World Cup Road Trip
Tony Wilson and Cam Fink embark on their fifth World Cup journey, this time to Canada and the USA. They provide regular updates from the Pacific North-west, interview fans, and capture the spirit of the world's biggest sporting event. The podcast is a Francis Leach conceived project, with the hosts proudly supporting the Socceroos.
Episodes
GAME DAY: Australia v Paraguay
The Aussie fans refuse to leave the stadium! Tony chats with the families of Irankunda as Behich ahead of the Australia v Paraguay match. Cam joins the fan march to the Bay Area Stadium, where the build up to the match as a good as it gets. The atmosphere throughout the match was electric. And the Aussies did enough!! We're going to Dallas!! If we ever leave the stadium...Tony Wilson's Speak
GAME DAY: Australia v USA
The carnival reaches fever pitch. Firebrand preachers, salty chants, costumes, smoke bombs, colour. The anticipation was was electric. The result didn't go Australia's way, but the energy was incredible. Daniel Garb joins Tony post-match for a detailed breakdown of the tactics and execution of the socceroos game plan. What worked, what didn't, what should we expect in the final group match.Tony Wi
The day before GAME DAY: Socceroos in Seattle
A last-minute golden ticket for the USA match comes through, courtesy of Football Australia. Memories of the 2006 cannonball run for the round-of-16 tickets in Stuttgart. Cam and Tony reunite in downtown Seattle to watch Canada destroy Qatar, and Mexico sneak home against South Korea. We meet two mexican civil engineers who helped build the wall, and Jamie the American tips the Aussies for an upse
The calm before the storm
Tony and Polly cross into the United States and anticipation for the USA v Australia match builds. Cam and his little hang take a day off football to climb a mountain, and reflect on the places the World Cup can take you.Tony Wilson's Speakola: https://speakola.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Messi hat-trick, a jubilant Argentinian, and a parliament of owls
Tony's nephews dig their teeth into the changes on the all-time World Cup goal scorers leaderboard, and celebrate the Messi hat-trick with a jubilant Argentinian at the Whistler mountain bike park. Cam visits the legislative assembly steps to learn from pantomime owls, and learns about urinal ettiquette.Tony Wilson's Speakola: https://speakola.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio
GAME DAY: Iran V New Zealand
Cam has an engrossing chat with two Iranian nationals watching the thrilling Iran V New Zealand match. Mohsen and Hirad are both passionate and articulate fans of Iranian football. This was Cam's favourite conversation of the trip so far. Go well boys! Tony and Polly share an awkward moment with the Irankundas on the bus to Whistler.Tony Wilson's Speakola: https://speakola.com/See omnystudio.com/l
GAME DAY: Australia v Türkiye
Australia win a remarkable match against Türkiye, and the celebrations go right off! We chat to fans inside the stadium and out. Tony sets up a clandestine watch-party for the Brazilian housekeeper in his hotel, smashes his binoculars, and speaks to Simon Hill about Australia's chances.Tony Wilson's Speakola: https://speakola.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The day before GAME DAY
The day before Game Day! From Dan’s first World Cup to Bruno’s eighth, Tony and Cam find some World Cup addicts. We delight in Turkiye’s travelling fans singing in the street, and Socceroos fans countering with a song about Brent Soutar’s massive head. From Van City Fan Fest we take in host nation Canada v Bosnia, and our Group D adversaries USA v Paraguay. We chat to Brian
World Cup 2026 kicks off!
The World Cup 2026 has kicked off! Mexico and South Korea have won their opening matches, and Cam and Tony are in Vancouver to soak up the atmosphere and bring the World Cup Road Trip to your earballs. Francis Leach is not in North America, but has generously allowed Tony to take his baby on the road with Cam.Tony Wilson's Speakola: https://speakola.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf
Russia goes on without the World Cup
It's with a series of politically sensitive interviews about the current state of Russia and how it's ruled.proshchay In one case we've had to alter voices to protect identities, conducted the interviews in London and held off until things had quietened down. An illuminating final episode of the World Cup Road Trip and an insight into the country few expected to hold it. Articles TI
Calling in from Stuttgart 2006
22 June 2006 and Tony is in Stuttgart for the match between Australia and Croatia. He's also part of the Triple R Breakfasters team. Best thing to do - call into the show from the other side of the world after a big game. VIDEO: Australia v Croatia, fan montage, Stuttgart, FIFA World Cup 2006 Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup R
Q and A
In the final days of the tournament Tony and Francis reflect on the Road Trip, the World Cup and world football. Five questions each between Moscow and Melbourne. It's been quite the campaign! Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup Road Trip. SPONSOR: Be prepared for special events by ordering a pack of greeting cards from SuperSimp
GAME DAY: England V Croatia
Is it one step closer to "coming home"? Francis is in Moscow; first a visit to the stadium to take in the flavour of high stakes international football then back to a suburban restaurant near Yugo-Zapadaya metro station to watch the game on a grainy TV. Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup Road Trip. SPONSOR: Be prepared for s
GAME DAY: England V Sweden
It's over to Max Rushden's London place for a BBQ and pub-patron-free viewing of the quarter final that could get England one step closer to "bringing it home". Then off to Hyde Park to people watch as Francis wrestles with what he sees and hears. Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup Road Trip. SPONSOR: Be prepared for
Love England but can't stand their team, with Daniel Norcross
Francis leaves Russia looking for the England football fans. He's in London confused by his own English football team antipathy. Lucky he's found a sympathetic ear in Daniel Norcross, BBC Test Match Special and ESPNCricinfo. Tony's ditched the Northcote closet for ropey electricity in Red Hill. Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the Wor
GAME DAY: England V Colombia
The sonic audio of the Moscow subway, jet lag for good and breaking of the penalty shoot out curse. The excitement, the whinging and the hopes of both countries. Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup Road Trip. SPONSOR: Be prepared for special events by ordering a pack of greeting cards from SuperSimpleCards.com Use offer code for 10%
FFS Neymar
Old mate glass-shins Neymar has lost Brazil another fan in Francis Leach. He's donzo. And reporting from a Northcote closet Tony farewells Japan. Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup Road Trip. SPONSOR: Be prepared for special events by ordering a pack of greeting cards from SuperSimpleCards.com Use offer code for 10% off."Wor
GAME DAY: Russia V Spain
The party's probably still going on in Russia. And Tony files a report from a closet in Northcote. Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup Road Trip. SPONSOR: Be prepared for special events by ordering a pack of greeting cards from SuperSimpleCards.com Use offer code for 10% off."World Cup" Get in touch! Francis Leach - Fac
Farewell to a Football Friend
Tony was shaken out of his World Cup reverie by bad news from Sochi. Peter Dawson, Socceroos tragic, died on the day of the Peru game in Sochi. He was a football fanatic, inseperable from brother Mark and was never going to miss a World Cup. Rest in peace. Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup Road Trip. SPONSOR: Be prepared for speci
France, Francis and the football ahead
Archie Shaw of the Evening Standard and David Davutovic, head football writere at the Herald Sun, discuss the state of the World Cup during the final 10 minutes of France V Argentina. But before we do, Francis blessed the rains down in Red Square. Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup Road Trip. SPONSOR: Be prepared for special events
"Moscow is crazy city"
While Francis pushes on in St Petersburg Tony is celebrating with Brazil then off the airport to come home. It's a hour-plus taxi to the airport but the driver Victor has a lead foot, minimal English and a brash disregard for the German soccer team. Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup Road Trip. SPONSOR: Be prepared for special eve
The Mighty have fallen
Tony makes it back to the familiar surrounds of Moscow with the tour finding a local with impressive knowledge of Australian sport. And Francis checks in from St. Petersburg. Not so sadly it seems Germany lost despite 26 shots at goal compared to South Korea's 11. Rate and review where you're listening, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the World Cup Road Trip. SPONSOR: Be prepared
GAME DAY: Australia V Peru
Tens of thousands of Peruvian fans have decended on Fisht Stadium with the Australian supporters. We're at the ground to experience what could be Australia's last game in this World Cup. SPONSOR: Be prepared for special events by ordering a pack of greeting cards from SuperSimpleCards.com Use offer code for 10% off."World Cup" Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter /
Russian morale and the best headlines never printed
The Russians are noticeably unhappy about the result against Uruguay. And as Australians we have some insight here. Every episode Dean sends Tony a text with a suggested headline for the episodes, we did use "Seven Pelmeni Army" but others have been left off. Not for lack of talent, moreso practical reasons with the editor back in Australia. Examples from Dean this episode (listen for cont
Tony invited back to Jenya's
At 10:36 PM Tony's picking cucumbers for dinner in Jenya's Sochi garden after buying him around at the pub. Home brew whiskey and Google Translate go some way to filling the gaps. While you're here - leave a review or share the show with a friend. SPONSOR: Be prepared for special events by ordering a pack of greeting cards from SuperSimpleCards.com Use offer code for 10% off."Wor
You can learn a lot walking around Sochi
Sun's out and it's time to take in the Black Sea town of Sochi. Walking tour, beard tokens and a reflection on the trade-offs between security and freedom. While you're here - leave a review or share the show with a friend. SPONSOR: Be prepared for special events by ordering a pack of greeting cards from SuperSimpleCards.com Use offer code for 10% off."World Cup" Get in tou
"That was a very high return match"
We're in Sochi for Germany verses Sweden! "My stress was zero, my enjoyment - 10 out of 10!" says Cam leaving the stadium. SPONSOR: Be prepared for special events by ordering a pack of greeting cards from SuperSimpleCards.com Use offer code for 10% off."World Cup" Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website *** Get
Seven Pelmeni Army
It's a sing-off! Australia excels comparitively in almost anything to do with sport except songs. Barmy Army's got us beat at the cricket and the Russians hold an upper hand, on home soil, at the Cup. And Tony gets out and about in the "closed city" to take in a space museum. Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website S
GAME REPORT: Nigeria V Iceland (obligatory Messi comparison)
Nigeria bested the sparcely populated but closely related Iceland 2 - 0. Time to draw some Lionel Messi comparisons to the star of the game, Ahmed Musa, and think about the significance of this tournament for the great Messi. Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website SPONSOR: Be prepared for special events by ordering a pack of greeti
Aus V Den: One more song!
Big game, big opponents (literally), big episode. - Australia verses Denmark - Shane Crawford - Simon Hill - Francis Leach as Joe Cocker Leave a review where you're listening and let us know what you think of the show. Next stop, Sochi! Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website SPONSOR: Be prepared for special events by ordering a
Bookmakers in Samara
The trip heads from Ulyanovsk to Samara with goodbyes from Roman, a TV chef handing out commemorative coins. Straight away in Samara Tony's found a party on the outskirts and a handful of bookmakers. Nobody ever tips a draw! And they love it. Read about James betting his way in Bitcoin to Russia here on BitEdge. Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Faceboo
One reason to interrupt another's breakfast
If you've got a photo like Francis does you'll walk straight over there. Russian taxis are almost as thrilling as the second Russia win. You meet another of the Green and Gold Army, a model plane obsession surfaces and we think Tony is coming home with some cash for Thorpie. Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website SPONSOR: B
Martin Denyer, world's greatest tour guide
19 years a tour manager, Martin Denyer says every day's a Saturday for him. He travels a lot with Australians, about 50% of his time. And plenty of that's cricket. And then there's the run-ins with the rich and famous. Follow Martin on Twitter, @MartinDenyer Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website SPONSOR: Be prepared fo
Offsiders (sort of) on the road in Ulyanovsk
Starting at a lonely truckstop and finishing up after the England win it's been a big day on the tour for everyone. Barrie Cassidy arrives after 3 hours in a very cheap taxi to hand Tony a beer and co-host an unofficial Offsiders in the pub with Francis. Learn more about Ulyanovsk here. Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website SP
Kazan touring and Kris Temple
Kris Temple, TV & Radio Broadcaster at BBC South and Stadium Announcer in Kazan for the World Cup, shares his insight into the level of preparation that goes into the spectacle of each game. Tony makes it to the local Kremlin, gets lunch with a local connection and much more. ONE ZERO! ONE ZERO! ONE ZERO! ONE ZERO! ONE ZERO! ONE ZERO! ONE ZERO! ONE ZERO! ONE ZERO! ONE ZERO! ONE ZERO! ONE ZERO!
Aus V Fra: Proud but empty handed
A huge Australian contingent travelled to Kazan making it feel like a home game for the Socceroos. There's anticipation around the ground fueled by days of travel and the once in a lifetime experience. Tony gets a little lost, new lyrics for a team song, first world cup for 90 year old John and that feeling of walking into the stadium. Take a moment. Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Tw
GAME REPORT: Australia V France
First game! Looked like a draw for a moment but France managed a win. Quick take on what happened as fast as we can - get the full experience on the next episode. Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website *** Get Tony's book about Australia at the FIFA World Cup in Germany - Australia United. Sydney Morning Herald"Part diary,
George Negus and off to Kazan!
The great man Mr Negus still has it in for the Italians (a bit), Tony has another crack at Red Square and there's plenty going on at this Moscow airport, especially for one family. - here on Twitter."You can see the fixed smiles on the faces of the parents" Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website *** Get Tony's boo
Nuclear missile disco and secrets in Gorky Park
It's on the buses to see the sights while there's time - Red Square, Bunker 42, Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill with its huge obelisk and Gorky Park (ssshhhhhh!). Who needs the historical sights though when the action on and next to the buses are just as memorable! Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website *** Get Tony's b
First game: Bingle and a national jingle, or two
"That is the stuff!" Van drivers like strikers, choirs like armies and we're slipping some Beatles inbetween. A big night out with the Green and Gold Army. And Andrew - George Best, what a legend. Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website *** Get Tony's book about Australia at the FIFA World Cup in Germany - Australia
Mishaps, Mexico fans and Moscow
Francis meets some die hard Mexican fans in the hotel and shares some reflections on Moscow. The foyer is a bustling place, it's just missing Tony! He's arrived but mishap after mishap keep holding him up. Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website *** Get Tony's book about Australia at the FIFA World Cup in Germany - Aust
Tony leaves Hungary but lucky
Football fans are a superstitious bunch - lucky shirts, pre game rituals, jinxes and charms. When Tony receives an omen from the heavens, he takes to the streets of Budapest to find out what is lucky in Hungary, and whether he can harness some for the Socceroos. Documentary Australia:Puskás and the South Melbourne Hellas More informationa about the documentary Tony Wilson is making - Donations ar
The Concierge and the Club Owner
When you want to know what's going on, you go to the Concierge. Francis gets the local insight from Kiril, the 27 year old man who sees all the hotel. And Tony, in his final moments of Hungary, sits down with George F. Hemingway. Hemingway is a giant of business and football in Budapest, owning the exclusive licensee in Hungary for Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken but also the team Ferenc
Golden Days to Come by Last Leaves
Golden Days to Come is a brand new World Cup anthem dedicated to the Socceroos. It's from the 'Official Matinée World Cup EP' Five songs in total - bands from Australia, Brazil, England, Spain and Sweden. BUY THE EP here / iTunes / Amazon / Spotify Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website *** Get Tony's book about Au
Simon Hill and Puskas' resting place
Tony learns that in Budapest’s famous cathedral, the magic words can take you to amazing places. “Puskas South Melbourne Hellas” And Francis sits down with Simon Hill, Fox Sport commentator, on a purple couch in their Moscow hotel. Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website *** Get Tony's book about Australia at the FIFA World Cup
Destination Moscow
It's wheels down in Moscow and Francis grabs a cab to get the feel of the city. Tony is on the road in Hungary and watches The Socceroos last hit out before The World Cup. Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website *** Get Tony's book about Australia at the FIFA World Cup in Germany - Australia United. Sydney Morning Herald
Check the fuel tank...
Packed and ready, we're about to get on a plane and head north. Far far north. Let you're World Cup mates know about the Road Trip on the socials or plug it into their phone. And when you get a chance leave a review where you're listening. Get in touch! Francis Leach - Facebook / Twitter / Website Tony Wilson - Facebook / Twitter / Website *** Get Tony's book about Australia at
