{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/b2fb5f0b-0ce7-4e5c-b6e0-9b1febd06aea/6a5962eb62e50b14bd60a71a?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Paul Howard watched every World Cup game – here’s what he learned","description":"<p>For his hosting duties on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/america-2026/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">America 2026</a>, the Irish Times podcast, Paul Howard watched every World Cup single match, even it was on at 4am and featured a no-hoper team in the tournament to make up the numbers.</p><p><br></p><p>What did he make of England’s loss to Argentina?</p><p><br></p><p>Why does he think the bloated half-time show featuring Shakira and Justin Bieber, planned for Sunday’s final, highlights just how much Fifa is enthralled to the US; and who will lift the World Cup when the final whistle blows on Sunday, Argentina or Spain?</p><p><br></p><p>Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey.&nbsp;</p>","author_name":"The Irish Times"}