reform, not fewer spots. From there, the episode dives into the action:

A wild Nigeria–Gabon thriller, Osihem’s rollercoaster performance, and DR Congo’s upset over Cameroon.

Still nothing between UAE and Iraq as their playoff remains perfectly balanced.

Curacao, Haiti, and Suriname are shock contenders for direct qualification, while heavyweights like Jamaica, Honduras, and even Panama stare at early elimination.

France cruise, but Portugal collapse in Ireland and lose Cristiano Ronaldo to a red card with potential World Cup consequences.

Norway keep their nerve, Italy win but remain stuck in the playoffs, and Serbia’s defeat sends Albania through.

Germany barely escape Luxembourg; Slovakia set up a direct final.

Croatia qualify; Netherlands nearly there; Belgium stall; Spain flawless but not quite through; Switzerland book their ticket

The Group C madness continues with Denmark and Scotland stumbling again.

Roland also breaks down Austria’s situation after their 2–0 win in Cyprus and Bosnia’s comeback vs Romania that forces a tense final showdown.Finally, he previews the key matches to watch on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday — plus a quick look at his content schedule for the coming week.

A packed episode full of drama, stakes, and storylines as the race for the 2026 World Cup reaches its boiling point.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#WorldCup2026 #WCQ #WorldCupQualifiers #UEFAQualifiers #CONCACAF #AFCONQualifiers #AsianQualifiers #AfricaQualifiers #FootballAnalysis #InternationalFootball #SoccerPodcast #MySoccerUniverse #AustriaNT #ItalyNT #PortugalNT #Ronaldo

World Cup qualifiers 2026, WCQ UEFA, World Cup qualifying drama, Cristiano Ronaldo red card, Portugal vs Ireland, Nigeria vs Gabon playoff, CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, Haiti Suriname Curacao, Italy World Cup playoffs, Austria Bosnia preview, Germany Slovakia qualifier, Spain Turkey qualification, UEFA Group C chaos, Africa World Cup playoff, Asia World Cup playoff, Albania World Cup, Switzerland qualify, World Cup 2026 analysis00:00 – Intro: Setting up a decisive WCQ weekend

02:00 – Italy’s frustration & why UEFA’s playoff format needs reform

05:46 – Overview: Who qualified, who collapsed & who’s still alive

06:50 – Asia, Africa & CONCACAF: Playoff chaos begins

13:00 – UEFA Thursday: France through, Portugal stunned, Ronaldo red card

18:08 – UEFA Friday: Germany shaky, Slovakia rise, Croatia qualify

23:20 – Austria’s narrow miss: Cyprus win & Bosnia’s comeback

26:50 – UEFA Saturday: Belgium stall, Spain dominate, Denmark & Scotland slip

33:00 – What to watch next: Key matches on Sun–Mon–Tue

34:54 – Outro & publishing plans

It’s the final international break of the year — and for many nations, it’s decision time.

In this episode, Rollo sets the stage for the crucial World Cup qualifying matches happening from Thursday to Saturday, explaining what’s at stake across every continent.

We start with a few big news items — including a major change to the World Cup draw that could benefit top-ranked playoff teams like Italy, and a look at the expanded U17 World Cup format that might actually make knockout stages more exciting.

Then, it’s onto the action:

🌍 The playoff battles in Africa and Asia that will send two teams to the intercontinental playoff.

🇺🇸 The decisive final rounds in CONCACAF, with three direct qualifying spots and two playoff berths on the line.

🇪🇺 And, of course, a full UEFA Qualifier Preview, from Thursday’s France–Ukraine headline match to Saturday’s crucial Austria fixtures that could seal qualification.

There’s also a dose of Barcelona drama — Messi’s visit to Camp Nou and Lamine Yamal’s medical saga — plus a touch of personal perspective as Rollo reflects on the nervous excitement surrounding Austria’s campaign.

🎙️ It’s all building up to a massive few days in international football.

Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss

You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk

Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse

If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss

world cup qualifiers, international break preview, football podcast, soccer podcast, 2026 world cup draw, italy world cup pot 1, fifa ranking, africa playoff, asia playoff, concacaf world cup qualifying, uefa qualifiers, austria national team, france ukraine, poland netherlands, germany slovakia, messi barcelona, lamine yamal injury, under 17 world cup format, european football podcast, rolo my soccer universe, decision time episode

#FootballTalk #WorldCupQualifiers #InternationalBreak #DecisionTime #EuropeanFootball #LASK #Austria #SerieA #Messi #Barcelona #FIFAWorldCup #MySoccerUniverse

00:00 Intro – Welcome to the Final International Break

01:40 Major Change to the World Cup Draw Explained

03:36 The U17 World Cup Format That Actually Works

05:00 Messi Returns to Camp Nou – Argentina in Barcelona

06:25 Lamine Yamal Injury Saga Continues

08:02 Africa & Asia Playoffs – Who Reaches the Intercontinental Stage?

09:33 CONCACAF Qualifiers – Final Spots Up for Grabs

10:50 UEFA Qualifiers – Thursday’s Matches Preview

11:41 UEFA Qualifiers – Friday’s Key Clashes (Poland vs Netherlands)

12:54 Austria’s Group – Stakes, Nerves, and Qualification Chances

15:30 Saturday’s Deciders – Europe’s Final Big Night

16:35 Wrap-Up – Looking Ahead & Reflections

This week’s Football Talk takes a step back from the chaos and looks at how tight the European football landscape has become.

Across Austria, Italy, England, Germany, Spain, and beyond, margins are razor-thin — top teams drop points, underdogs fight back, and leagues tighten everywhere.

I reflect on a weekend where LASK continue their incredible run, Milan throw away control, and even Europe’s giants show cracks.

From the Austrian Bundesliga’s shrinking gap between top and bottom, to Serie A’s goal droughts, to Premier League shocks and Bayern’s first stumble, this episode captures a football weekend defined by tension and small differences.

Plus: a look at how form swings in Germany, Spain, and France are creating unusually balanced title races — and why that might not be great for European quality overall.

Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss

You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk

Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse

If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss

LASK, AC Milan, Didi Kühbauer, Austrian Bundesliga, Serie A, Milan Parma, Inter Milan, Napoli Bologna, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Premier League, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, Barcelona, La Liga, PSG, Ligue 1, Eredivisie, Portuguese Liga, European football, football podcast, My Soccer Universe, Football Talk, weekend review, tight margins, international break.

#FootballTalk #MySoccerUniverse #LASK #ACMilan #SerieA #Bundesliga #PremierLeague #LaLiga #PSG #EuropeanFootball #SoccerPodcast #FootballPodcast #WeekendReview #EuropeTightensUp #AustrianBundesliga

00:00 – Intro: A Weekend of Tight Margins

03:39 – Austria: Saturday Results Put Pressure on LASK

• Five wins, five clean sheets under Kühbauer

• The Saturday results that didn’t go LASK’s way but set up their success

06:12 – The LASK Game: Lucky but Valuable

• Why it’s the perfect coach’s win — 3 points + room for improvement

08:43 – Austrian League Getting Tighter

• Rapid’s struggles, Sturm–Salzburg 1-1, parity in the table

• European performance decline despite close competition

12:04 – Serie A: Goals Missing Everywhere

• Widespread goal drought until the Milan–Parma 2-2 draw

• Milan’s control then collapse, missed chance to go top

15:27 – Serie A Roundup: Napoli Fall, Inter Lead

• Bologna beat Napoli, Inter and Roma win before the Derby della Madonnina

16:58 – Premier League: Drama and Statements

• Spurs – United 2-2: stoppage-time chao

• Sunderland – Arsenal 2-2: Arsenal drop points but show resilience

• City – Liverpool 3-0: City dominant, Liverpool in transition

22:00 – Bundesliga: Bayern Finally Slip

• Bayern drop points at Union, Dortmund and Leipzig also falter

• Even Germany’s giants can’t escape tight margins

24:30 – La Liga: Spanish Giants Stumble

• Real Madrid 0-0 at Rayo, Barcelona 4-2 Celta — defensive chaos, table closes

26:24 – Elsewhere in Europe

• Portugal: Benfica dropping off

• Netherlands: Feyenoord and Ajax lose, PSV pull clear

• France: Lyon – PSG thriller, PSG win late but show vulnerabilities

29:01 – Outro

The Premier League still rules Europe — but behind it, the balance is shifting. In this week’s Football Talk, we look at how German teams are rising while Spanish sides stumble. Bayern beat PSG in Paris, Leverkusen stay perfect, and Frankfurt grind it out — all while Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Villarreal struggle for rhythm.We’ll also dive into Italy’s mixed week, Roma’s bounce-back in the Europa League, a promising round for Austrian clubs, and the latest Conference League chaos. Plus: who are the new favorites across Europe’s competitions — and what do the numbers tell us about goals and balance in modern football?🇩🇪 German power, 🇪🇸 Spanish struggles — but the real story might be who’s quietly catching up.

Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss

You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk

Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse

If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss

Champions League 2025

Europa League 2025

Conference League 2025

European football podcast

Football Talk

Bayern Munich PSG

Arsenal Bayern

Liverpool Real Madrid

Roma Rangers

Austrian football

Salzburg

Rapid Vienna

Sturm Graz

Napoli Frankfurt

Inter Milan

Atalanta Marseille

Serie A in Europe

Premier League dominance

German football

Spanish football crisis

European football analysis

My Soccer Universe

#ChampionsLeague #EuropaLeague #ConferenceLeague #EuropeanFootball #FootballTalk #BayernMunich #PSG #Arsenal #Liverpool #RealMadrid #Roma #SerieA #Bundesliga #LaLiga #AustrianFootball #MySoccerUniverse #VincentKompany #LuisDiaz #EuropeanRoundup #FootballPodcast

00:00 Intro

04:14 The Big Trend: German Power, Spanish Struggles

13:28 Match of the Week: PSG 1–2 Bayern Munich

19:18 Italy’s Mixed Fortunes

25:17 Europa League Highlights - Austrian Revival?

30:20 Conference League Chaos

35:18 Further Talking Points

38:12 Projections & Favorites

43:18 Outlook & Closing Thoughts

This week’s episode I want to start to take a step back from match-by-match reviews and ask bigger questions! Something like this: what makes a club truly “big”?

Inspired by Roma’s eternal struggle for greatness, I explore the line between the “biggest of the small” and the “smallest of the big” — clubs that live in that space where history, passion, and heartbreak constantly meet. From Roma and Napoli to Spurs, Villa, and my beloved LASK, we look at what makes these teams so fascinating: big enough to dream, but small enough that every triumph still feels extraordinary.

Before that, I recap this week’s cup action across Europe — from Austria’s tight matchups to the League Cup drama in England and a busy fixtures in France, Germany, and beyond.

Then, we dive deep into Serie A, where Milan’s draw at Atalanta and Roma’s identity crisis set the tone for this episode’s big theme.

🎧 Join me for an ode to football’s beautiful failures — the clubs that dare to dream just beyond their reach.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss

#FootballPodcast #MySoccerUniverse #SerieA #Roma #Napoli #Milan #Spurs #LASK #FootballCulture #UnderdogStory #EuropeanFootball #FootballHistory #BeautifulFailure #SoccerPodcast #footballtalk

Roma, Napoli, Spurs, Aston Villa, LASK, Serie A, Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Austrian Cup, League Cup, Italian football, European football podcast, football history, football storytelling, football culture, underdog football clubs, biggest of the small, smallest of the big, Roma football, Milan draw Atalanta, Luciano Spalletti Juventus, cup football review, My Soccer Universe podcast, beautiful failures in football, football identity, My Soccer Universe

00:00 Intro – New Direction for the Podcast

02:03 Austrian Cup Round – Sturm Graz, Rapid & LASK advance

04:25 League Cup Drama – England, France, Germany, Spain & Netherlands

06:44 Serie A Midweek Action – Atalanta vs Milan, Juventus win, Spalletti’s Start

11:05 Roma & Napoli – The Smallest of the Big, The Biggest of the Small

14:21 German Football & LASK – Austria’s Beautiful Failure?

16:37 Spain & England – Spurs, Villa, and Other Underdog Stories

18:04 What Makes a “Big Club”? – Episode Summary

20:27 Outro & Listener Thoughts