The Death Match: Football, Resistance, and Myth in Nazi-Occupied Ukraine | Part One
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into the harrowing tale of 'The Death Match,' a match played under Nazi occupation in Ukraine. They explore the brutal conditions faced by Ukrainian footballers, the formation of a remarkable team, and the resonances with modern-day conflicts. In Part One, learn how football resurfaced amidst atrocities, with bakery manager Yosyp Kordyk forming a team from former stars. The discussions cover the political intricacies and personal tragedies, setting the stage for the match itself.Join us for Part Two on Friday, where the details of the game itself and its far-reaching consequences are revealed.00:00 Introduction to the Yard Brigade00:26 Welcome to the Podcast00:53 The Mythologized Football Match02:44 Escape to Victory and Its Origins04:16 Introducing Joseph Cordick05:49 The Nazi Occupation of Kiev07:37 The Struggles of Mik Trivi14:21 The Fall of Kiev and Its Aftermath25:51 Ukrainian Nationalism and Football Under Nazi Occupation27:34 The Horrors of Nazi Occupation in Kyiv29:43 Football as a Means of Normalization30:32 Resistance and Brutality in Kyiv31:30 Formation of the Start Football Team33:06 The Struggles and Symbolism of Playing Football37:16 The First Match and Its Consequences39:09 The Complexities of Resistance and Collaboration49:14 The Aftermath and Public Perception51:07 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Colombia's El Dorado: Football vs Civil War
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast hosted by Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson.Today we bring you the fascinating story of the El Dorado League in 1940s Colombia. Discover how the government, amid a brutal civil war and the assassination of liberal leader Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, turned to football to pacify an unsettled population. Learn about the league's extraordinary formation, iconic players like Alfredo Di Stefano and Adolfo Pedernera, and the league's ultimate collapse. Join us for an in-depth look at an astonishing chapter in football history and its lasting impact.00:00 The Role of Football in Political Control01:43 The Assassination of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán03:33 The Aftermath and Civil Unrest14:12 The Rise of the El Dorado League22:51 The Impact of Global Events on Colombian Football29:29 Player Transfers and Union Arguments30:36 Colombian Football's Golden Era Begins32:30 The Arrival of International Stars34:59 Challenges and Discontent Among Players38:32 The Decline of the El Dorado League50:00 Political Turmoil and Football's Role54:54 Legacy and Modern Parallels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Takeover That Led to Chelsea's Club World Cup Glory
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. After Chelsea's Club World Cup win at the weekend, Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author Nick Purewal, who discusses his book Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC about the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich and the sale of Chelsea FC. Here we give a unique insight into the unprecedented chaos surrounding Chelsea during their 2022 sale, including behind-the-scenes details of Abramovich's involvement in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, a near-poisoning event, and the tumultuous sale process of the club that led to current owner Todd Boehly buying the club. 00:00 Introduction 04:51 Abramovich's Role and the War's Impact07:35 The Rapid Downfall and Sanctions16:04 Abramovich's Involvement in Peace Talks19:28 The Poisoning Incident26:10 Skepticism and Vindication29:52 Legal Confusion and Government Challenges31:47 Chelsea's Struggles Under Sanctions35:23 The High-Stakes Sale Process38:48 The Bidding War Heats Up44:26 Jim Ratcliffe's Last-Minute Bid50:10 The Aftermath and Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Best Football Quiz Ever? It Was What It Was vs Football Cliches
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In a week where we marked our 100th episode, we bring you the quiz between our podcast It Was What It Was against Football Cliches.Without co-host Rob Draper, It Was What It Was brought in John Brewin alongside producer Pat Moore to join Jonathan Wilson in an epic battle against Football Cliches' Adam Hurrey, Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker.Three rounds, five questions in each round and a final round of Premier League hunting grounds, in a classic battle for the ages!If you enjoyed the podcast you can find Football Cliches episodes here: https://podfollow.com/new-football-clichesPlease note: This episode was released by our opponents in February 2025.Please do review, comment and subscribe to It Was What It Was. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode 100: Herbert Chapman, Huddersfield and Historic Three In A Row
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. To mark our 100th episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper revisit one of the game’s true pioneers: Herbert Chapman. Long before his Arsenal legacy, Chapman transformed Huddersfield Town in the 1920s, laying the groundwork for modern football and guiding them to become the first club to win three consecutive top-flight league titles.A century later, Jonathan and Rob delve into the tactical innovations, strategic thinking, and leadership that defined Chapman’s revolutionary approach. This episode brings Huddersfield’s golden era to life—and shows how Chapman’s influence still echoes through the game today, both on and off the pitch.00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration01:13 Herbert Chapman's Early Life and Career03:31 Chapman's Tactical Innovations11:19 Leeds City and Wartime Contributions22:07 Post-War Challenges and Huddersfield Opportunity27:44 Brighton's Replay and the Stuffed Donkey Incident28:49 The Controversial FA Cup Final30:33 Chapman's Tactical Innovations34:00 Huddersfield's Rise to Glory41:52 The Closest Title Race Ever?46:32 Chapman's Legacy and Move to Arsenal48:33 Conclusion and Reflections on Chapman's Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast
Welcome to The Overlap's football history podcast, It Was What It Was.Each week Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper will be talking about the key episodes in football history that have shaped the footballing world.The show will be discussing the best stories from football's past, giving insights to the personalities involved. the tales from behind the scenes and the impact they left.Join us at Football University!If you enjoy the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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