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, 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.

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.

Football journalists Rory Smith and Tom Williams, along with statistician Duncan Alexander, discuss Spain's Euro 2024 victory over England, analyzing key moments, Kane's role, Southgate's strategies, and reflections on the tournament. They also share highlights from the Euros, comparing Spain's success to England's challenges.

Rory Smith, a football journalist for The Athletic, Duncan Alexander, a witty football writer, and Charlie Eccleshare, a football news expert, engage in lively discussions this week. They tackle the suspension of referee David Coote and the impact of VAR culture on officials. Harry Kane's frustrations with England players withdrawing from the squad surface, alongside a debate about Claudio Ranieri's emotional return to Roma. The trio also reflects on Gary Lineker's departure from the BBC and how perceptions of 'Match of the Day' are changing.

Rory Smith, a celebrated football journalist, joins humorist Duncan Alexander, Premier League analyst Benji Lanyado, and German football expert Raphael Honigstein. They dive into the ramifications of Thomas Tuchel's appointment as England's manager, questioning the implications for local coaching. The conversation shifts to a thrilling Premier League preview, focusing on the high-stakes Liverpool vs Chelsea clash and new managerial techniques. They also share insights on unique strategies like Brentford's kick-off goal and critique the challenges of modern management.

Chris Sutton, a former professional footballer, joins Rory Smith, chief football writer for the New York Times, Shay Given, an ex-Premier League goalkeeper, and Simon Stone, BBC's chief football news reporter. They dive into Tottenham's reputation as 'the ultimate fairweather team' after a recent loss. The discussion then shifts to Manchester City's legal battle with the Premier League, unpacking its significant implications. Lastly, the group debates the appropriateness of goalkeepers celebrating penalty saves, adding a lively twist to the conversation.

Rory Smith, a sharp sports journalist with a knack for tactics, joins data specialist Duncan Alexander and former pro Adrian Clarke. They dive into the North London Derby, highlighting how Arsenal's key absences could play into Tottenham's favor. The trio also discusses Chelsea's leadership crisis, with insights from Liam Twomey on the club's future. Expect captivating analyses of Premier League dynamics, historical matchups, and even a sprinkle of Venezuelan football trivia to round off the conversation!