The Big Interview With Graham Hunter

Hola Big Interview listeners!The World Cup final is almost upon us and to get the juices flowing I have put together a special episode focusing on Croatia. You will hear from Slaven Bilic, who I spoke to in a wonderful Big Interview one year ago and who played at France 98 when Croatia finished third.Slaven told me about some of the matches he played in at that tournament - including a semi-final against tomorrow's opponents France - but this show is not about past glories. You will also learn about the tremendous team spirit in this generation of Croatia players as well as the circumstances which have enabled them to flourish.If you've enjoyed Slaven's punditry in Russia this summer then you will know why he is a man well worth listening to.Enjoy!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!As we prepare for the World Cup final between France and Croatia, I take you back to two previous occasions when Les Bleus competed in the final of the tournament: as hosts in 1998 and in Germany eight years later.Both finals were cloaked in controversy - from the absence of Ronaldo on the official team sheet in Paris to Zidane's infamous "header" on Materazzi in Berlin - and I talk about it all here.Enjoy!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!It is Croatia who have joined France in the World Cup final, beating England last night. It was a compelling match and one which gave me plenty to talk about when I recorded this match review only moments after the end of extra time.England came a long way in Russia but, ultimately, they made some major errors last night which I think cost them a place in Sunday's final.This is my take on what happened in Moscow.Enjoy!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!So England are only one game from the final: is it coming home? Or are England getting sent home by Croatia?This semi-final is going to be captivating and in this special preview episode, which I recorded yesterday, I look at the key talking points. I talk about Harry Kane, Dele Alli and the controversial Croat Domagoj Vida.There is a lot to cover before kick off so let's get started.Enjoy!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!So now we know that France are going to the World Cup final. I really enjoyed their semi-final with Belgium, decided by a set piece and a goal from FC Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti.This is my take on what happened in St Petersburg.Enjoy!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to join Juventus, ending nine years in Madrid that I have been lucky to watch. in this special podcast, recorded as soon as the news broke, I look back at this remarkable era, and analyse what the transfer means for Madrid, Juventus and one of the all-time great footballers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!I have turned my attention to the semi-finals of the World Cup and in this episode I focus on France's match with Belgium, who have been inspired by a familiar face for Les Bleus: Thierry Henry.But first I want to talk about Spain and the appointment of Luis Enrique as the new head coach.Let's get to it.Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!Is it really coming home? England are certainly in the final four of the World Cup finals, following a victory over Sweden. Gareth Southgate's side will now face Croatia - who needed penalties to squeeze past hosts Russia.Here is my take on both matches.Enjoy!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

France get the job done against a Cavani-less Uruguay, before Belgium upset the tournament favourites Brazil in yet another unforgettable football match.Here's my on-the-whistle take on both games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!I have turned my attention to the quarter-finals of the World Cup and in this episode I focus on England, Sweden, Croatia and the hosts. It is going to be another remarkable day in Russia.But first I want to talk about Juventus' interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo and the reasons why the Portuguese might now be considering his career at Real Madrid.Dasvidanya!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!I am starting to turn my attention to the quarter-finals of the World Cup and in this episode I focus on Uruguay, France, Belgium and Brazil. What a pair of matches we have in store!I talk about the injury fear facing Edison Cavani as well as the remarkable performances of his Uruguay team-mate Diego Godin.I also discuss the impact on Thierry Henry on this talented Belgium team, as well as the challenges facing France and Brazil.Dasvidanya!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Socios!We are deep into the World Cup now. How time flies! And to help fill the time between games we are bringing you another very special World Cup compilation show!You will hear from Terry Butcher, Chris Waddle, Joe Jordan and John Collins as they talk about their experiences and thoughts on the tournaments they played in during their careers.You'll laugh, you'll learn, you'll love these World Cup stories.Enjoy!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!With the Spain players having boarded a flight back to Madrid after being knocked out of the World Cup by hosts Russia, I feel the time is right to dig in to the reasons for their exit and, also, what happens now.With help from questions from some of you marvellous Socios, I give my opinions on the future of this Spain team and manager Fernando Hierro; potential replacements should he step down; and what to expect next season from embattled goalkeeper David de Gea.There is so much to talk about so let's get right to it.Enjoy!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!Well, that is it for Spain at this World Cup. Out on penalties to hosts Russia.On the flight back from Moscow to the Spanish base in Krasnodar, I recorded my match review in which I offer my thoughts on what went wrong for La Roja.I give also give you the thoughts of Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro, and describe an emotional farewell from Andres Iniesta as he confirms his decision to end his Spain career.Dasvidanya!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!I recorded this episode from Moscow, Russia's capital city and the scene for Spain's last-16 meeting with the hosts.I update you on the Spanish squad - including an injury scare to Gerard Pique - and the mood among the players, as well as offering my prediction for how La Roja will fare against the Russians.I also give my views on Argentina's dramatic knockout defeat to France and the architect of that downfall: Kylian Mbappe.Dasvidanya!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!As you listen to this episode I am in the air, flying with the Spain squad to Moscow ahead of their knockout stage meeting with hosts Russia.But, before I took off, I discussed the fallout from the group stage, focusing on fallen holders Germany. They are not the first team to lift the trophy only to fall at the first hurdle four years later ... in fact it has become a bit of a World Cup tradition.I also take a look at another tournament favourite, Brazil, and their leading lights Philippe Coutinho and Neymar.Dasvidanya!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners!I asked our Socios to send me more of their World Cup questions and many wanted to discuss the role of the media in Russia.I tackle those questions in this special Q&A episode. From selecting my perfect punditry team to revealing what the Spanish media have made of La Roja's performances so far, I talk about it all. Thanks again to all of our wonderful Socios who sent me their questions.Dasvidaniya!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners! I am starting to turn my attention to the knockout stages of the World Cup and I am delighted that little Leo Messi has made it too. Just.That was a nerve-shredding night in St Petersburg but victory over Nigeria was enough to take Argentina through. Messi played his part in that game - of course he did - and in this episode I take a closer look at his influence on this Argentinian team.I also discuss a player who shone for their group rivals Croatia: Mateo Kovacic. The Real Madrid midfielder has hinted already that he could move on from the Bernabeu this summer, but how keen are Madrid to see him go? I give my views here.Dasvidanya!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

What a night! Again! Here's another 3am diary - this time recorded from the plane from Kaliningrad to Krasnodar. At the end of a long night, Graham makes the case for Iago Aspas, guardian of Spain's long unbeaten run and whose goal gave them Russia in Moscow and not Uruguay in Sochi. Is it time for Fernando Hierro to give the king of Celta Vigo a start?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola Big Interview listeners! And welcome to Kaliningrad, where Spain play Morocco in their final group match.I flew here with La Roja yesterday and the players have really taken to the place. Why? Well, listen to this episode and I'll explain.There was a greater energy when they trained last night, more noise and good humour, and the atmosphere in the squad is very positive ahead of their meeting with Morocco.I believe that Spain will triumph and might even finish as group winners. I give my score prediction for the game and also reveal who I expect to be named in Fernando Hierro's starting XI.Dasvidanya!Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com