@mike_galsworthy: It’s not just the open corruption and bragging about it by Trump - it’s the widespread support for it across the US that shows a deep American attitude of “if we feel wronged, we’re entitled to attack the thing by all means at our disposal” and so they actually celebrate Trump wielding power the way he does. That attitude doesn’t work for the rest of the world anymore. #Trump #RedCard #Americans #Europeans #WorldCup

gazzella :

I love football because, in its own way, it reflects everything that happens in the wider world. It’s like a miniature version of society: its contradictions, power dynamics, passions, injustices, and even politics. That’s how I’ve always seen it. Maybe it’s because I’m Italian and I grew up in a country where football is deeply rooted in the culture. That’s why so many of us were genuinely disgusted by what happened. In politics and international affairs, people can always argue over different narratives and interpretations. But football has a rulebook. When a rule is clear, there isn’t room for competing interpretations. For many of us, what happened was simply inconceivable. I really liked that you used this incident as a starting point for a broader discussion, because that’s exactly how I see football too. In the end, football is never just about football—it always tells a much bigger story.

Jojo22 :

there is no appealing body for automatic suspension The UEFA reminded it to FIFA yesterday : ".. decision..crossed a red line... Football, like any other sports, relies on rules... Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted.

AmandaVDaulton :

I grew up with the mentality that the Referee is right. It’s his job to analyze and make the call and he can only judge what he can see.

Mark Oxley :

How do you think fifa handled the situation on a scale of 1-4

Lora🇨🇦🇪🇺 :

Also, Americans don’t follow rules. They want to win at all costs, lying, false accusations, bullying, unaliving, they are delusional. They don’t know how the world views them…. Lived there, left there. The America is best at everything attitude is indoctrinated starting in kindergarten, probably earlier.

bettyrig :

Do not think you can speak for us all please.

user2147599276122 :

Please don’t generalize. Americans do not support him.

Life Amplified :

love your episode here. great analysis.

tictoccc1🇨🇦 :

Are you doing ok???

eric dv :

🇺🇸 The US wasn’t at its worst. They were playing at their limit. They just needed to think one step faster. 🇧🇪 Belgium, even without some of its biggest stars, proved that this team has incredible depth and is capable of playing beautiful, world-class football. And don’t forget March 2026… USA 2–5 Belgium. This wasn’t a one-off. The US is improving every year and the future looks bright. They just need more experience at the highest level. Their time will come… maybe not in the next 12 years, but it will come. ⚽🇺🇸🤝🇧🇪

Nicolas Walrant :

really clever analysis....thank you

Nico 1979 :

It just as if in nba you don't want your player to be fouled out after 6 fouls. I never saw a player say I don't care about the rules.

1916 :

well said Mike, it's important to consider perspective mindset, when trying to understand, this was a great example

Leetong420 :

And the beauty of the game is what if Ballogun doesnt play and someone else does and US actually plays well ?

Miguel :

Ally and stuff :

I just saw a post game American take that basically said that the orange's meddling caused the US team to lose their mental game. Whilst I can see that this likely did effect the moral of the team, this take is still deeply entrenched in exceptionalism. It completely dismisses that the Belgium team earned this win and deserved it on merit.

DeaconBrodie🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇦 :

disgusting that FIFA buckled to political pressure.

Belikeafrog 🐸 ❌ :

As an American, I am quite embarrassed by what happened and honestly, I believe most Americans feel that way as well. this guy literally can't pass up the opportunity to screw things up. it's actually amazing.

Patrick Klenk :

I dont remember any leader of a Country calling the Fifa President because of a Situation in a Game . Still can’t believe this happened .

Rastas2B :

No no it’s Just called cheating !

louise🦋 :

Wait a minute. American here, the majority of Americans are NOT ok with what happened. We are embarrassed and disgusted.

oxfordavid :

They were saying that he didn’t intentionally tread on his ankle, so it couldn’t be a foul. As you say it’s a cultural thing.

colin2424 :

I think you’ll find it’s football thinking around the world . Football reflects life …. The referee decision is final is a big part of the game , we still enjoy the injustice of Maradona the hand of god incident (1986) … we talk about ref decisions as much as play …. Stop sanitising our beautiful game … we all accept the referee decision for good reason … it adds to the game

, :

I feel like it’s even deeper than that, in America it’s: if it benefits me, it‘s good. You see it in politics a lot…..

HoneyPot :

sir, as an american i totally agree with your exceptional assessment. accurate