Belgium eliminates Brazil & France knocks out Uruguay. Alan and Meleiza talk about the ways that the Brazilian right-wing, which is busy undermining democracy in that country, would likely have taken advantage of a Brazilian World Cup victory, which is why many Brazilian radicals and progressive were reluctant (or refusing) to embrace this year’s team. The show ends with an impassioned plea for American progressives to become active in the fight to save Brazilian democracy; in particular, because the Brazilian right-wing is set to eliminate laws that restrict extracting resources from the Amazonian rain forest, the reversal of which will have a devastating on the earth’s environment.

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How does this World Cup feel to a passionate fan of the US Men’s National Team? Pablo Miralles, who made the documentary Gringos at the Gate about the US/Mexico futbol rivalry, says its not so bad to miss out for two reasons: #1 because in the Age of Trump, he was dreading the jingoism of fair weather fans/fools; and #2 Pablo sees much better days ahead with a promising new generation of players coming of age. We also hear Pablo’s thoughts on the tournament so far and tomorrow’s quarterfinals.

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On today’s Fourth of July podcast, Alan and Meleiza reflect on how colonialism, language and hegemony intersect with the world’s most popular sport, as England continues its quest to ‘bring the World Cup home.’ Plus, we preview this weekend’s quarterfinal match-ups, and tender our predictions.

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Mexico has a leftist government, England wins on penalties, what next? Why not global revolution (w futbol)? Meleiza explains how the radical Twitterverse experiences the World Cup; hint: it’s like having the world’s best authors, activists, professors, and comics sitting around your living room watching the game! Not a bad way to spend 32 days.

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We speak to Fernando Romero in Mexico City about one of the most eventful 24 hours in recent Mexican history, in which AMLO and the left celebrated a the glorious victory on Sunday night, but El Tri fell to Brazil on Monday morning. Fernando was at the Zocalo for both monumental events. Also, Alan explains the roots of his affection for this year’s Belgium side that won today’s second match in spectacular style!

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