#72 How does World Cup qualification work? AFC, CAF, Concacaf, Conmebol, Oceania, and UEFA explained!

#58 Where did the penalty kick rule come from?: On this episode of Soccer 101, Joe digs into the penalty kick rule. Where did it come from? When did it originate? And who invented it? All that, and more, on the show. The Soccer 101 theme (and plenty of other excellent music) can be found right... by Soccer 101

11 min listen

#6 How to watch a game for tactics: We are often asked how we break down and analyze soccer games. So here's an episode with Taylor and I explaining our method and offering tips on how to spot tactics and understand what's going on in a game. Soccer 101 is sponsored by Postmates.... by Soccer 101

38 min listen

#0 Hello and welcome to Soccer 101: What it is, why we did it, and how you can help: This is our intro episode explaining who we are, what Soccer 101 is, and how you can help us make it successful. Soccer 101 is sponsored by Postmates. Download the iOS or Android app for free and then use code SOCCER for 100 USD of free delivery... by Soccer 101

8 min listen

#11 Strengths and weakness of different formations: 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 3-5-2: We explain and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of some of the most commonly used formations in soccer. Today's sponsor is Away Days. Visit and use code 101 for 15% off. by Soccer 101

35 min listen

#9 What is a Panenka? (and how to take one): We explain the Panenka penalty, including the man that started it all, Antonin Panenka. We also explain how to take one, and what can go wrong. VIDEOS! The original, 1976 Antonin Panenka penalty for Czechoslovakia vs Germany in the 1976 European... by Soccer 101

28 min listen

#16 Why does the UK have four teams? Also: What is IFAB?: Daryl explains why the United Kingdom is allowed to have four separate international teams — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland This episode is sponsored ExpressVPN. For three months free, go to by Soccer 101

28 min listen

#7 Why is Pele so famous?: We take a look at Pele's soccer career. Not in a "born in October 1940" kind of way (though he was) but more discussing the moves, the moments, and the attributes that made him such a global soccer icon. Soccer 101 is sponsored by Postmates. Download... by Soccer 101

38 min listen

#3 Why is it called a derby? Plus: our six favorite derbies: We offer two explanations for why the term derby is used for a big soccer rivalry, then each offer up three of our favorite derbies. Worth noting, we don't talk El Clasico or the North London Derby or Superclasico or the Old Firm Derby because a)... by Soccer 101

43 min listen

#5 Soccer vs Football: American vs British terminology: On this classic episode from the Total Soccer Show archives, we get into the different terminologies that Americans and British people use. Here's the full list: 1. Soccer vs Football 2. Field vs Pitch 3. Uniform vs Kit 4. Cleats vs Boots 5.... by Soccer 101

68 min listen

#8 Parks and Recreation XI: We each select a starting XI of Parks and Rec characters, and explain why they make our team. This is a Total Soccer Show episode, and we'll soon add our other fictional XIs to the Soccer 101 feed. Hope you like The Simpsons and It's Always Sunny in... by Soccer 101

58 min listen

#23 What is GAM and what is TAM?: Daryl answers the questions what is General Allocation Money and Targeted Allocation Money, and how does it work in Major League Soccer? Today's show is sponsored by ExpressVPN. Go to for three months free with a one-year subscription by Soccer 101

12 min listen

#2 What do the numbers mean? Number 6, 8, 10, and all the rest: We answer the question we get asked the most. By far: What do the numbers mean? He's a great number 6, that number 8 is up and down the field, he's an ideal number 9, and so on. We offer a guide to what each of the numbers means, what different... by Soccer 101

29 min listen

#13 History and meaning of the lines and markings on a football pitch: We take you all the way back to the 1800s to explain what football pitches used to look like and how they evolved into what we see today. This episode is sponsored ExpressVPN. For three months free, go to by Soccer 101

26 min listen

#17 Bundesliga 50+1 rule — how it works, why it was needed, and how Red Bull beat it: Daryl calls up Matt Hermann of the Talking Fussball podcast to get a full and thorough explanation of the 50+1 rule, including the story of how Red Bull found a loophole Talking Fussball website: This episode is sponsored ExpressVPN. For three months... by Soccer 101

36 min listen

#18 USA v Mexico, 2002 World Cup: We review the game that made Dos a Cero go mainstream. It's the USA's famous 2-0 win over Mexico at the 2002 World Cup. The context, the tactics, the players, the goals, the handball that wasn't called, and the famous Rafa Marquez meltdown. Some... by Soccer 101

47 min listen

#14 Why does the League Cup exist? (and how to make it better): We explain the origin of the English Football League Cup, and ponder the big questions like why does the League Cup exist, why doesn't anyone seem to care about it, and how could it be better? This episode is sponsored ExpressVPN. For three months... by Soccer 101

26 min listen

#1 The offside rule: how it works, why it exists, and its 100-plus-year history: We offer the ultimate explainer for the most debated thing in soccer: the offside rule. There's plenty here for soccer newbies and experts alike. If you're looking for a simple explanation of how offside works, we've got you covered. If you're looking... by Soccer 101

38 min listen

#15 Promotion/Relegation and how it could work in the United States: What is promotion/relegation, why hasn't it been implemented in the United States, and could it be good for soccer in America? Plus, we reveal our plans for how Pro/Rel could be established in the US. No tinfoil needed! This episode is sponsored... by Soccer 101

58 min listen

#12 How Johan Cruyff changed soccer: We look at the life and career of Johan Cruyff, explaining the numerous ways he changed the way soccer is played. Today's show is sponsored by ExpressVPN. For three months free, go to by Soccer 101

43 min listen

#10 USMNT All-Time XI: We look back at the history of the US Men's National Team and go position by position to decide the all-time best XI. Today's show is sponsored by ExpressVPN. Get three months free at by Soccer 101

75 min listen

#22 Diego Maradona v England at the 1986 World Cup: In the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, Diego Maradona scored two of the most famous goals of all time. One with his hand, the other with his feet. We break down the entire game, including a deep analysis of both goals, and the tactical setup Argentina... by Soccer 101

41 min listen

#4 Skills special! Rabona, Trivela, Elastico, Sombrero explained: We explain four classic skill moves: Rabona Trivela Elastico Sombrero We discuss what it is, the most famous proponent, the etymology of each term, and how to pull it off VIDEOS! Jonathan Calleri scoring a RABONA for Boca Juniors: Ricardo... by Soccer 101

34 min listen

#21 Liverpool FC v AC Milan, 2005 Champions League Final: We revisit and review the Miracle of Istanbul, paying special attention to tactical changes and some incredible individual performances. For your viewing pleasure: Lineups: Official UEFA Highlights: Full match with commentary: Full match without... by Soccer 101

69 min listen

#41 Who is Paul Gascoigne and what was Gazzamania?: On this episode of Soccer 101, Ryan Bailey explores the story of Paul Gascoigne. The maverick midfielder was one of England’s brightest talents, a born entertainer, and an imperfect hero. This episode is brought to you by ExpressVPN! Go to to get... by Soccer 101

18 min listen

#25 What is Positional Play?: Daryl explains positional play, the football philosophy favored by Pep Guardiola. Today's show is sponsored by Hims. Go to to get your first month free Notes and further reading on positional play, if you're into it: General Concepts of Positional... by Soccer 101

14 min listen

#19 USA v Argentina, 1995 Copa America: We review the USA's incredible 3-0 win over Argentina at the 1995 Copa America, maybe the scrappiest upset win in US history. Here's video of the full match: Here's just the goals: Today's show is sponsored by ExpressVPN. Go to for three months free by Soccer 101

34 min listen

#40 What is the origin of the red card?: On this episode of Soccer 101, Joe Lowery dives into the origin of the red (and yellow) card. From the Battle of Santiago to the streets of London, the story of the red card is a winding one. This episode is brought to you by ExpressVPN. Go to... by Soccer 101

12 min listen

#48 Who are the Baggies? Exploring the naming origins of clubs around the world: Why are there so many Uniteds and Towns in England, Spartas in Europe, and rowing-inspired football teams in Brazil? Taylor attempts to explain the history of some of soccer's most common naming conventions, including Albion, Athletic, Dynamo, CSKA,... by Soccer 101

23 min listen

# 31 Why is El Clásico so important?: On this episode of Soccer 101, Joe Lowery examines El Clásico, the famous rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Why is El Clásico so important? Where did the rivalry come from? How was it influenced by Spanish politics? And, um, apparently... by Soccer 101

15 min listen

#32 What is xG and why are advanced stats useful in soccer?: On this episode of Soccer 101, Joe Lowery provides an introductory look at soccer analytics. Can advanced stats really give insight into soccer? The answer, as you’ll find out, is yes. The Soccer 101 theme (and plenty of other excellent music) can... by Soccer 101

18 min listen

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#72 How does World Cup qualification work? AFC, CAF, Concacaf, Conmebol, Oceania, and UEFA explained!

#72 How does World Cup qualification work? AFC, CAF, Concacaf, Conmebol, Oceania, and UEFA explained!

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