The consensus in America is that the Socceroos are an easy draw. We could get offended, or we could just see it as USA doing USA things. What is offensive though is the worst sledge a footballer can ever receive - and Matildas icon SBS FIFA World Cup Commentator Lydia Williams has received it. She shares it with us to general shock in the studio.
We also preview the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign and our chances of progressing from the group of “death-ish.”
We talk through Australia’s chances of going all the way (imagine), the tactical impact of extreme heat and mandated drinks breaks, the players to watch, and why a defensive game plan could actually work in the Socceroos’ favour.
Also in this episode:
- Norway took one of the all-time team photos - what should ours have looked like?
- Are the Socceroos built to make it out of the group?
- Why four quarters of football changes everything
- Motherhood, media and life after football
- Why workplaces should embrace “Watchers Rights” - check out the SBS campaign!
Harvey Norman love sport. Supporting Australian athletes at all levels, from grassroots to the world stage for over thirty years. SHOP Furniture, Bedding, TVs, Fridges, Vacuums, Laptops, Mobiles and more instore or online!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Now, Johnny and dear listener, we know that when I
say the words Australia's favorite team, there is only one.
And look, I am a big enough person to admit
that it's not the Brisbane Broncos, regardless of how much
I may want it to be. It is, of course,
the Australian women's football team. The Matildas are the architect
(00:27):
of the success of that team. Before there was the
Minister of Defense, there was the Prime Minister of Penalties,
and that prime Minister is Lydia Williams.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
And a standing ovation from seventy five thousand in Stadium Australia,
let alone her teammates, thank you so much for everything,
Lydia Williams.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
She was an exceptional leader on and off the Piade.
She led Australia to all well in more than a
hundred games for the Tillies. She represented US at about
five Women's World Cups, a couple of Olympic Games. There's
a handful of Asian Cups in there as well.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Has my idea of the worst job on Earth a
goalkeeper at national level terrifying.
Speaker 4 (01:17):
I wake up from dreams terrified, George, I.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Know, actually actually terrifying. However, sitting across from us today,
she looks a picture of calm, which is wonderful because
Jelmy and I are before tournaments that we have actually
no sway on and we'll only be enjoying as fans.
We need this sense of calm. We need her to
tell us exactly how the soccer Roos are going to
(01:42):
win the World Cup. Dear listener, would you please welcome
Lydia Williams to take us far Lydd's the lead up
to a World Cup like this slightly different, slightly different
for you. Typically you're there on the ground doing all
of the training. You can tell that I haven't been
to a World Cup because I'm like, you're there. You
get yourself ready, you do in the prep, you do
(02:02):
in the things broadcasting slightly different.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
How are you feeling pretty good?
Speaker 5 (02:08):
It's just kind of talking about the game, but now
in a live and very professional setting.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
So yeah, I'm looking forward to it.
Speaker 5 (02:16):
It will be definitely something a little bit different, but yeah,
I've been practicing just in my everyday watching football.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
You say very professional setting and it is. Do you
get nervous by that? I mean, and I understand you've
played literally on the world stage. But it's different, but
it's different, right.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Yes or no.
Speaker 5 (02:35):
Like I think everyone that I'm going to be presenting
and working with we already have a relationship, and you know,
at the end of the day, it is talking about football,
and everyone is a professional and in their own right.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
So yeah, clearly, clearly we Georgie and I having never
played support an elite level.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
George's about to budd in and say that she was
basically a dolphin. She wasn't. That's gorgeous.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
Talk to us about the atmosphere and how unique the
World Cup is because it is the beautiful game, it's
the world game, and it's the biggest event in the world,
but there's.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Nothing quite like it.
Speaker 5 (03:08):
It's you are there as a spectator getting excited and
supporting your country with players that are superstars and they've
made it professional to be footballers, so it's you're hugging
people next to you. It's not necessarily know about clubs anymore,
(03:32):
and kind of that intense, deep rivalry. You are there
celebrating your country, celebrating a world game, and it's just
really electrifying. I think it is obviously the biggest broadcasting
sport in the world. And you feel that it's just
really special to be there. I think it's totally different
(03:53):
as a player versus someone who's a spectator, and to
kind of get both sides of it is going to
be really cool to see.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
And when you are traveling, because I remember speaking to
Elise Kellen Night about this and it was so interesting
because of course football and sport doesn't happen in a canon, right,
There's so much else going on in the world when
you are traveling to different countries. How are you briefed
on different things that you might have to do and
how you might have to behave as a group, Because
at least was sort of saying to me that when
(04:22):
she was with the Tillye, she was like, we went
to a country where they had to tell us that
walking around with wet hair was inappropriate. Like, there are
all different things to different places that you travel, and
we know at the moment, particularly in the US, that
potentially players are being advised, you know, don't necessarily have
too many opinions on different things when you are traveling
as a group, and we know that countries are coming
(04:43):
from all over the world. What are those protocols actually
look like practically.
Speaker 5 (04:49):
Yeah, you do get I guess experts coming in to
make sure that you understand the rules and regulations and
customs of each country. I think when we were traveling
as the Tillies, we'd always make sure we knew how
to say please, thank you, hello, and goodbye in each
language of wherever we were going to, of course, and yeah,
(05:13):
just knowing I guess protocol, Like there was a few
times when we went to Middle Eastern countries whether like
make sure you go out and like at least groups
of four, you know it's safe to go around, but
just make sure you're not walking alone be back here.
So each country would have kind of a protocol like that.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
I think.
Speaker 5 (05:32):
Obviously there's you know, some controversy in the news already
about a few countries going into the US and having
regulations that I think Iraq can't actually stay there. They've
been told to just fly in and out for the game.
So you just kind of have to make do with
that and try to work that around. And I think
the difficulty that the Men's World Cup will have is
(05:57):
there's so many games that are in different countries and
the flight and the travel, so it really is utilizing
how good recovery system and protocols they have in place
to prepare for each game, especially if you're kind of
going in and out very quickly.
Speaker 4 (06:12):
As a player. Would that have been annoying for you? Yeah, Like,
I mean it's like cool, don't get me wrong. Amazing,
It's like.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
Oh, how great, we're going to have Canada, We're going
to have make We're going to have amazing. But practically,
if you were actually part of this squad, are you like, God.
Speaker 5 (06:27):
Oh yeah, you are, Like you can't unpack. You're basically
like living out of a suitcase, which you kind of
want to try to unpack a little bit for World Cup. Well,
we were based for the Women's World Cup. We're based
in Brisbane, so we could leave our stuff there and
just take a little overnight bag and go to each
(06:50):
state and game where we were. But these boys are
going and men are going to countries, so you can't
leave a bag. Like you are traveling around and going
to new hotel and you only have three days there
before your next game, which, yeah, you are living out
of a suitcase.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
We're about to preview the soccrews and their chances, which
is exciting, but also how much is it of an
advantage is that as Australians we can handle heat, because
I've seen Team England and Team Norway look like they
are damn melting. In the US, they are like, honestly, George,
They're semi naked, lying on the ground.
Speaker 4 (07:25):
I don't know whether they're trying to get a ten or.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
What's going on, but the conditions are so different and
so challenging over there with how warm it is, I
feel like that might give us anupper hand.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
I think so as well.
Speaker 5 (07:36):
But what they have done at this World Cup is
they have mandated a drinks break in between each half.
So it's going to be twenty two minutes, yeah, twenty
two minutes of play and then everyone gets a drink's
break for two minutes. So it's actually going to be
quite a tactical tournament because if a team has momentum
(07:57):
and then all of a sudden, you're like hold out
for another two minutes before the drinks break, that it
can really change the whole game. And it's they're just
mandating it. Wait, football with quarters. That's that's breaking news,
is it not? Yeah?
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Yeah, I mean I didn't what I want to get
into though, lids is look, we always love to say
in any World Cup we used to stay with the
Matilda's all the time, and I stand by it that
Australia always gets a pool of death. Now is this
technically a pool of death though, because I would say
this is a pool of deathsh Maybe not as bad
as it could have been, this draw for the soccer use,
(08:31):
but also we could still lose them all.
Speaker 4 (08:34):
You know, where are we at?
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Probably a pool of equal death.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
Okay, of everyone great, great, good good?
Speaker 5 (08:42):
Probably that I think Turkey I think they're they're looking
really good. I think they will probably top the group.
And then yeah, the other three I think they're in
the pool of deathish altogether. I think anything can happen
at a World Cup. I think this those games, particular
with Paraguay and US is going to be really really
(09:04):
tricky and again tactical. I think that's where these drink
breaks are gonna really set the tone for kind of
how they go out for it.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
How do you take to certain representatives of Team USA
saying that Australia is an average football nation. As someone
who represented Australia at the highest level, how do you
respond to that.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Oh, it's just funny.
Speaker 5 (09:29):
Like that's their type of banter and I'm like, really,
like you could do better than that. Yeah, I just
it is like I don't know USA is going to
USA really, but does it not.
Speaker 4 (09:44):
Piss you off?
Speaker 3 (09:45):
Just the like for me, Like, let's be honest, I
have never represented Australian football.
Speaker 4 (09:49):
This has done everyone, but it still.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
Annoys me that someone would like whether they do it
to get themselves up or that's you know, I know
that Michael Jordan used to like create a beef that
wasn't there to get themselves excited about like a match,
Like is it I would do that?
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Is this necessary?
Speaker 3 (10:05):
And if we are average, you are punching down sir,
don't pick on us.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
I mean it is like it.
Speaker 5 (10:10):
Is a bit annoying, but there's worse things like I've
heard in football matches, like people say as banter, like
your breath stinks and like but that's offensive. Now I'm offensive.
I'm really thrown me off my game exactly? Are you
calling me an average footballer? Like okay whatever that I'm
(10:31):
here playing that is like at a World Cup, but
you saying my breath stinks.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
I'm actually really hurt.
Speaker 4 (10:39):
Exactly because I've heard that before. I don't can't remember
where I read this, but it was like that.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
It's like a list of ways to throw someone off
if you're having an argument and it's like this is
literally you just look at them and you're having it.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
I get, firstly, brush your teeth.
Speaker 4 (10:52):
Yeah, can you come back from that? That's like every
shots fire and everywhere.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
Yeah, it's done like you were if.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
I mean that's what did you ever do? Chrash talking
and sledging? Were you ever someone that part took?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
No, it was just nobody's around me near enough.
Speaker 6 (11:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (11:09):
Yeah, because someone had said that to you, be like
you can't smell it from there. I'm back here.
Speaker 5 (11:13):
Yeah, literally, be like, oh man, I wish someone was
around here.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
I can talk to them. But no, no, it wasn't.
I was.
Speaker 5 (11:21):
I was the receiving end of hearing other people having
the banter. So that's where I got to hear your
breast things.
Speaker 3 (11:28):
Someone that I reckon would have pretty good banter. Is
the story erin Kunda. I mean this guy not only
is he an excitement package on the field, I love
that he can be just the slightest bit petulant. That's
all of my areas, like what can we expect particularly
to see from him in this lineup? And do you
think that he's going to be Not that he's an
(11:48):
emerging style. We already love him, but I think something
about a World Cup brings all your eyes on a
team and I think this is going to be his
chance to go to an ext stratosphere in terms of
a household name.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
Yeah, I think Kunda.
Speaker 5 (11:59):
He obviously did really well in the A League, so
I think he's a household name already in Australia and
we're excited by him. But I think now being I
guess propelled on the world stage is going to be
really really exciting and I'm excited to see how Proper
uses him and how he goes about there. And like
you said, he does have a little bit of banter
(12:20):
and cheekiness about him on the field, which you kind
of you kind of want to see and unless.
Speaker 4 (12:25):
It's tournament football and you get sent off.
Speaker 3 (12:30):
We love we love cheeky in a warm up, love it,
get a yellow card cute, don't don't do it in
real time against Turkey.
Speaker 4 (12:36):
Ideally, sir, just putting it out there.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
With Popper though, I mean, he he's been crafting this
group for some time. Now, what tactically or strategy do
you think that he is going to employ that you
may have seen from like some of these warm up games,
I mean most recently.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
One or draw.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
I was hoping for a little bit more on our
last one, but hey, we're heading into the tournament. Are
you excited by where where he's at with the team
in terms of strategically.
Speaker 5 (13:15):
I mean you can kind of probably see the pattern
with him is that he is is going to be
a defensive soccer US team really trying to focus on
counter attacks and set pieces and any kind of opportunity
like that, which is where I think, you know, these
drinks breaks are actually going to come really handy and
(13:35):
actually probably work in the soccer WS and Popper's favor
if you can kind of break it down into twenty
two minute blocks. I think that actually will work in
our favor to take the heat out of the game,
especially teams that are going to be a lot more
possession based and I guess give that their attack way
(13:56):
more opportunities than what we're going to have.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
So yeah, I would love to see the boys get
out of the group.
Speaker 5 (14:02):
And make it to around the sixteen. I think that's
going to be a really successful tournament for them.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Do you do you think we will?
Speaker 2 (14:08):
It's going to be tough. I think we're gonna make
it out of the group.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
I think after that, I think we can get a
I think we can get a shock result against US.
I would love to see it like that's just like
kind of my thing is like after all the banter
and everything and the last games that we played, now
it is going to be a little bit more tactically sound,
and I think after doing a lot of work, we
(14:34):
do like a lot of analytics in Australia for leading
into these So I think I think that game might
be the little golden.
Speaker 3 (14:43):
I don't I don't want to count chickens, but being
able to say to us if we're average.
Speaker 6 (14:47):
What are you just feel like all of a sudden,
that would just be delicious.
Speaker 4 (14:58):
I would love about that.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
That's where I'm holding it out.
Speaker 4 (15:01):
Can we also talk.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
About speaking of things that have already been sensational at
this World Cup? Norway's team photo where early Harlan not
only looks like he should have starred in Vikings, but
then that's what he does part time. Was one of
the greatest master strokes and don't get me wrong, like
the soccer is.
Speaker 4 (15:17):
I love that they included everyone. It was a massive
team photo. There were men and women, it was everyone.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
But then they came out as vikings and I just
playing they're already playing a different game. And the conviction
on the face, like, it's just an immaculate image. If
you were to curate an Australian shot where you had
to sell it and they had to get.
Speaker 4 (15:36):
In what what where are they?
Speaker 3 (15:38):
And once the like we discussed this, I'm like, maybe
they're lifeguards, but is that too close to like a
fireman calendar? We want to lean away from that, Like
what what would we what's the Aussie equivalent?
Speaker 4 (15:50):
Man?
Speaker 5 (15:51):
I think they'd either be all hanging out at a
coffee shop like hipsters with you know, most probably have
to grow their hair a little bit too, kind of
get to that mullet phase. Or they'd be in budget
smugglers on BONDI. One or the other is probably where
they're going to be.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
Why can't we do both?
Speaker 2 (16:11):
Just do both?
Speaker 6 (16:11):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (16:12):
Yeah, all and with some sort of.
Speaker 3 (16:16):
All I'm just saying is by the next book, like
Norway's already had a w for me and I just
feel like we as a nation can do better.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
I'm with you.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
I'm with you away from the pitch lids, because we
know that you have a massive few weeks coming up.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
Like, how is life right now?
Speaker 2 (16:31):
I mean it's busy, mum, mum.
Speaker 5 (16:34):
Life just throws it at you and you're just you're
never You're never off anymore, You're always on.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
But it's been good though, Like it's a new challenge
and I do love it.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
I love that you've said it as a challenge. That's
the athlete mindset. Yes, I will, I will achieve, you.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
Will, you will be I will hit that early milestone.
But it is it's a.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
Massive transition because, especially as an athlete, in order to
be professional, there's a level of selfishness that isn't selfishness,
it's just that you need to be. This is my sleep,
I protect it, this is my nutrition, this is my preparation.
Then a baby comes along and you're like, it's now
all about you. And for the start of my life
it was all about me, and that might have suited
me a little bit better.
Speaker 4 (17:22):
What's been the biggest transition for you.
Speaker 2 (17:25):
Of the scheduling?
Speaker 5 (17:26):
Like, normally I'm like I know when I'm going to
wake up and eat and this is when I'm going
to do it.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
What do you think about so many athletes that have
kids and then go back, like especially women that carry
the babies themselves and then they return for Olympics or
they return. It gives you a whole different perspective on
like how Yeah.
Speaker 5 (17:48):
I mean to be honest, being pregnant, my body felt
fantastic and I'm like I could go out there and
play again, like I haven't felt this great in years.
And yeah, it's crazy, like all the nutrition and the
every vitamins, everything literally is there to nourish your baby,
but it nourishes your body.
Speaker 3 (18:08):
And I was like, you were riding different rides with
my friend. My child tried to kill me from the
inside essentially.
Speaker 4 (18:16):
I went no joke.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
I went to hospital fifteen times to be on a
drip because, yeah, because it was taking the nutrients from
me and I couldn't keep anything down, Like I maybe
it all.
Speaker 4 (18:29):
Went to you when they were handing out the nutrients.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
Yeah, have you seen that movie What to Expect When
You're Specting? Yeah, Elizabeth Banks and your Andy Roddick's wife.
Speaker 3 (18:41):
I've never heard someone say that they glowed and felt
great during pregnancy.
Speaker 4 (18:44):
So I just had to highlight that that was an attack.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
And if you were listening to this and you're going,
that is not me, I feel you. Georgie came in
and picked me up off the canvas and was like,
is that gollum And I'm like, don't look at me.
Speaker 4 (18:57):
Was ready for a sixth World Cup?
Speaker 3 (18:58):
Yeah, exactly, you go. So this part is is it
sleep deprivation? In five months? Are you getting any sleep?
Speaker 5 (19:06):
He does sleep. It's not all the way through, but
I do sleep. I end up, you know, getting chunks
of what equals a proper sleep. So it's okay.
Speaker 1 (19:16):
I mean you're adding that we're getting there, rounding out,
we're carrying the one. When it comes to scheduling leads,
you really got to be onto it, especially during a
World Cup, because this time zone maybe not the friendliest
for some, but however, for others it works quite well.
Speaker 4 (19:31):
If you don't have a nine to farm high high
high high.
Speaker 3 (19:35):
I personally love that I don't have to get up
during the middle of the night. But for some people,
right they're going to be at work and it's a
bit hard to watch.
Speaker 1 (19:41):
Yeah, yes, and so there's this new campaign watches Rights.
Tell us about your involvement with this.
Speaker 2 (19:46):
Basically, it's just a campaign to allow businesses and workplaces
to have employees watch the games.
Speaker 5 (19:56):
You know, most of the games are actually going to
be from you know, basically work hour times. I think
the final games are at like four pm, so.
Speaker 4 (20:05):
No one's just working after four pm?
Speaker 2 (20:08):
No, I know exactly.
Speaker 3 (20:10):
That's why you want to watch games meandering by that point,
leave it on for morale.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
My bulletin literally starts at five pm.
Speaker 4 (20:19):
Yeah, everyone's racing home to watch it.
Speaker 6 (20:21):
Isn't that what I said?
Speaker 2 (20:22):
Isn't that what I said?
Speaker 3 (20:23):
Good?
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Save?
Speaker 4 (20:25):
No Save?
Speaker 2 (20:25):
It's really like I.
Speaker 4 (20:26):
Think, in a world where everyone's looking for connection.
Speaker 3 (20:29):
Some of my favorite footage, and let's be honest, it
was the Tillies, Like is everyone sitting around a screen
in that universal watching experience? And so the fact that
these games aren't at night where you're likely to be
watching in your own home, like I could hear the
neighbors screaming, but it was just us in isolation watching
that game.
Speaker 4 (20:46):
The fact that it's at a workplace, like, how good
is that for morale?
Speaker 3 (20:49):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (20:49):
One hundred percent?
Speaker 5 (20:50):
And you put it on on like a big screen,
or like the meeting room you can have meetings there.
I think it's just it's gonna help break up the
day of the mundane nine to five and I think
you know more businesses that get into that.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
And really this is a once in a.
Speaker 5 (21:07):
Four year opportunity to watch, So why would you not
want your workplace to kind of get behind that.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
You can have, you know, bring in your favorite.
Speaker 5 (21:14):
Football jersey or support your team, whatever country you're from,
We're gonna like that.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
Yeah, Like whoever wins you get to bring in you
could do whatever.
Speaker 4 (21:23):
Yees snacks from. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I love that that.
Speaker 2 (21:28):
I love that.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
I love Turkish delight there's see, it's already still in
itself and mot dogs.
Speaker 4 (21:33):
I don't know anything else.
Speaker 1 (21:35):
We just devoured the Turkish to like we're gonna smash it.
Speaker 4 (21:39):
It's giving. It's giving.
Speaker 3 (21:41):
Bob Hawk, like anyone who doesn't let their office watch
the socceros is abum.
Speaker 4 (21:46):
Yeah, yes, a hundred percent give you that.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Are you a good watcher of the football since you
used to play like you I know, I know it's
now your job, but it's like you are you a
good fan or a bad fan, because I would say,
hand on hard Gelemy and I are ferreal of sport and.
Speaker 4 (21:59):
It's especially penalties like your.
Speaker 5 (22:01):
Job all yes, yeah, No, I would say in public,
I'm a good watcher. In private, where I can let
loose a little bit, that's that's a whole different story
that you'll never see.
Speaker 1 (22:15):
Okay, Well for the watchers rights of it all. Make
sure in public you're you're a leads in yep.
Speaker 4 (22:20):
Yeah, we can't have any hr Yep.
Speaker 2 (22:23):
We love sport, lids.
Speaker 1 (22:28):
We've taken up so much of your time. It's always
so wonderful to have you. Thank you for being here,
Thank you for helping us preview the World Cup. If
it's not Australia final question because it could be. And
if it's not Australia, who wins.
Speaker 5 (22:41):
I'm going for France, that's my I mean they made
the final the last two, they won it the previous one,
so that's my pick. And I'm yeah, and French football
is doing well in all other leagues at the moment,
so yeah.
Speaker 4 (22:55):
We'll hold you to it.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
We'll write it in we'll write it in stone and
a pencil you paid go, Okay, pencil can soil for
now Lydia Williams, your DELIGHTE
Speaker 2 (23:04):
Thank you for having me
Now, Johnny and dear listener, we know that when I
say the words Australia's favorite team, there is only one.
And look, I am a big enough person to admit
that it's not the Brisbane Broncos, regardless of how much
I may want it to be. It is, of course,
the Australian women's football team. The Matildas are the architect
(00:27):
of the success of that team. Before there was the
Minister of Defense, there was the Prime Minister of Penalties,
and that prime Minister is Lydia Williams.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
And a standing ovation from seventy five thousand in Stadium Australia,
let alone her teammates, thank you so much for everything,
Lydia Williams.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
She was an exceptional leader on and off the Piade.
She led Australia to all well in more than a
hundred games for the Tillies. She represented US at about
five Women's World Cups, a couple of Olympic Games. There's
a handful of Asian Cups in there as well.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Has my idea of the worst job on Earth a
goalkeeper at national level terrifying.
Speaker 4 (01:17):
I wake up from dreams terrified, George, I.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Know, actually actually terrifying. However, sitting across from us today,
she looks a picture of calm, which is wonderful because
Jelmy and I are before tournaments that we have actually
no sway on and we'll only be enjoying as fans.
We need this sense of calm. We need her to
tell us exactly how the soccer Roos are going to
(01:42):
win the World Cup. Dear listener, would you please welcome
Lydia Williams to take us far Lydd's the lead up
to a World Cup like this slightly different, slightly different
for you. Typically you're there on the ground doing all
of the training. You can tell that I haven't been
to a World Cup because I'm like, you're there. You
get yourself ready, you do in the prep, you do
(02:02):
in the things broadcasting slightly different.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
How are you feeling pretty good?
Speaker 5 (02:08):
It's just kind of talking about the game, but now
in a live and very professional setting.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
So yeah, I'm looking forward to it.
Speaker 5 (02:16):
It will be definitely something a little bit different, but yeah,
I've been practicing just in my everyday watching football.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
You say very professional setting and it is. Do you
get nervous by that? I mean, and I understand you've
played literally on the world stage. But it's different, but
it's different, right.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Yes or no.
Speaker 5 (02:35):
Like I think everyone that I'm going to be presenting
and working with we already have a relationship, and you know,
at the end of the day, it is talking about football,
and everyone is a professional and in their own right.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
So yeah, clearly, clearly we Georgie and I having never
played support an elite level.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
George's about to budd in and say that she was
basically a dolphin. She wasn't. That's gorgeous.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
Talk to us about the atmosphere and how unique the
World Cup is because it is the beautiful game, it's
the world game, and it's the biggest event in the world,
but there's.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Nothing quite like it.
Speaker 5 (03:08):
It's you are there as a spectator getting excited and
supporting your country with players that are superstars and they've
made it professional to be footballers, so it's you're hugging
people next to you. It's not necessarily know about clubs anymore,
(03:32):
and kind of that intense, deep rivalry. You are there
celebrating your country, celebrating a world game, and it's just
really electrifying. I think it is obviously the biggest broadcasting
sport in the world. And you feel that it's just
really special to be there. I think it's totally different
(03:53):
as a player versus someone who's a spectator, and to
kind of get both sides of it is going to
be really cool to see.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
And when you are traveling, because I remember speaking to
Elise Kellen Night about this and it was so interesting
because of course football and sport doesn't happen in a canon, right,
There's so much else going on in the world when
you are traveling to different countries. How are you briefed
on different things that you might have to do and
how you might have to behave as a group, Because
at least was sort of saying to me that when
(04:22):
she was with the Tillye, she was like, we went
to a country where they had to tell us that
walking around with wet hair was inappropriate. Like, there are
all different things to different places that you travel, and
we know at the moment, particularly in the US, that
potentially players are being advised, you know, don't necessarily have
too many opinions on different things when you are traveling
as a group, and we know that countries are coming
(04:43):
from all over the world. What are those protocols actually
look like practically.
Speaker 5 (04:49):
Yeah, you do get I guess experts coming in to
make sure that you understand the rules and regulations and
customs of each country. I think when we were traveling
as the Tillies, we'd always make sure we knew how
to say please, thank you, hello, and goodbye in each
language of wherever we were going to, of course, and yeah,
(05:13):
just knowing I guess protocol, Like there was a few
times when we went to Middle Eastern countries whether like
make sure you go out and like at least groups
of four, you know it's safe to go around, but
just make sure you're not walking alone be back here.
So each country would have kind of a protocol like that.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
I think.
Speaker 5 (05:32):
Obviously there's you know, some controversy in the news already
about a few countries going into the US and having
regulations that I think Iraq can't actually stay there. They've
been told to just fly in and out for the game.
So you just kind of have to make do with
that and try to work that around. And I think
the difficulty that the Men's World Cup will have is
(05:57):
there's so many games that are in different countries and
the flight and the travel, so it really is utilizing
how good recovery system and protocols they have in place
to prepare for each game, especially if you're kind of
going in and out very quickly.
Speaker 4 (06:12):
As a player. Would that have been annoying for you? Yeah, Like,
I mean it's like cool, don't get me wrong. Amazing,
It's like.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
Oh, how great, we're going to have Canada, We're going
to have make We're going to have amazing. But practically,
if you were actually part of this squad, are you like, God.
Speaker 5 (06:27):
Oh yeah, you are, Like you can't unpack. You're basically
like living out of a suitcase, which you kind of
want to try to unpack a little bit for World Cup. Well,
we were based for the Women's World Cup. We're based
in Brisbane, so we could leave our stuff there and
just take a little overnight bag and go to each
(06:50):
state and game where we were. But these boys are
going and men are going to countries, so you can't
leave a bag. Like you are traveling around and going
to new hotel and you only have three days there
before your next game, which, yeah, you are living out
of a suitcase.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
We're about to preview the soccrews and their chances, which
is exciting, but also how much is it of an
advantage is that as Australians we can handle heat, because
I've seen Team England and Team Norway look like they
are damn melting. In the US, they are like, honestly, George,
They're semi naked, lying on the ground.
Speaker 4 (07:25):
I don't know whether they're trying to get a ten or.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
What's going on, but the conditions are so different and
so challenging over there with how warm it is, I
feel like that might give us anupper hand.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
I think so as well.
Speaker 5 (07:36):
But what they have done at this World Cup is
they have mandated a drinks break in between each half.
So it's going to be twenty two minutes, yeah, twenty
two minutes of play and then everyone gets a drink's
break for two minutes. So it's actually going to be
quite a tactical tournament because if a team has momentum
(07:57):
and then all of a sudden, you're like hold out
for another two minutes before the drinks break, that it
can really change the whole game. And it's they're just
mandating it. Wait, football with quarters. That's that's breaking news,
is it not? Yeah?
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Yeah, I mean I didn't what I want to get
into though, lids is look, we always love to say
in any World Cup we used to stay with the
Matilda's all the time, and I stand by it that
Australia always gets a pool of death. Now is this
technically a pool of death though, because I would say
this is a pool of deathsh Maybe not as bad
as it could have been, this draw for the soccer use,
(08:31):
but also we could still lose them all.
Speaker 4 (08:34):
You know, where are we at?
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Probably a pool of equal death.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
Okay, of everyone great, great, good good?
Speaker 5 (08:42):
Probably that I think Turkey I think they're they're looking
really good. I think they will probably top the group.
And then yeah, the other three I think they're in
the pool of deathish altogether. I think anything can happen
at a World Cup. I think this those games, particular
with Paraguay and US is going to be really really
(09:04):
tricky and again tactical. I think that's where these drink
breaks are gonna really set the tone for kind of
how they go out for it.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
How do you take to certain representatives of Team USA
saying that Australia is an average football nation. As someone
who represented Australia at the highest level, how do you
respond to that.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Oh, it's just funny.
Speaker 5 (09:29):
Like that's their type of banter and I'm like, really,
like you could do better than that. Yeah, I just
it is like I don't know USA is going to
USA really, but does it not.
Speaker 4 (09:44):
Piss you off?
Speaker 3 (09:45):
Just the like for me, Like, let's be honest, I
have never represented Australian football.
Speaker 4 (09:49):
This has done everyone, but it still.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
Annoys me that someone would like whether they do it
to get themselves up or that's you know, I know
that Michael Jordan used to like create a beef that
wasn't there to get themselves excited about like a match,
Like is it I would do that?
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Is this necessary?
Speaker 3 (10:05):
And if we are average, you are punching down sir,
don't pick on us.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
I mean it is like it.
Speaker 5 (10:10):
Is a bit annoying, but there's worse things like I've
heard in football matches, like people say as banter, like
your breath stinks and like but that's offensive. Now I'm offensive.
I'm really thrown me off my game exactly? Are you
calling me an average footballer? Like okay whatever that I'm
(10:31):
here playing that is like at a World Cup, but
you saying my breath stinks.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
I'm actually really hurt.
Speaker 4 (10:39):
Exactly because I've heard that before. I don't can't remember
where I read this, but it was like that.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
It's like a list of ways to throw someone off
if you're having an argument and it's like this is
literally you just look at them and you're having it.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
I get, firstly, brush your teeth.
Speaker 4 (10:52):
Yeah, can you come back from that? That's like every
shots fire and everywhere.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
Yeah, it's done like you were if.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
I mean that's what did you ever do? Chrash talking
and sledging? Were you ever someone that part took?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
No, it was just nobody's around me near enough.
Speaker 6 (11:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (11:09):
Yeah, because someone had said that to you, be like
you can't smell it from there. I'm back here.
Speaker 5 (11:13):
Yeah, literally, be like, oh man, I wish someone was
around here.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
I can talk to them. But no, no, it wasn't.
I was.
Speaker 5 (11:21):
I was the receiving end of hearing other people having
the banter. So that's where I got to hear your
breast things.
Speaker 3 (11:28):
Someone that I reckon would have pretty good banter. Is
the story erin Kunda. I mean this guy not only
is he an excitement package on the field, I love
that he can be just the slightest bit petulant. That's
all of my areas, like what can we expect particularly
to see from him in this lineup? And do you
think that he's going to be Not that he's an
(11:48):
emerging style. We already love him, but I think something
about a World Cup brings all your eyes on a
team and I think this is going to be his
chance to go to an ext stratosphere in terms of
a household name.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
Yeah, I think Kunda.
Speaker 5 (11:59):
He obviously did really well in the A League, so
I think he's a household name already in Australia and
we're excited by him. But I think now being I
guess propelled on the world stage is going to be
really really exciting and I'm excited to see how Proper
uses him and how he goes about there. And like
you said, he does have a little bit of banter
(12:20):
and cheekiness about him on the field, which you kind
of you kind of want to see and unless.
Speaker 4 (12:25):
It's tournament football and you get sent off.
Speaker 3 (12:30):
We love we love cheeky in a warm up, love it,
get a yellow card cute, don't don't do it in
real time against Turkey.
Speaker 4 (12:36):
Ideally, sir, just putting it out there.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
With Popper though, I mean, he he's been crafting this
group for some time. Now, what tactically or strategy do
you think that he is going to employ that you
may have seen from like some of these warm up games,
I mean most recently.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
One or draw.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
I was hoping for a little bit more on our
last one, but hey, we're heading into the tournament. Are
you excited by where where he's at with the team
in terms of strategically.
Speaker 5 (13:15):
I mean you can kind of probably see the pattern
with him is that he is is going to be
a defensive soccer US team really trying to focus on
counter attacks and set pieces and any kind of opportunity
like that, which is where I think, you know, these
drinks breaks are actually going to come really handy and
(13:35):
actually probably work in the soccer WS and Popper's favor
if you can kind of break it down into twenty
two minute blocks. I think that actually will work in
our favor to take the heat out of the game,
especially teams that are going to be a lot more
possession based and I guess give that their attack way
(13:56):
more opportunities than what we're going to have.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
So yeah, I would love to see the boys get
out of the group.
Speaker 5 (14:02):
And make it to around the sixteen. I think that's
going to be a really successful tournament for them.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Do you do you think we will?
Speaker 2 (14:08):
It's going to be tough. I think we're gonna make
it out of the group.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
I think after that, I think we can get a
I think we can get a shock result against US.
I would love to see it like that's just like
kind of my thing is like after all the banter
and everything and the last games that we played, now
it is going to be a little bit more tactically sound,
and I think after doing a lot of work, we
(14:34):
do like a lot of analytics in Australia for leading
into these So I think I think that game might
be the little golden.
Speaker 3 (14:43):
I don't I don't want to count chickens, but being
able to say to us if we're average.
Speaker 6 (14:47):
What are you just feel like all of a sudden,
that would just be delicious.
Speaker 4 (14:58):
I would love about that.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
That's where I'm holding it out.
Speaker 4 (15:01):
Can we also talk.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
About speaking of things that have already been sensational at
this World Cup? Norway's team photo where early Harlan not
only looks like he should have starred in Vikings, but
then that's what he does part time. Was one of
the greatest master strokes and don't get me wrong, like
the soccer is.
Speaker 4 (15:17):
I love that they included everyone. It was a massive
team photo. There were men and women, it was everyone.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
But then they came out as vikings and I just
playing they're already playing a different game. And the conviction
on the face, like, it's just an immaculate image. If
you were to curate an Australian shot where you had
to sell it and they had to get.
Speaker 4 (15:36):
In what what where are they?
Speaker 3 (15:38):
And once the like we discussed this, I'm like, maybe
they're lifeguards, but is that too close to like a
fireman calendar? We want to lean away from that, Like
what what would we what's the Aussie equivalent?
Speaker 4 (15:50):
Man?
Speaker 5 (15:51):
I think they'd either be all hanging out at a
coffee shop like hipsters with you know, most probably have
to grow their hair a little bit too, kind of
get to that mullet phase. Or they'd be in budget
smugglers on BONDI. One or the other is probably where
they're going to be.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
Why can't we do both?
Speaker 2 (16:11):
Just do both?
Speaker 6 (16:11):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (16:12):
Yeah, all and with some sort of.
Speaker 3 (16:16):
All I'm just saying is by the next book, like
Norway's already had a w for me and I just
feel like we as a nation can do better.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
I'm with you.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
I'm with you away from the pitch lids, because we
know that you have a massive few weeks coming up.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
Like, how is life right now?
Speaker 2 (16:31):
I mean it's busy, mum, mum.
Speaker 5 (16:34):
Life just throws it at you and you're just you're
never You're never off anymore, You're always on.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
But it's been good though, Like it's a new challenge
and I do love it.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
I love that you've said it as a challenge. That's
the athlete mindset. Yes, I will, I will achieve, you.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
Will, you will be I will hit that early milestone.
But it is it's a.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
Massive transition because, especially as an athlete, in order to
be professional, there's a level of selfishness that isn't selfishness,
it's just that you need to be. This is my sleep,
I protect it, this is my nutrition, this is my preparation.
Then a baby comes along and you're like, it's now
all about you. And for the start of my life
it was all about me, and that might have suited
me a little bit better.
Speaker 4 (17:22):
What's been the biggest transition for you.
Speaker 2 (17:25):
Of the scheduling?
Speaker 5 (17:26):
Like, normally I'm like I know when I'm going to
wake up and eat and this is when I'm going
to do it.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
What do you think about so many athletes that have
kids and then go back, like especially women that carry
the babies themselves and then they return for Olympics or
they return. It gives you a whole different perspective on
like how Yeah.
Speaker 5 (17:48):
I mean to be honest, being pregnant, my body felt
fantastic and I'm like I could go out there and
play again, like I haven't felt this great in years.
And yeah, it's crazy, like all the nutrition and the
every vitamins, everything literally is there to nourish your baby,
but it nourishes your body.
Speaker 3 (18:08):
And I was like, you were riding different rides with
my friend. My child tried to kill me from the
inside essentially.
Speaker 4 (18:16):
I went no joke.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
I went to hospital fifteen times to be on a
drip because, yeah, because it was taking the nutrients from
me and I couldn't keep anything down, Like I maybe
it all.
Speaker 4 (18:29):
Went to you when they were handing out the nutrients.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
Yeah, have you seen that movie What to Expect When
You're Specting? Yeah, Elizabeth Banks and your Andy Roddick's wife.
Speaker 3 (18:41):
I've never heard someone say that they glowed and felt
great during pregnancy.
Speaker 4 (18:44):
So I just had to highlight that that was an attack.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
And if you were listening to this and you're going,
that is not me, I feel you. Georgie came in
and picked me up off the canvas and was like,
is that gollum And I'm like, don't look at me.
Speaker 4 (18:57):
Was ready for a sixth World Cup?
Speaker 3 (18:58):
Yeah, exactly, you go. So this part is is it
sleep deprivation? In five months? Are you getting any sleep?
Speaker 5 (19:06):
He does sleep. It's not all the way through, but
I do sleep. I end up, you know, getting chunks
of what equals a proper sleep. So it's okay.
Speaker 1 (19:16):
I mean you're adding that we're getting there, rounding out,
we're carrying the one. When it comes to scheduling leads,
you really got to be onto it, especially during a
World Cup, because this time zone maybe not the friendliest
for some, but however, for others it works quite well.
Speaker 4 (19:31):
If you don't have a nine to farm high high
high high.
Speaker 3 (19:35):
I personally love that I don't have to get up
during the middle of the night. But for some people,
right they're going to be at work and it's a
bit hard to watch.
Speaker 1 (19:41):
Yeah, yes, and so there's this new campaign watches Rights.
Tell us about your involvement with this.
Speaker 2 (19:46):
Basically, it's just a campaign to allow businesses and workplaces
to have employees watch the games.
Speaker 5 (19:56):
You know, most of the games are actually going to
be from you know, basically work hour times. I think
the final games are at like four pm, so.
Speaker 4 (20:05):
No one's just working after four pm?
Speaker 2 (20:08):
No, I know exactly.
Speaker 3 (20:10):
That's why you want to watch games meandering by that point,
leave it on for morale.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
My bulletin literally starts at five pm.
Speaker 4 (20:19):
Yeah, everyone's racing home to watch it.
Speaker 6 (20:21):
Isn't that what I said?
Speaker 2 (20:22):
Isn't that what I said?
Speaker 3 (20:23):
Good?
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Save?
Speaker 4 (20:25):
No Save?
Speaker 2 (20:25):
It's really like I.
Speaker 4 (20:26):
Think, in a world where everyone's looking for connection.
Speaker 3 (20:29):
Some of my favorite footage, and let's be honest, it
was the Tillies, Like is everyone sitting around a screen
in that universal watching experience? And so the fact that
these games aren't at night where you're likely to be
watching in your own home, like I could hear the
neighbors screaming, but it was just us in isolation watching
that game.
Speaker 4 (20:46):
The fact that it's at a workplace, like, how good
is that for morale?
Speaker 3 (20:49):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (20:49):
One hundred percent?
Speaker 5 (20:50):
And you put it on on like a big screen,
or like the meeting room you can have meetings there.
I think it's just it's gonna help break up the
day of the mundane nine to five and I think
you know more businesses that get into that.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
And really this is a once in a.
Speaker 5 (21:07):
Four year opportunity to watch, So why would you not
want your workplace to kind of get behind that.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
You can have, you know, bring in your favorite.
Speaker 5 (21:14):
Football jersey or support your team, whatever country you're from,
We're gonna like that.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
Yeah, Like whoever wins you get to bring in you
could do whatever.
Speaker 4 (21:23):
Yees snacks from. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I love that that.
Speaker 2 (21:28):
I love that.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
I love Turkish delight there's see, it's already still in
itself and mot dogs.
Speaker 4 (21:33):
I don't know anything else.
Speaker 1 (21:35):
We just devoured the Turkish to like we're gonna smash it.
Speaker 4 (21:39):
It's giving. It's giving.
Speaker 3 (21:41):
Bob Hawk, like anyone who doesn't let their office watch
the socceros is abum.
Speaker 4 (21:46):
Yeah, yes, a hundred percent give you that.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Are you a good watcher of the football since you
used to play like you I know, I know it's
now your job, but it's like you are you a
good fan or a bad fan, because I would say,
hand on hard Gelemy and I are ferreal of sport and.
Speaker 4 (21:59):
It's especially penalties like your.
Speaker 5 (22:01):
Job all yes, yeah, No, I would say in public,
I'm a good watcher. In private, where I can let
loose a little bit, that's that's a whole different story
that you'll never see.
Speaker 1 (22:15):
Okay, Well for the watchers rights of it all. Make
sure in public you're you're a leads in yep.
Speaker 4 (22:20):
Yeah, we can't have any hr Yep.
Speaker 2 (22:23):
We love sport, lids.
Speaker 1 (22:28):
We've taken up so much of your time. It's always
so wonderful to have you. Thank you for being here,
Thank you for helping us preview the World Cup. If
it's not Australia final question because it could be. And
if it's not Australia, who wins.
Speaker 5 (22:41):
I'm going for France, that's my I mean they made
the final the last two, they won it the previous one,
so that's my pick. And I'm yeah, and French football
is doing well in all other leagues at the moment,
so yeah.
Speaker 4 (22:55):
We'll hold you to it.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
We'll write it in we'll write it in stone and
a pencil you paid go, Okay, pencil can soil for
now Lydia Williams, your DELIGHTE
Speaker 2 (23:04):
Thank you for having me
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Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com