It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

Welcome to the latest episode of The Overlap’s football history podcast, It Was What It Was.In this week’s episode, on its 40th Anniversary, we dive into Euro 1984, a tournament that marked a pivotal moment in French football history as they lifted a major tournament trophy for the first time.Journalists Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into the impact of Michel Platini, whose footballing prowess and leadership played a crucial role in guiding France to victory on their home turf. They also analyse how the tournament shaped European football and paved the way for future international competitions.Jonathan and Rob provide a detailed analysis of the group stages, revisit the historic knockout stage clashes, including the semi-final regarded as the Euro’s greatest ever match between France and Portugal, which culminated in France’s triumphant 2-0 final win over Spain.If you enjoyed the podcast, please hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

In this week’s episode, we take an in-depth look at Euro 2012, a tournament fondly remembered as the crowning moment in Spain’s era of dominance, marking their third consecutive major win following Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.Journalists Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper kick things off by delving into the politics behind the decision to host the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, exploring how the host cities managed the logistical challenges and the lasting impact of the event.Jonathan and Rob provide a comprehensive overview of the group stages, highlighting memorable moments such as Danny Welbeck’s back-heeled winner against Sweden. They then move on to iconic knockout stage moments, including Andrea Pirlo’s masterful penalty, Mario Balotelli’s unforgettable performance against Germany and Spain’s utterly dominant 4-0 victory over Italy in the final.If you enjoyed the podcast, please hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

Welcome back to The Overlap’s football history podcast, It Was What It Was.In Part One, journalists Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper set the scene for the Euro 2004 knockout stages. Now, we delve into the life of Greece manager Otto Rehhagel, who orchestrated one of football’s greatest miracles at Euro 2004.The tournament was a landmark for many nations, especially England, who dramatically lost on penalties to hosts Portugal in a thrilling match after Sven Goran-Eriksson’s star 18-year-old Wayne Rooney was injured.Jonathan and Rob provide an in-depth look at the knockout stages, detailing how Greece astonishingly dethroned France, then defeated the Czech Republic in silver-goal extra time, before beating Portugal for the second time in the competition, having never previously won at a major international tournament.If you enjoyed the podcast, please hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Overlap’s football history podcast, It Was What It Was.With Euro 2024 approaching this week, we present a special two-part episode on Euro 2004, a tournament where underdogs Greece achieved one of international football’s greatest upsets.Regarded as the one that got away from Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Golden Generation England team, journalists Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper set the scene with a full detailed look on the group stages.From Portugal’s preparation as hosts to their opening defeat by eventual winners Greece and an 18 year-old Wayne Rooney propelling himself to an international icon, part one delves into the story surrounding the nations before the knock-out rounds.  Join us for part two on Thursday 13th June where Rob and Jonathan tell the story of Greece manager Otto Rehhagel and the path that led the way to one of football’s biggest ever shocks.If you enjoyed the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Overlap’s football history podcast, It Was What It Was. Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into the sliding doors moments that lead to the Manchester United treble win in 1999. In the years leading up to Sir Alex Ferguson's greatest achievement, we take a look at some of the key moments that could have changed the course of history: from Maurice Watkins recommending Alex Ferguson as the manager to replace Terry Venables as Barcelona manager in 1986 to Alan Hansen’s infamous comment on Match of the Day as well as United's youth system and signing Eric Cantona.  It Was What It Was gives a detailed look into the changes that took place at Old Trafford that paved the journey to the treble; including building the squad after the 1994 Champions League loss to Barcelona, new revenue at Old Trafford and the tactical and financial changes at the club.  If you enjoyed the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.  

Welcome to the latest episode of The Overlap’s football history podcast, It Was What It Was.In part two of our Reds in Rome story, journalists Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into the events of the day of the 1984 European Cup final between Roma and Liverpool.Having set the scene in part one of our two-part special, Jonathan and Rob reveal insightful stories from inside the Liverpool camp, the real hostilities their fans dealt with and how Joe Fagan’s side managed to win the first ever European Cup penalty shoot-out, which also unearthed Bruce Grobbelaar’s spaghetti legs. If you enjoyed the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Overlap’s football history podcast, It Was What It Was.This week we have a two part special focussing on Liverpool’s 1984 European Cup victory, 40 years on from one of the finest nights in the Reds history.Journalists Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper discuss the events leading up to the final where Joe Fagan’s side beat Roma in their own stadium as they lifted their fourth European Cup in seven years having already won the league title and league cup in the same season.In part one Jonathan and Rob explore where Liverpool were as a club and city along with reliving famous knockout stage contests, including dramatic wins over Benfica and Dinamo Bucuresti where tempers flared on and off the pitch. Join us for part two on Thursday 30th May to listen to the historical European Cup final where Liverpool became the first side to win the final on penalties. If you enjoyed the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Overlap’s football history podcast, It Was What It Was.Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue the series with a unite insight into the life of Jurgen Klopp.Klopp leaves his managerial role at Liverpool having ended their 30 year top flight trophy drought alongside a historic Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup during a 9-year period that changed Anfield. Rightly regarded as one of the most important managerial spells in the Reds history, Jonathan and Rob explore the events that made Klopp the charismatic manager he is today.From his childhood and familial upbringing in Baden-Wurttemberg in Stuttgart to his playing then managerial stint at Mainz - that included an incredible final day of the season encounter - It Was What It Was gives a detailed look into the life of the German manager.If you enjoyed the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

Welcome back to The Overlap’s football history podcast, It Was What It Was. On our second and final part of Arsenal ’89: The Game That Change Football Forever, journalists Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper re-live the unforgettable final day of the 1988/89 campaign that seen Arsenal leapfrog Liverpool to the First Division title at Anfield. George Graham’s Arsenal required a two-goal victory in the final match of the season against reigning champions Liverpool to overtake their opponents and pulled off the miracle through second-half goals from Alan Smith and a last gasp strike from Michael Thomas. Jonathan and Rob discuss the stunning finale to the season, including the events of the day, celebrational aftermath and how the defining game changed English football forever. If you enjoyed the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode.