The Why Football Podcast
By Why Football Podcast
When Football Happens - Our Reaction to the latest developments in the game.
The Why Football PodcastJun 29, 2021
Why Football Happens Sn02,Ep03 - UEFA Champions League Draw
It's the Champions League Group Stage draw and theres actually some incredibly tasty ties to look at in the first proper round of the competition as European football looks set to get spicy this season. UEFA have given us a group of death with Milan, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid. The giant spenders of PSG and Man City meet in Group A but will RB Leipzig be a thorn in their side. Manchester United have the curve ball of Atalanta to deal with, along with Villarreal in Group F, while Inter Milan get Real Madrid and Barcelona get drawn alongside Bayern Munich.
And then theres the reigning Champions Chelsea........could they go back to back under Thomas Tuchel?
Ollie and Paul discuss it all on the podcast dedicated to
Why Football Happens Sn02,Ep02 - Newcastle United Takeover
The Newcastle United takeover saga has been ongoing since 2020. It is now in arbitration and the case has been adjourned until 2022. Ben Jacobs, who is based in the middle east, tries to clear up the who, what, when, where and why of this mess involving BEIN, piracy, the Saudi blockade of Qatar, who ultimately would control NUFC, and any other obstacles in the way of this sale.
#NUFC #NUFCTakeover #TRANSPARENCY
Panel in order of appearance:
Ben Jacobs, FWA accredited Sports Journalist - @JacobsBen | ben-jacobs.com
Stephen Drennan - @babuyagu | Co-founder @craquestats, craquestats.com
Why Football Happens Sn02,Ep01 - Messi to PSG
A lot has been said in the media about Messi joining PSG this week. However, we feel like there are still a lot of people missing the point about Finances, the lack of competition to sign the greatest ever player, and what that means for the future of football. We cover those things that nobody else is saying!
#MESSIPSG
Panel in order of appearance:
Oliver Wilson, Football commentator on the Libertadores, Sudamericana, Serie A and more - @O_J_Wilson
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
Stephen Drennan - @babuyagu | Co-founder @craquestats, craquestats.com
WFH Ep#19: Euro 2020 Fallout
England blow it once again on penalties as Italy are crowned Euro 2020 champions at Wembley. Ollie and Paul discuss the overriding problems for Gareth Southgate and his men, the lottery (or science) of penalties, can Italy go on to more success in Qatar and look back at the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to WFH's pre-tournament predictions.
It ended up coming Rome.
WFH Ep#18: Match Reaction - England v Denmark Euros Semi-Finals
Immediately after the final whistle, we react to England reaching their first final of a major tournament since 1966. Did they manor in doing so leave a sour taste in the mouth?
#ENGDEN #ENGITA
Panel in order of appearance:
Ben Jacobs, FWA accredited Sports Journalist - @JacobsBen | ben-jacobs.com
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
WFH Ep#17: Match Reaction - Italy v Spain Euros Semi-Finals
Immediately after the final whistle, we react to Italy scraping through to the final after a penalty shootout with Spain. The quality of football on display was probably the highest we have seen so far in the tournament, until extra time at least.
We also briefly discuss tomorrow's match between England and Denmark.
#ITAESP #ENGDEN #EURO2020
Panel in order of appearance:
Oliver Wilson, Football commentator on the Libertadores, Sudamericana, Serie A and more - @O_J_Wilson
Stephen Drennan - @babuyagu | Co-founder craquestats.com
WFH Ep#16: Match Reaction - England v Ukraine Euros Quarter Finals
Immediately after the final whistle, we react to England's 4-0 demolition job of Ukraine progressing them to their second consecutive semi-final appearance at major tournaments. We also look at the day's earlier game between Denmark and Czech Republic.
#ENGUKR #DENCZE #ENGDEN
Panel in order of appearance:
Ben Jacobs, FWA accredited Sports Journalist - @JacobsBen | ben-jacobs.com
Stephen Drennan - @babuyagu | Co-founder craquestats.com
WFH Ep#15: Match Reaction - Belgium v Italy Euros Quarter Finals
Immediately after the final whistle, we react to Italy's advance to the Semi-Final at the expense of Belgium. We also look at the day's earlier game between Spain and Switzerland that ended in penalties.
#BELITA #ESPSUI
Panel in order of appearance:
Oliver Wilson, Football commentator on the Libertadores, Sudamericana, Serie A and more - @O_J_Wilson
Stephen Drennan, Co-founder craquestats.com - @babuyagu
WFH Ep#14: Match Reaction - England v Germany Euros Round of 16
Immediately after the final whistle, the panel reacts to England beating Germany at home for the first time since 1975. Is it... coming home?
They also react to France crashing out of the tournament at the hands of Switzerland on penalties as well as the game of the tournament so far as Spain and Croatia played out an eight-goal thriller.
#ENGGER #FRASUI #ESPCRO
Panel in order of appearance:
Oliver Wilson, Football commentator on the Libertadores, Sudamericana, Serie A and more - @O_J_Wilson
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
WFH Ep#13: Match Reaction - Belgium v Portugal Euros Round of 16
Immediately after the final whistle, the panel reacts to the holders Portugal being eliminated at the hands of Belgium. They react to the Netherlands crashing out of the tournament at the hands of the Czech Republic as well as the previous day's Ro16 games involving Italy, Austria, Denmark and Wales.
#WALDEN #ITAAUT #NEDCZE #BELPOR
Panel Includes:
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
Stephen Drennan, Co-founder craquestats.com - @babuyagu
WFH Ep#12: The Euros Last 16 Knockouts Preview
We preview the upcoming knockout rounds, run the rule over what we have seen so far, and predict how the rest of the tournament could play out. We discuss what Southgate should change, if anything, to get past the Germans. Also what will be the difference in Lukaku vs Ronaldo. Plus are Spain, Netherlands and Italy the real contenders or great pretenders?
Includes:
England vs Germany
Belgium vs Portugal
France vs Switzerland
Italy vs Austria
Croatia vs Spain
Netherlands vs Czech Republic
Sweden vs Ukraine
Panel in order of appearance:
Oliver Wilson, Football commentator on the Libertadores, Sudamericana, Serie A and more - @O_J_Wilson
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
Stephen Drennan, Co-founder craquestats.com - @babuyagu
WFH Ep#11: Match Reaction: The final group games
Goals, penalties and keeper blunders galore as the footballing Gods try to right the wrongs of the insipid football on show yesterday. We cover everything in the most entertaining day of football on offer from the Euros so far.
Portugal v France
Germany vs Hungary
Slovakia vs Spain
Sweden vs Poland
Panel Includes:
Oliver Wilson, Football commentator on the Libertadores, Sudamericana, Serie A and more - @O_J_Wilson
Stephen Drennan, Co-founder craquestats.com - @babuyagu
WFH Ep#10: Instant Reactions - England win their group but Scotland go home
Paul and Stephen hop on the mics to give their immediate reaction to England's 1-0 win over Czech Republic and Scotlands 3-1 defeat against Croatia that sees them exit at the group stage.
They also discuss yesterday's matches involving the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Russia and more.
The panel in order of appearance:
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
Stephen Drennan, Co-founder craquestats.com - @babuyagu | patreon.com/babuyagu
WFH Ep#9: Match Reaction: Italy 1-0 Wales
In episode eight we give our immediate reaction to Wales' qualification from Group A.
We also discuss the recent games of the big hitters and whether any opinions have changed since our preview show before the tournament.
The panel:
Oliver Wilson, Football commentator on the Libertadores, Sudamericana, Serie A and more - @O_J_Wilson
Ben Jacobs, FWA accredited Sports Journalist - @JacobsBen | ben-jacobs.com
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
WFH Ep#8: Match Reaction: France 1-0 Germany
In episode eight, hosted by Paul, we give our immediate reaction to the first match of overwhelming favourites to win the competition, France.
We discuss the Kante-Pogba combination in midfield, Pavard and concussion protocol failure, plus the impressive trio of Mbappe, Griezmann and Benzema. We also look back at Portugal's 3-0 over Hungary and Spain's 0-0 draw with Sweden and as to what extent the result masked the performances in each case.
The panel in order of appearance:
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
Stephen Drennan, Co-founder craquestats.com | @babuyagu
WFH Ep#7: Match Reaction: England 1-0 Croatia
In episode seven, hosted by Ben, we give our immediate reaction to England's first-ever win of an opening match in the Euros.
We discuss Southgate's team selection, the impact it had on the match, the adjustments England made during the game and Harry Kane's role. We also look at Croatia's future in the competition as well as Belgium's impressive victory over a lacklustre Russia.
The panel in order of appearance:
Ben Jacobs, FWA accredited Sports Journalist - @JacobsBen | ben-jacobs.com
Stephen Drennan, Co-founder craquestats.com | @babuyagu
Why Football Happens Ep#6: Instant Reactions - Denmark v Finland
Football fans across the globe witnessed a near-tragedy on the second day of Euro 2020 as Denmark talisman Christian Eriksen collapsed to the floor just before halftime in his sides opening game against Finland.
Broadcasting expert Ben Jacobs gave us the rundown on what happened and what should have happened for a television broadcast in these unexpected moments before discussing if what we saw as an audience was acceptable.
Did we see too much? Who decides to broadcast that? Is there a protocol for this? What should have happened? Should the game have continued? As well as the broader consequences of this in football.
The panel in order of appearance:
Oliver Wilson, Football commentator on the Libertadores, Sudamericana, Serie A and more - @O_J_Wilson
Ben Jacobs, FWA accredited Sports Journalist - @JacobsBen | ben-jacobs.com
Stephen Drennan, Co-founder craquestats.com - @babuyagu | patreon.com/babuyagu
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
Why Football Happens Ep#5 - Euro 2020 Opening Match Reaction: Italy v Turkey
In episode five, we react to Italy's 3-0 win over Turkey in the opening match of the Euros.
Panel Includes:
Oliver Wilson, Football commentator on the Libertadores, Sudamericana, Serie A and more - @O_J_Wilson
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
Why Football Happens Ep#4 - The Euros Preview
In episode four, hosted by Ollie, we preview the upcoming Euros while scratching our head at what we should even call it. I would suggest EurOVID but that just sounds like some dodgy website.
We assess our favourite, the dark horses, the potential breakout stars and the potential golden boot award winners of the tournament.
Panel Includes:
Oliver Wilson, Football commentator on the Libertadores, Sudamericana, Serie A and more - @O_J_Wilson
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
Stephen Drennan, Co-founder craquestats.com - @babuyagu | patreon.com/babuyagu
Ben Jacobs, FWA accredited Sports Journalist - @JacobsBen | ben-jacobs.com
Why Football Happens Ep#3 - Why are we seeing such crazy results? Plus a review of the transfer window closing.
In episode three, we react to the crazy results before the international break and the big deals before the transfer window slammed shut.
- Reasons behind Liverpool's 7-2 hammering at Villa
- Guardiola the perfectionist pushing City past their limits
- Thomas Partey - analytics vs scouting
- Alex Talles & Edison Cavani - how will they adjust to the EPL
- James Rodriguez - settled quickly to live in Merseyside
- Thiago - why so many seem to miss the mark at what he does
- Odegaard, Ollie Watkins and more.
Panel Includes:
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
Stephen Drennan, Co-founder craquestats.com - @babuyagu | patreon.com/babuyagu
Why Football Happens Ep#2 - Reaction to the Champions League Draw
In episode two, we react to the Champions League draws and preview some of the tasty matchups that it delivers.
- Ronaldo vs Messi part 455 (citation needed)
- Manchester United's group of death
- Bundesliga expert Marius assess the reigning Champions group strength
- Are there potential banana skins for Man City and Chelsea?
- The group of throw-in specialists: Liverpool, Ajax and FC Midtjylland all employee the services of freelance throw-in coach Thomas Grønnemark
- Any problems in store for usual group qualifiers Real, Bayern, Dortmund. Atletico, Inter and others
Panel Includes:
Ben Jacobs, FWA accredited Sports Journalist - @JacobsBen | ben-jacobs.com
Paul Macdonald, Founder of @Criticfootball_ - @PaulMacdFC | footballcritic.com
Stephen Drennan, Co-founder craquestats.com - @babuyagu | patreon.com/babuyagu
Marius Fischer, Full-time football editor for Philippka Sportverlag - @Gegenpressing91 | patreon.com/gegenpressing91
Why Football Happens Ep#1 - Our Season Preview That Gets a Bit Messi
The Inaugural WFH Podcast. We discuss the Lionel Messi saga at Barcelona before moving onto previewing each of the 'Big 5' European Leagues; Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. Finally, we move onto transfers - the hits, the misses, the surprises and a prediction of what other moves will happen this summer.
Panel Includes:
Ben Jacobs, FWA accredited Sports Journalist - @JacobsBen | ben-jacobs.com
Paul Macdonald, Founder footballcritic.com - @PaulMacdFC
Stephen Drennan, Co-founder craquestats.com - @babuyagu | patreon.com/babuyagu
Marius Fischer, Full-time football editor for Philippka Sportverlag - @Gegenpressing91 | patreon.com/gegenpressing91
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:20 - Messi Saga
18:40 - 'Big 5' Leagues Preview
54:30 - Transfers