Joga Podnito Episode 22 - The Premier League Returns

The boys are back, and are considering a rebrand! But whether the show is Joga Podnito or Talking Soccer, you can be sure the takes are still hot, the intro tracks still bang, and Premier League teams still cannot defend. Opening weekend of the 2017/2018 campaign was a screamer, and the lands run the rule over all the major talking points as well as Real Madrid's Supercopa victory over Neymar-less Barcelona.

Joga Podnito Episode 21 - Magnificent, Cowardly Leicester

Leicester's fairy tale story returns to its original script, as the Foxes defeat a blunt Sevilla side at the King Power to advance into the Champions League quarter finals. The lads also discuss Chelsea's win over 10-man United, and give their predictions on the FA Cup semi final ties.

Joga Podnito Episode 20 - Cup Glory And The Same Chelsea Story

United's win over Southampton in the EFL Cup Final kicks off this week's Joga Podnito, as the lads discuss Mourinho's men building momentum for the Premier League run in. Week 26 of the Premier League is reviewed as well, as Chelsea's unstoppable form continues, Liverpool's defense remains in shambles, and Super Harry Kane scores another hat-trick.

Joga Podnito Episode 19 - Defending Be Damned (UCL & FA Cup Rounds Of 16 Recap)

Defending is overrated and goals are hot in the streets as the lads rule the rule over Champions League Round of 16 action. City and Monaco combine to score 8, PSG smash Barcelona, and Arsenal suffer their annual public shaming at the hands of Bayern Munich. The FA Cup Round of 16 gets some shine as well, where non-league Lincoln shock Burnley at Middle Earth Fortress Turf Moor, and Chelsea prepare for a quarter final clash with Manchester United.

Joga Podnito Episode 18 - Conte's Chelsea Machine

Fresh off a weekend of copious Premier League viewing, the Joga lads wax lyrical about Conte's Chelsea machine, Hull's upturn in fortune under Marco Silva, and Sunderland's four-star performance at Palace. Romelu Lukaku's current value in the transfer market is also reviewed, as the 23-year-old Belgian tops the Premier League scoring charts.

Joga Podnito Episode 17 - There Is No League

The Joga lads return and Week 22 of the Premier League is discussed. Tottenham and City play out a thrilling draw at the Etihad, United rescue a draw at Stoke, Liverpool stumble, and Chelsea look to have won the league with time to spare. Continental Corner returns as well, where Napoli's chances against Real Madrid in Champions League are looking better by the day. Subscribe to Joga Podnito on iTunes!

Joga Podnito Episode 16 - Getting Worked at Goodison

The Joga lads return to review a classic Premier League weekend. Everton smash City at Goodison, Tottenham turn on the style against West Brom, while United and Liverpool share the spoils in the Northwest Derby. Real Madrid's epic run coming to an end is also discussed in Continental Corner. Subscribe to Joga Podnito on iTunes!

Joga Podnito Episode 15 - London Calling

Joga Podnito returns after a brief winter hiatus - the lads discuss Jake's trip to London to see West Ham host Manchester United, and Andrew breaks down the Top 6 as the Premier League season moves into its second half. The recent managerial sackings are touched upon as well, as the boys say farewell to Bob Bradley's reign at Swansea.

Joga Podnito Episode 11 - Premier League Q1 Review

Andrew and Jake return to review the first quarter of the 2016-2017 Premier League Season. The lads break down the table by the current top four, the chasing pack, the bleak mid-table, and the dredges of the Premier League society. Jake also predicts a big Arsenal win this coming weekend, and tips Stoke to continue on their winning ways.

Joga Podnito Episode 10 - Mourinho Shuts Up Shop, and Leicester Punt On The League

The podders return to discuss a turgin Manchester-Liverpool Derby, Leicester electing to not try in the Premier League, and Arsenal continuing to show some grit. Champions League action is also on the running order, as Andrew and Jake discuss how Borussia Dortmund should be every neutral fan's second team

Joga Podnito Episode 9 - The Premier League Title Race is On

The Premier League title race is on. Andrew and Jake return to discuss Tottenham's dominance over City, Arsenal's grit, and United's impotence as they recap Week 7 action. The Pod has a bit of Spanish Flair as well, as the lads discuss Atletico Madrid's La Liga and Champions League title hopes.

Joga Podnito Episode 8 - Arsenal Roll, United are Back, and We Could Start for Sunderland

Jake and Andrew return with a higher-than-average level of energy (thanks mostly to our unreal intro song) and reflect on Week 6 of the Premier League. Manchester Untied are back, Arsenal roll, and we could probably start for Sunderland. Subscribe to Joga Podnito on iTunes!

Joga Podnito Episode 7 - Manchester is Blue, and Stoke Stink

Andrew and I shrug off the drudgery of modern life and find solace in Week 4 of the Premier League. Manchester is Blue, Stoke are Bad, and the Premier League is awesome. Subscribe to Joga Podnito on iTunes!

Joga Podnito Episode 6 - The Cream Rises To The Top

Andrew returns as we discuss Week 3 of the Premier League campaign. We focus on Chelsea, City, and United's undefeated starts, and look ahead to the Manchester Derby. Subscribe to Joga Podnito on iTunes!

Joga Podnito Episode 5 - Both Manchesters March On (Week 2 Review & Week 3 Preview)

With Andrew traveling for work, I man the ship solo and provide an abridged Joga reviewing Week 2 of Premier League action. Given the show's late recording time (Wednesday), I also preview next weekend's notable games, and provide a couple betting tips for our listeners. Subscribe to Joga Podnito on iTunes!

Joga Podnito Episode 4 - Opening Weekend

We're back and better than ever (marginally), covering the opening weekend of the Premier League. We discuss Arsenal's defensive nightmare against Liverpool, Manchester United's strong performance at Bournemouth, Pep's new-look City, and much more.

Also - look out for Joga Podnito in the iTunes Podcast Store later this week!

Joga Podnito Episode 3 - Premier League Season Preview

Andrew and I return with Episode 3 of Joga Podnito - Premier League Season Preview. We discuss Manchester United's victory in the FA Community Shield, share predictions for the 2016/2017 Premier League season, and end with a bit of gambling chat. Enjoy!

Joga Podnito: Episode 2 - Euro 2016 Semi-Finals Preview

Andrew and I return with a (much improved) second effort for Joga Podnito. We discuss Euro 2016 up to the semis, as well as our picks to make it to the final. Have a listen, and let us know what you think!

Joga Podnito - Episode 1

After 3 years - years consumed with moving to Boston, Grad School, becoming an adult, and meeting a girl - Joga Blognito is once again my outlet for soccer-related posts. This comeback post, however, will introduce a new medium for Joga. In addition to (hopefully) regular blogs, Joga Podnito is now live. This podcast, hosted by myself and fellow soccer-head Andrew Acker, will be used to discuss whatever interests us in the world of footy at the time of recording. Our inaugural episode, predictably, is centered around Euro 2016. So have a listen, and know that (like with anything in life), we will improve with time. This first episode was more of a 'Proof of Concept' than a finished product, but without further ado, enjoy episode #1 of Joga Podnito!

ON NEYMAR, MILES DAVIS, AND DRIBBLERS

     Let's liken the Brazilian National side to a jazz ensemble, more specifically Miles Davis' famous sextet. On his signature album Kind Of Blue, Davis was accompanied by five of the greatest jazz musicians in history, one of them notably being John Coltrane. Such a star-studded group is easily comparable to Brazil's XI, wherein each and every player currently plies their trade at one of the top club sides on earth, when not busy performing for their home nation. With that connection established as a grounding detail, I'll move on. It should now be noted that much of Davis' Kind Of Blue, like many jazz albums, is played at a laid back, hypnotic pace with the band playing as a cohesive unit. On the opening track "So What," for example, over a minute and a half passes in a lazy, harmonized sort of fashion at the beginning of the tune. Such organized, plodding, gradual progression is also seen in the play of Brazil's current Olympic side. When opposing teams systematically foul the Brazilians to stunt their play (see: New Zealand), or have managed through resolute defending to stifle the South Americans (see: Belarus' first half performance), the Seleçao defenders take the initiative to start knocking the ball around to one another at a slower, more measured tempo. A certain cadence is established in order sort out the frenetic pace of the previously oft-interrupted game; Rafael to Thaigo Silva, then to Juan, back to Silva, over to Marcelo, maybe Sandro gets a touch. Then, and often abruptly, the passing picks up speed...