NEW! The Just Football World Cup 2010 podcast #1 (on Italy, South Africa, Liverpool & more)

In football, there is no greater giver of life to new concepts, things, phenomena than the World Cup. It is the grand stage, the platform on which the novel is unveiled and unleashed for the world to see, to be talked about, celebrated and mimicked forevermore. Goal celebrations are a case in point. Who can forget Roger Milla’s dance for Cameroon in the corner flag at Italia ‘90, or Bebeto’s tribute to his newborn child at USA ‘94?

Hugo Sanchez’s somersault at Mexico ‘86 gave birth to a whole new type of celebration, prompting the plethora of acrobatic somersault celebrations we see today. It is the norm now, but back then it was fresh and new.

At this upcoming World Cup we all want to see something new. A new trick, like Blanco’s hop and jump at France ‘98, a new piece of magic, to be practised by kids in playgrounds and back gardens for years to come.

In this spirit of newness therefore, we thought we’d bring something new to the table on Just Football, with the introduction of the brand new, inaugural Just Football podcast.

As I explain at the beginning of the show, this will be a series of special one-off podcasts to be recorded during the World Cup – our mouthpiece for the African continent’s showpiece.

We recorded this first edition on Thursday. On the show we have myself, your host Mo or chairman Mo as I will now insist on calling him, our resident Liverpool contributor Ali Tuckwell and special guest Nico – our Italian football correspondent.

The agenda for this first ever show: A trip down World Cup memory lane, a look at the traditional favourites, in-depth analysis of world champions Italy, predictions (some of them ill-judged, mostly from me) and, as it was the breaking news of the day, Rafa Benitez’s departure from Liverpool.

The show is fairly long and totally unpolished so don’t expect Guardian Football style sheen quite yet, but what we lack in sheen we hopefully make up for in substance. Feedback welcome. The next Just Football World Cup special podcast will be brought to you all the way from South Africa, depending on facilities out there available to us. Hopefully in a week or less.

A prize for those who actually listen long enough and can tell us where we’re staying in SA. Enjoy, and let us know what you think.

Just Football Podcast – World Cup 2010 special #1 by captainginyu

And if you’re done with this and still want more, have a listen to my interview with the highly engaging Sir Geoff Hurst.

(photo credit: NFSA Australia)

Announcements, Italy, Liverpool, Podcasting, World Cup 2010