The Failed Footballer

Nestory Irankunda talks his career-changing move to Portugese giants Sporting CP, how he bounced back from a difficult period in his career, and why the A-League deserves more respect. Plus, future Aussie stars to watch, how Turkiye fired up the Socceroos with their World Cup antics and what can be done to nurture more home-grown talent. One of Australia's most exciting football prospects ever gives OlanTekkers a glimpse into life as a footballer at the very top. The failed footballer interviews the successful one. Enjoy Follow the Failed Footballer: https://www.instagram.com/failedfootballerpod/ Follow Olan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olantekkers/ Follow Olan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@olantekkers?lang=en The Failed Footballer is an iHeart podcast. Watch, listen and discover more podcasts, playlists and live radio on the FREE iHeart App. Olan may have failed as a footballer. So do 99.9 of players who try and make it, but how many of them can say they got a podcast out of it? Here you'll get unqualified takes from Olan, and expert commentary from football legends who actually made it. All the goals, all the drama, all the ammo for your group chat from football's biggest leagues around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OlanTekkers goes down to the Central Coast Mariners training ground to see how they do it at elite level. How do you go from youth academy, to NPL, to A-League? What does it take to make the jump? First-team players and academy graduates Harrison Steele and Lucas Mauragis share their journey, give advice for young players coming through the system and tell us what you need to make it at the highest level in Australia. Plus, the new European season is underway, and Spurs and United are being their usual selves in the Premier League. Spurs lost 3-0 to Brentford while United lost 2-0 to newly promote Hull City. It was Australia's third youngest player to debut in the EPL that had everyone excited though; could Lucas Herrington become one of the all-time great Aussie footballers? How to avoid being a failed footballer, and a spotlight on an exciting young Aussie talent overseas - that's what you can expect from the Failed Football podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s it like spending three weeks fighting for your dream, only to be let go in a two and a half minute meeting? How do you handle the emotional heartbreak of missing out on the 2026 World Cup squad after giving everything for your country? And what is the reality of player-manager relationships at the highest level? This week, Socceroos striker Mitch Duke joins OlanTekkers for a raw, unfiltered conversation about national team selections, manager dynamics, and the toughest moments of his career. We get the exclusive inside story on his relationship with Australia manager Tony Popovic, the brutal reality of squad cut-offs, and what went down during that brief exit meeting in Florida before the 2026 World Cup. Mitch opens up about the frustration of spending weeks in camp away from his kids, only to be delivered the disappointing news in minutes. Beyond the Popovic selection drama, Mitch reflects on his iconic 2022 World Cup header against Tunisia, his rise from the A-League to becoming a fan favourite in Japan's J-League, and how he built the mentality to navigate elite football's biggest highs and brutal lows. What went through his head during that brief conversation with Popovic? How does a player process being left out after giving everything in qualification? And how do you pick yourself up and stay proud after such a devastating setback? Plus, Mitch shares his advice for young strikers coming through the ranks, discusses life with his family in Japan, and reflects on his lasting legacy in green and gold. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spain had 20 shots. Argentina didn't have a shot until the 117th minute. Just what exactly happened? Guest host and football tragic Nick Stav and iHeart sports reporter John Bric unpack all the stats and baffling tactical decisions from the 2026 World Cup Final. Why did Argentina coach Scaloni play so negatively? Why did Trump refuse to get off the stage? And is Rodri really the most deserving Player of the Tournament? Plus, who's on for the Balon D'Or now Messi, Mbappe and Kane each left without a World Cup win? What sort of goalscoring records is Mbappe going to win as he looks ahead to 2030? And how does this tournament rank compared to previous World Cups? The World Cup is done but The Failed Footballer is not. OlanTekkers will be back with a weekly podcast covering the biggest stories from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, A-League, NPL and Champions League as the 26/27 season gets underway on August 22. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England were minutes away from a World Cup final, then Tuchel pressed the self-destruct button. Messi did Messi things and Argentina turned it around. How did it happen? Olan is in the UK trying to get over the loss, so Kat Haddad jumps into the host chair to unpack England's heartbreaking semi-final loss to Argentina, and the fallout from one of the biggest games of the tournament. The dust has settled and we've heard more opinions than ever, but there's still more to say. NRL legend and host of UNSCRIPTED Josh Mansour joins Kat to analyse the game and debate: How did Thomas Tuchel get it so wrong? How have Spain snuck under the radar into the final? And is this the biggest missed opportunity of the modern England era? We then look ahead to Sunday's World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina - Europe's champions against the defending world champions. Will Lamine Yamal finally step up? Plus, how does this World Cup compare to previous years? Is it just too American? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What really happened before Patrick Beach was subbed off for Maty Ryan in the World Cup Round of 32 against Egypt? What does it take to spend more than a decade as Australia's No.1 goalkeeper? And how do you go from Blacktown City to the Premier League? This week, Socceroos captain and player in FOUR World Cups Maty Ryan joins OlanTekkers for an honest conversation about the moments that shaped his career. We go right back to Maty's beginnings in Western Sydney, his time at Westfield Sports High (fellow alumni includes Harry Kewell and Alanna Kennedy) and the mentality that helped him make the leap from NPL to the biggest leagues in Europe. We also get the inside story on Australia's World Cup campaign, Popovic's selection decisions, Patrick Beach's breakout tournament and how Maty handled the disappointment of watching from the sidelines while still helping drive the team forward behind the scenes. What was going through his head when he was told he'd be coming on for a penalty shootout? Did he always believe he'd make it to the top? And why do Australian footballers still have to work twice as hard to earn respect overseas? Plus, Maty shares his advice for young goalkeepers, explains why mentality matters more than talent, discusses Australia's next generation, and reveals whether he still believes a spot at the 2030 World Cup is within reach. One of Australia's greatest footballers tells his story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you get yourself sent off for diving in the 70th minute at 1-1 with the current WC champions? Why was a stadium camera involved in a controversial goal? And are Spain good enough to stop France? These questions answered and more, as A-League sideline reporter and Channel 10 presenter Kat Haddad join OlanTekkers to break down all the biggest talking points from the World Cup quarter-finals. We discuss England's controversial win over Norway, analyse Jude Bellingham's match-winning performance, and debate whether the English media are creating unnecessary drama between Thomas Tuchel and his players. Also we chat Switzerland's heartbreaking exit to Argentina after Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation, a moment that completely changed the game. Did Switzerland throw away their best chance at a World Cup semi-final? Plus, we preview the two blockbuster semi-finals: England vs Argentina France vs Spain Who makes the final? Can England stop Messi and Argentina? Is France's attack too strong for Spain? And has this been the most controversial World Cup ever? We also chat Socceroos, A-League talent, Australia's next generation, and whether FIFA should expand the World Cup to 64 teams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Argentina's path to the semi-final: Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Cabo Verde, Egypt, Switzerland. We're not one for conspiracies but there's too many coincidences to ignore. OlanTekkers unpacks the calls that weren't given, but should have been, and the the ones that were - but shouldn't. Penalties not given, goals disallowed, red cards not given - it's been a shocking display of refereeing all tournament. Plus, can Australian football every get itself sorted and make a proper bid for a World Cup? What would need to happen for a men's World Cup to come down under? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FIFA corruption, the game of the tournament so far and Ronaldo finally bows out of the World Cup without his much-desired win. OlanTekkers is joined by Sydney FC goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares to talk all the big World Cup stories, the shocking round of 16 results and how you go from NPL to the A-League. This week Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino asking to have USA forward Folarin Balogun's red card overturned. In a blatant show of corruption, the FIFA president did it. But the USA still couldn't win - Belgium beat them 4-1 and advanced to the quarter-finals. England played Mexico at 2km above sea level, and it was the game of the World Cup. Mexico hadn’t conceded a goal all tournament. They’d only had two previous competitive losses at the Azteca. And somehow, the Three Lions walked away with a win...it was one of the best England victories in World Cup history. We also look back on the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign. Was reaching the Round of 32 a success? Are we still underdogs? And what needs to happen if Australia wants to stop celebrating participation and start expecting knockout wins? And finally... the end of an era. Penaldo is no more at the national level. Portugal are out. Ronaldo’s World Cup dream is over. Spain march on. We discuss his legacy and whether we will ever see anything like it again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boys fought hard. Souttar and Herrington, despite missing pens, can hold their heads high. So the Aussies crash out on penalties and Egypt go through. At least it's new territory for us - out in the round of 32 instead of the round of 16. Their stock is rising and a big summer move looks likely. We're not done with the World Cup though at the Failed Footballer! New episodes will still be dropping twice a week as we bring you the biggest stories from the round of 16 and beyond. This episode OlanTekkers unpacks 120 minutes of World Cup football, with questions around team selection, substitutions and attacking tactics. Did we deserve to go through? Maybe. Plus, iHeart sports reporter John Bric was there in Dallas and he shares his take on the game: what Popovich got right and wrong, where to next for the Socceroos and how the young players can bounce back. We're not done with the World Cup though at the Failed Footballer! New episodes will still be dropping twice a week as we bring you the biggest stories from the round of 16 and beyond. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OlanTekkers and Nick Stav look ahead to the round of 16 with Australia, Egypt, Argentina and Cabo Verde still to play. Will the Socceroos make history and beat Egypt? Will Mo Salah play? If he does, who's going to stop him? Who starts for the Socceroos and who plays where? Plus, our Aussie stars like Bos, Irunkunda and Herrington are attracting serious interest from top clubs like Barcelona and Premier League-bound Hull City. Who's going to make the quarter-finals of the World Cup? We go in deep on the tactics, players and matchups that are going to decide. And it was one of the games of the World Cup: Ronaldo v Modric AKA Portugal v Croatia. Literally a hair's breadth was all that separated Croatia and Portugal. Ronaldo had a goal disallowed, then Croatia had one chalked off with the last kick of the game. Insane scenes and Portugal advance while Croatia go home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shades of the disgrace of Gijón (yeah we had to Google it too) when Austria played Algeria on the weekend. Both teams knew a draw would send them through, but Riyad Mahrez obviously forgot. It looked like he'd scored the winner in the 93rd minute and Austria were going out - but then they equalised. Scenes, but was it all too convenient? With Ned Hall, ABC sports football commentator, we break down the big conspiracy and predict how Austria and Algeria will go against their respective opponents in Spain and Switzerland. Plus, how will the Socceroos line up against Egypt on Friday? Salah might be out and the other Egyptian star Marmoush hasn't played much football this season. Do Australia stand a good chance? And the surprising package of this year's tournament, Cabo Verde, have done amazingly well to get out the group. Now they face the biggest test yet in the shape of Messi and Argentina. Do they have any chance at all? The Failed Football is an iHeart podcast. Find more on the free iHeart app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 0-0 against Paraguay, and The Socceroos are through. Australia are officially into the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, which on paper, is huge. But after watching that game...I’ve got questions. Yes, we got the job done. Yes, Popovic made tactical adjustments after the USA game. And defensively, you can’t argue - the Socceroos looked a lot more solid, a lot more controlled and a lot harder to break down. But going forward? I’m still not fully convinced. Irankunda started - which I asked for - but playing him as a false nine just didn’t feel right. Asking him to hold the ball up with his back to goal? That’s not his game. Jordy Bos though? Huge. His stock has absolutely gone through the roof after that performance. The way he drove forward, beat players, won fouls and carried Australia up the pitch… I’m not saying young Gareth Bale, but I’m also not not saying it. We also bring in John Bric, who was at the game in San Francisco, to talk through the atmosphere, the Green and Gold Army and what it actually felt like on the ground. Plus, the key performers and how the Socceroos are placed heading into the knockouts. Because now it gets very interesting. The Socceroos could face Egypt, Iran, New Zealand or Belgium in the round of 32. Some of those feel winnable. Some feel very, very dangerous. And if we get through that? Things could get even bigger. So yes, Australia are through. But are we actually good enough to win a knockout game? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Win or draw, and the Socceroos finish 2nd in the group. They'll then face Belgium, who'll likely finish 2nd in Group G. Lose, and Australia will come up against Germany in the first knockout round. Who would you rather play? To preview the game, analyse who should start for the Socceroos and plot out their most likely route to the final, OlanTekkers is joined by Nick Stav, football presenter, NPL player and tragic Arsenal fan. Nick and Olan give their hot takes on the tactics we'll most likely see against Paraguay, why we should look out for their star man Enciso, and why England struggled against Ghana. The witch doctor did his job but apparently the curse has now been lifted. Plus, Messi in Ballon d'Or conversations yet again, Ronaldo scoring in six World Cups and VAR controversy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does the route to the final look like for the Socceroos, and why does it feel like some teams have it so much easier than others? With Liam Stapleton, breakfast radio host as half of Ben and Liam and content creator, we break down the state of Groups D and G, where it’s still all to play for heading into the final game, with Belgium continuing to underperform and New Zealand still in contention to progress despite a loss to table toppers Egypt. Curacao’s 37-year-old goalkeeper set a World Cup record with 15 saves in their incredible draw against Ecuador. Plus, was the USA loss actually that bad for us...or are we overcooking it? This episode, alongside radio host, content creator and Liverpool FC tragic, Liam Stapleton, we break down the socceroos recent performance and what they need to do against Paraguay to make it out of group stages. We also discuss the new head-to-head rule and why it’s sending teams home early, underdogs to look out for and what makes them dangerous in a tournament setting. There’s Liverpool chat (unfortunately), Anfield chaos and we lock Zidane into our all-time World Cup XI. Now it all comes down to Paraguay…win or draw and we’re through. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In what world do you change a winning formula? Tony Popovich…you’ve got some explaining to do (as does the ref). But it’s not over yet... OlanTekkers breaks down what went wrong – from Popovich benching in-form players like Irankunda and Metcalfe, to a defensive setup that had us stuck in our own 18 yard box for 45 minutes. We get into how the US exposed us out wide, why we looked scared to play early and how the game completely flipped in the second half once we actually started going forward. Irankunda comes on and changes everything (again), but there's a lack of creativity in midfield, and surely now Volpato starts the next game? We’re also joined by our man on the ground in Seattle, sports reporter John Bric, who gives us the vibe inside Lumen Field, the mood of Socceroos fans and what this result means for Australia’s chances of qualifying from the group. Plus, Ronaldo vs Messi is kicking off again. Portugal players are starting to turn on their main man, Thierry Henry breaks down Ronaldo’s role, while Messi’s just out there doing GOAT things. A hat-trick at 38 in a World Cup - who does that? Big calls, big pressure on the Socceroos, and two GOATs going in very different directions… all in one episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Socceroos are pulling massive TV audience numbers…the World Cup’s already claimed its first manager…and somehow, our Socceroos young guns might be the fastest players on the planet. This episode, I catch up with Socceroos 2022 World Cup Qualifying hero, Andrew Redmayne - the goalkeeper who famously used his “jelly legs” technique in a penalty shootout that saw Australia through to this World Cup. He tells us what actually goes into saving penalties at an elite level - how much of it is preparation, how much is instinct and how much of it is just luck. We get into that Peru shootout, the mind games, and how it feels knowing you’ve literally changed football laws off the back of one moment. We also chat the 2026 Socceroos - whether we’ll beat the USA, what needs to change tactically, and some of Redder’s favourite memories in green and gold. Plus, a quick whip around the tournament - Tunisia have already sacked their manager Sabri Lamouchi after one game, France are looking seriously strong, Haaland’s finally off the mark and Cape Verde have just produced one of the all-time defensive shifts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Socceroos World Cup win over Türkiye in their opening round match is one of the biggest wins in Australian soccer history. This new generation of young players is looking like the real deal. Türkiye dominated the game with 72% possession, twice as many shots on target and endless pressure. They rattled the post and Patrick Beach had a blinder to keep the Socceroos in it. But at the end of the day Australia took their chances, and walked away with the win. So today Olan Tekkers is trying to figure out what actually happened. He's joined by ARN Sports Reporter John Bric who is there on the ground in Vancouver. They discuss that ridiculous Nestory Irankunda moment and whether Tony Popovic cooked up a tactical masterclass...and whether the Socceroos will be exposed against better teams. Tekkers wonders if the Socceroos play against Spain or Argentina, will they survive? Then we look ahead to the Australia vs USA game and whether the Aussies should stick to a defensive set up or go harder for the win. Regardless, it was a huge win. A lot of noise. And some big questions about what comes next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Cup has officially kicked off, and I’m doing what I do best: pretending I’m qualified to talk about it. First up, I'm saying it how I see it...Ronaldo is finished. I know that may upset a few people, but look - someone had to say it. Portugal are better off if he doesn't play, let alone start. In the opening game there were three red cards - were they all soft? Did VAR get it right or wrong? Then, i'm joined by Matilda's and Brighton defender Charlie Rule, who actually knows what she's talking about. We get into what World Cup pressure actually feels like when you’re the one wearing the badge, how early players start thinking about a World Cup cycle, and what separates the ones who get called up from the ones who stay there. (I must've missed the memo). Charlie gives her thoughts on which teams she thinks are built for this tournament and adds her pick to our Ultimate All-Time World Cup XI. We also react to some truly tragic World Cup anthems that are doing the rounds right now and honestly, some of them feel like a crime. Then we throw to our sports reporter John Bric who's there in Vancouver giving us the on-the-ground vibe: the fans, the noise, the ticket prices...they are insane. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of The Failed Footballer is what happens when World Cup fever, actual fever and a touch of delusion all collide at once. I chat to Adam Peacock, the voice of Stan Sport’s football coverage and one of the most trusted voices in Aussie football, and he immediately starts dropping wild World Cup predictions. England to win, a surprise pick for player of the tournament and how much the heat will affect the best teams. Then Santo and Ed, football commentators and hosts of the beloved World Cup Fever on SBS, rolled in to talk about the 48‑team “first actual World Cup,” the fact Santo had to Google a country, and the unbelievable stat that twelve sets of brothers are playing at this tournament - with almost half representing different nations. I also learned the Socceroos once had a minesweeper clearing the penalty area during a WC Qualifier during the Vietnam War. Meanwhile today’s players complain about the grass being too long... We get into whether England can survive the American heat, why this Socceroos squad has something about them , and if red cards should be axed entirely (which sounds fun until you imagine Pepe with no rules). It’s football, nonsense and pure World Cup delirium as we count down to the opening game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.