Episode 3401: Ronaldo Fame, “If We Need A Goal”, Supine Swedes, Euro 2028 In Dublin

It’s International Football Week, and in the search for perspective in these trying times we all need to remember that there are some countries as downbeat as we are.

©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

We are joined by Erik Niva to talk about a once great football nation that has fallen on hard times. How can Sweden, who have some of the world’s most valuable attacking talent, be bottom of their World Cup group with one point from four games? (How, come to think of it, did they and their fellow Scandinavians end up with so much attacking talent in the first place?) How did Jon Dahl Tomasson earn the distinction of becoming the first Swedish head coach to be officially SACKED? And is his replacement, Graham Potter, likely to turn it around?

We also find time to run down some talentless Portuguese substitutes, Ronaldo patronises us, Ken fumes at Heimir’s “if we need a goal” philosophy, and we celebrate the deluge of Dublin games coming our way in Euro 2028… whether or not we qualify.

©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

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We chat to Dion Fanning and David Sneyd about our chances of getting a draw against Portugal, Heimir’s belated formation decision, coping without Evan and home fan power.https://t.co/uxcODKp2Mc pic.twitter.com/bc0bEyXOn9

— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) November 12, 2025