OTB Football

The LOI Pod returned this week with Ben Symes stepping in for Stephen Doyle, and he was joined by the effervescent duo of Vinny Perth and Gareth McGlynn to break down all the biggest stories from a big week in the League of Ireland.
Pico Lopes representing the LOI on the world stage.
All four teams in Europe find out their opponents.
And how do you cure a curious case like Derry City?
And as ever, we are looking for your inspiration to help us, fancy getting in touch?
You can do so by emailing theloipod@offtheball.com
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The LOI Pod on Off The Ball.

On Wednesday's World Cup Daily, Phil Egan brings you all the latest from the World Cup.
Lionel Messi steals the headlines with the first World Cup hat-trick of his career as Argentina begin their title defence in style against Algeria.
Argentina move to the top of Group J, with analysis from Argentine journalist Marcela Mora y Araujo on Messi’s mindset heading into the tournament.
Austria secure their first World Cup victory since 1990 with a convincing 3-1 win over tournament debutants Jordan.
Kylian Mbappe becomes France’s all-time leading goalscorer after scoring twice in a 3-1 victory over Senegal.
The French superstar surpasses Olivier Giroud’s record and reaches the landmark at just 27 years of age.
Erling Haaland announces himself on the World Cup stage with a brace as Norway defeat Iraq 4-1.
Haaland reacts to his goalscoring performance and discusses whether he deserves to be considered the tournament’s best striker.
Iraq manager Graham Arnold reflects on his side’s historic first goal of the competition despite defeat.
Michael McCarthy and Arthur O’Dea assess the quality and entertainment value of the World Cup so far.
Thomas Tuchel prepares for his first major tournament match as England manager ahead of a heavyweight clash with Croatia.
Harry Kane discusses his form, his pursuit of another World Cup dream, and the inspiration he draws from Messi, Mbappe and Haaland.
Cristiano Ronaldo is cleared to feature as Portugal open their campaign against DR Congo in Group K.
DR Congo’s players and coaching staff look ahead to their first World Cup appearance since 1974, including thoughts from Axel Tuanzebe and Noah Sadiki.
Ghana, Panama, Uzbekistan and Colombia all begin their World Cup journeys in a busy night of action across Groups K and L.
Plus, Ruben Amorim returns to management with AC Milan and the OTB team debates whether a coach can truly rebuild their reputation after leaving Manchester United.
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World Cup Daily on Off The Ball, brought to you by Lynx, “A Proud Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026“. Smell Your Best When You Look Your Worst

Ger Gilroy, Dara Smith-Naughton, Phil Egan and David Wilson chat through the latest World Cup action, including Messi's hat-trick against Algeria, and preview the weeks upcoming fixtures in this weeks episode of Inside The Odds.

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On today's World Cup Daily, Phil Egan brings you all the latest from the World Cup.
Cape Verde make history by earning their first-ever FIFA World Cup point with a heroic 0-0 draw against Spain.
Shamrock Rovers captain Pico Lopes plays a key role in a famous defensive display in Atlanta.
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha stars as Cape Verde frustrate the European champions.
Spain's reaction analysed, including the impact of substitute Lamine Yamal.
Uruguay and Saudi Arabia share the spoils in Group H, leaving all four teams level on points.
Iran battle through off-field controversy and visa issues to secure a dramatic draw with New Zealand.
Mehdi Taremi speaks out on Iran's difficult tournament experience amid geopolitical tensions.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino's dressing-room intervention with the Iranian squad discussed.
France begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal in a rematch of the iconic 2002 upset.
Preview of Norway's clash with Iraq as Erling Haaland prepares for his World Cup debut.
Argentina launch their title defence against Algeria, with Lionel Messi chasing a historic sixth World Cup appearance.
Austria and Jordan prepare for their Group J opener as Jordan make their tournament debut.
Henry Winter joins Off The Ball to debate the controversial sponsored hydration breaks at the World Cup.
Tunisia become the first nation to change manager during the tournament as Hervé Renard replaces Sabri Lamouchi.
Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, Bohemians and Shelbourne await crucial European qualification draws.
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World Cup Daily on Off The Ball, brought to you by Lynx, “A Proud Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026“. Smell Your Best When You Look Your Worst

Sweden opened their World Cup campaign with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Tunisia to move top of Group F.
Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari scored twice in a standout performance for Graham Potter's side.
Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Mattias Svanberg also found the net for Sweden.
Potter hailed the result as an ideal start to the tournament following the convincing win.
The Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in the other Group F fixture.
Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville scored for the Dutch, but Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada earned Japan a point.
Germany made a statement in Group E with a dominant 7-1 win over Curacao.
Kai Havertz scored twice, while Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav also got on the scoresheet.
Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute as Cote d’Ivoire edged Ecuador 1-0 in Philadelphia.
Ecuador hit the woodwork twice before Diallo's late winner secured all three points for the Ivorians.
Today's action sees League of Ireland veteran Pico Lopes make his World Cup debut for Cape Verde against Spain in Atlanta.
Spain are being tipped by some pundits as favourites to win the tournament and begin their campaign at 5pm Irish time.
Belgium face Egypt at 8pm, with Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Mohamed Salah among the star attractions.
Uruguay kick off their World Cup against Saudi Arabia at 11pm, with Darwin Nunez and Federico Valverde leading Marcelo Bielsa's squad.
Off the pitch, Ruben Amorim is reportedly set to become AC Milan manager, while Real Madrid have completed the signing of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea on a six-year deal.
World Cup Daily on Off The Ball, brought to you by Lynx, “A Proud Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026“. Smell Your Best When You Look Your Worst
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