For weeks, much of the globe has been riveted by the highs and lows of the World Cup in Qatar. On Sunday, the soccer tournament culminated in a win for Argentina and its star, Lionel Messi, against France.Here’s how the thrill of the game eclipsed the tournament’s tainted beginnings, and what that might reveal about the future.Guest: Rory Smith, the chief soccer correspondent for The New York Times.Background reading: After a tournament shadowed by controversy, Qatar had the turn in the global spotlight it sought.This World Cup has blurred the line between the artificial and the authentic, but the people, as usual, defined the tournament.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.  Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Guest Rory Smith, chief soccer correspondent for The Times, discusses the end of an era for U.S. women's soccer after their World Cup loss. He reflects on the team's activism and fight for equality while questioning the future success of the team.

Rory Smith, a noted football journalist, joins Tom Williams, an expert on French football, along with former pro Adrian Clarke and Aston Villa reporter Jacob Tanswell. They dive deep into the recent Champions League chaos, discussing Man City and PSG's progression. The panel highlights the upcoming crucial match between Arsenal and Man City, and Bournemouth's clash with Liverpool. Jacob reveals transfer buzz around Aston Villa's key players, while the conversation also touches on young talents and tactical insights shaping the weekend ahead.

Rory Smith, the chief soccer correspondent of The New York Times and author of the new book, Expected Goals: The Story of how Data Conquered Football and Changed the Game Forever, joins Scott to discuss the state of play in professional soccer and what to expect during the upcoming World Cup. Follow Rory on Twitter, @RorySmith.Scott opens with his thoughts on Walgreens moving further into the healthcare space, as well as Gap's decision to start selling on Amazon’s marketplace. Algebra of Happiness: respect our institutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rory Smith, a seasoned football journalist, joins humorist Duncan Alexander, in-depth analyst Tom Williams, and Pep Guardiola expert Pol Ballus. They dissect Liverpool's impressive 2-0 win over Real Madrid, celebrating Mo Salah's brilliance. The conversation shifts to a struggling Man City, unraveling the psychological toll on Guardiola amidst injuries. The trio also dive into Arsenal's momentum and transformative moments from recent Premier League matches, along with quirky tales of managerial changes, making for a lively and insightful football discussion.

Rory Smith, the Chief Soccer Correspondent for the New York Times and author of "Expected Goals," dives into the evolution of data analytics in football. He discusses its profound impact on tactics, player recruitment, and the ongoing changes in gameplay strategies. The conversation highlights innovations like short goal kicks and tactical fouling. Smith also emphasizes the critical need for synergy between analytics and traditional coaching, exploring how data has revolutionized everything from defensive lines to pressing tactics in modern football.

Rory Smith, Chief soccer correspondent for The New York Times, brings his expert insights on the fierce La Liga title race, where just two points separate Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona. He discusses Real Madrid's recent struggles, particularly against their rivals. The conversation then shifts to the exciting Champions League matchups, including the rematch of Manchester City and Real Madrid, alongside other thrilling fixtures that promise European drama. Expect intriguing player performances and tactical battles on the pitch!

Joining the discussion are Rory Smith, a keen football journalist; Natalie Gedra, a passionate sports writer; and Duncan Alexander, a data-savvy analyst. They dive into Aston Villa's historic win over Bayern Munich, revealing Unai Emery's tactical brilliance. The group also reflects on Arsenal's dominance against PSG and previews Erik ten Hag's challenges with Manchester United. Insights about Juventus' surprising success and the midweek struggles of the Madrid clubs add to the excitement, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend in football.

Mark Chapman welcomes Theo Walcott, a former Arsenal and Everton star, and Rory Smith, a savvy football journalist. They dissect Arsenal's impressive 5-1 win over Manchester City, highlighting a strange rivalry and concerns about Haaland's involvement. Jack Wilshere shares insights on young talents Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. The conversation shifts to Marcus Rashford's anticipated move to Aston Villa and questions about Manchester United's direction under Ruben Amorim. It’s a lively discussion on the changing face of modern football!

Sam Lee, Manchester City correspondent for The Athletic, and Rory Smith, Senior writer for The Athletic, dive deep into the struggles plaguing Manchester City this season. They discuss the team's alarming stats—one win and eight losses in recent matches—and explore tactical missteps that have led to disappointing performances. The duo emphasizes the urgent need for a strategic overhaul to rejuvenate an aging squad, touching on potential solutions through player acquisitions and the impact of external pressures. Can the team navigate their current hurdles and reclaim their former glory?