The FUTVE English Podcast: Recent Episodes
The FUTVE English Podcast
Hello and welcome to THE FUTVE English Podcast, your one stop shop for Venezuelan football in English, bringing you fortnightly episodes dedicated to: - The Venezuelan leagues - The national teams - And the myriad of Venezuelan players around the world
Hosted by Jordan and regularly accompanied by FUTVE English members Dominic, Kat, and Kevin, The FUTVE English Podcast brings you unique interviews, data & analysis from all angles. Follow us on Twitter at @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #066: Host of The Freekick Pod Todd Lewis joins Jordan Florit for this special episode commemorating Jose 'El Brujo' Martinez's time at Philadelphia Union following his move to Brazilian giants Corinthians.
Todd shares:
- How Brujo was simultaneously the MLS blueprint for a #6 yet underrated
- The Union fans' love for their Venezuela National Team star
- and what Corinthians can expect from the Zuliano
In Martinez's time at Philadelphia Union, he:
- Made his national team debut at 26 and went on to win over 30 caps for Venezuela
- Was named in the MLS 2023 All-Star Team by Wayne Rooney
- And won the 2020 Supporters' Shield
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #065: Carabobo FC Opposition Analyst Javier Semeler joins Jordan Florit to open the lid on scouting and analysis in Liga FUTVE. From Carabobo's successful Apertura campaign to who to watch out for in the Clausura, Javier succinctly summarises in his second language how data and good old analysis of the eye assisted Diego Merino and his coaching staff to bring Granate's first silverware home.
Javier answers questions on:
- How he landed a job with Carabobo
- The Challenges of Analysis in Venezuela
- Remote Working & Live Analysis
- and How Carabobo prepared for a Title Challenge
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #064: Carabobo FC Sporting Director Salvatore Simeone joins Jordan Florit on The FUTVE English Podcast to discuss the project underway at Carabobo, the two-and-a-half-year progress that led up to the Apertura title, and what led him to return from Europe to take up the post in the first place.
Salvatore answers questions on:
- How to start a project from scratch in FUTVE
- Squad Building & Foreign Recruitment
- The Changing Faces of FUTVE
- and What the Future Holds for Carabobo & Himself
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #063: Renato Vilchez of The Peruvian Waltz joins Jordan Florit to jointly review Venezuela and Peru's World Cup Qualification campaigns to date following their 1-1 draw on 21st November.
Vilchez and Florit discuss:
- Venezuela's Wonderful Start & Peru's Winless Beginning
- Is time up for Peru Head Coach Reynoso?
- Copa America 2024
- And qualification hopes for the two nations
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #062: Diego Sancho joins Jordan Florit to preview Venezuela's U17 World Cup squad and Group ahead of their weekend opener against New Zealand on Sunday 12 November. Sancho graduated from Caracas' prestigious Universidad Catolica Andres Bello in Journalism before beginning his career in professional football as an analyst at Caracas Futbol Club before heading agency side to Go Pro Sport Management where he works as a scout specialising in youth football. He is one of the most authoritative voices on youth football in Venezuela.
Sancho and Florit discuss:
- Venezuela's Wonderkid David Martinez
- Their global contingent playing in Colombia, Italy, Spain and The Netherlands
- Knockout hopes from a Group containing New Zealand, Mexico, and Germany
- And the youth football landscape in Venezuela
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #061: Diego Atuesta, Transfer Room's Head of Commercial in The Americas, joins Jordan Florit to provide insight into Transfer Room's new partnership with Liga FUTVE & Liga FUTVE 2 which will see the top two divisions of Venezuelan football active on the transfer portal taking football by storm.
Atuesta answers questions on:
- How the partnership came about
- Carabobo & Caracas' early experiences with the platform
- How Transfer Room can assist the globalisation of the league
- And whether Transfer Room is a facilitator or competitor to football agents
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #060: Academia Puerto Cabello captain Carlos Rivero joins host Jordan Florit to discuss not just his football career but his life outside it. From turning to philosophy and using the keto diet to improve his performances and personality, the former Caracas and Tachira centre back gives an illuminating interview.
The 30-year-old defender shares his thoughts on:
- How stoicism changed his work-life balance and improve him as a player
- His personal journey from rash teenager to measured father
- His post-playing aspirations
- And playing under Noel Sanvicente as the pair chase another title
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #059: In Jordan's favourite interview of 2023, Juan Manuel Paez opens up about football in Merida, his coaching philosophy and pedagogical approach, his uncle Richard Paez, and the realities and challenges of academy football in present day Venezuela
The Academia Emeritense coach and former Estudiantes de Merida player gives his views on:
- Today's Generation vs. The Vinotinto Boom (2001-2007)
- Life and Football in Merida
- Liga FUTVE and Where It Is At
- His Hopes for Venezuelan World Cup Qualification
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #058: Venezuela's CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers for 2026 begin next week, facing Colombia away on Thursday 07 August and hosting Paraguay in Maturin on Tuesday 12 August. Whilst La Vinotinto haven't played competitive football since the 2022 World Cup Qualifying campaign finished, plenty has happened on and off the pitch...
Venezuela have played 10 friendlies since the 2022 WCQs:
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7 Wins • 2 Draws • 1 Loss
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15 Scored • 6 Conceded • GD +9
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5 Goals for Rondón
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2 for each of Josef & Torregrossa
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5 goals from set pieces (1 penalty)
Faced: Guatemala, Honduras, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Panama, UAE, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Malta
Jose Nestor Pekerman even resigned in controversial circumstances, to be replaced by former assistant Bocha Batista.
Next up (2026 WCQs): Colombia (A) and Paraguay (H).
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #057: Venezuela were invited to the prestigious Toulon Tournament, now known as the Tournoi Maurice Revello, for the second consecutive year this summer. Drawn in a group with last year's champions France, Costa Rica, and Saudi Arabia, Venezuela were expecting to need to take all 3 points from the latter two if they were to qualify from Group A. However, it all ended up far tighter than expected. Jordan goes through:
- The few and far between positives
- The trio of factors leading to Venezuela's exit
- And where it went wrong for La Vinotinto
Jordan singles out Pipo Vivas and Jon Aramburu for defensive praise, wonders why Tuti Andrade didn't see more game time, and scrutinises the team selections of Ricardo Valino.
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #056: Academia Puerto Cabello stormed to the top of the table early on and have been there ever since, losing just once in 14 games and setting a new record in going the first 8 unbeaten. Portuguesa sacked Martin Brignani after just 3 games and replaced him with Jesus Ortiz who has been a revelation. David Martinez has packed in an U20 and U17 Sudamericano into his year, his first Libertadores goal and assist, and is the youngest selection in a Team of the Week so far this season. This and more is discussed and dissected by regular co-hosts Jordan Florit and Dominic Bisogno in our Liga FUTVE Midseason Review!
- Our Preseason Predictions vs. Reality
- Monagas' Dramatic Drop Off
- The Crash & Burn of Continental Football
We whizz through everything as the league pauses for four weeks, the U23 National Team prepare for the Toulon Tournament, and Mario Sanchez fires into life on the transfer rumour front!
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #055: Reasat Khaton caused a few ripples in the world of Venezuelan football a year ago when he was unveiled as a new signing of then Segunda Division team Rayo Zuliano. When he made his debut as a second half substitute a couple of months later, he became the first Bangladeshi to debut professionally in South American football, but it wasn't his first time making history.
- Khaton was the first Bangladeshi to debut professionally in Europe
- The former Freiburg academy player still dreams of playing for the national team
Khaton joins The FUTVE English Podcast to discuss his globetrotting career to date, his time with Rayo Zuliano, and his next ambition: to debut in Liga FUTVE.
He is the Bangladeshi Baller who wants to Volver a Venezuela!
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #054: Opta Analyst senior editor and social manager Matt Furniss joins host Jordan Florit to discuss what Opta becoming Liga FUTVE's Official Data Partner means for the league, its clubs, and transfer activity. Matt also provides insight on the deal, including the tools various parts of Liga FUTVE and its clubs will now have access to, such as:
- The Pressbox Live tools for its media and marketing teams' in-game press use
- ISF software, containing a live player database of over 700,000 elite global football players, to enhance their domestic and international player scouting operations
Matt and Jordan also discuss one of Opta's public use tools, its Global Power Rankings, Adalberto Penaranda and Williams Velasquez, how Opta Joe became iconic branding on social media, and why Matt thinks the partnership will increase the visibility and accessibility of Liga FUTVE's most exportable talents.
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #053: At the end of 2022, InStat prematurely ended their relationship with Liga FUTVE as a result of their acquisition by HUDL, who also own WyScout. WyScout also stopped their data and statistical coverage of Liga FUTVE, leaving the visibility of the league from a scouting perspective at a three-year low.
It has been a worrying time for clubs, scouts, and agents with the season already 12 rounds in, but as you'll hear in the podcast, Venezuelan football has come out of it better off! Stats Perform, most known for Opta, will be Liga FUTVE’s Official Data Partner for the next three years!
Jordan also talks through:
1. Recent attention for 4 Venezuelan starlets from CIES
2. How Opta's Power Rankings could be used to inform
3. Venezuelan success at the U17 South American Championships
4. And some highlights from the 2023 season so far
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #052: In 2022, FUTVE English's Kevin Vivas went travelling in Europe for the first time, taking in football games in Spain, Austria, and Denmark. Growing up in Caracas, European football was always on TV - for free - whilst Venezuelan league games were few and far between. Kevin and Jordan discuss growing up as a football fan in Venezuela and his observations on the differing football cultures in Venezuela and Europe. Including:
1. How he ended up in the VIP Area at Espanyol
2. The first game he remembers watching on TV
3. The marketing opportunities for football in Venezuela
4. And why he would've paid $60 to watch Barca - but didn't!
We also want to congratulate Kevin on his new employment with Liga FUTVE. He is now a Community Manager for their social networks, fulfilling a lifetime ambition to work in Venezuelan football.
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #051: In February, FUTVE English co-host Jordan Florit was a guest speaker at an International Football Forum in Caracas in partnership with the Sports Law Institute and RV Sports Law.
This podcast is the 20-minute extract of his speech, entitled, "How Agents Can Offer a Vital Service in Developing Markets Such as Venezuela", in which Jordan gives his four observations from working in Venezuelan football and from them opportunities for agents to support and help improve the world of FUTVE, in Venezuela and globally:
1. The opportunity to unite as agents and agencies
2. The opportunity to educate others on the strength of Venezuelan football
3. The opportunity to provide a wholesome service to players
4. And the opportunity to Internationalise FUTVE
Jordan also gives a background on how his interest began in Venezuelan football and what led him to moving from London, England, to Caracas.
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #050: Recently, TPV 1930 Head Coach Ash Civil took time out of his Finnish preseason to spend time on his professional development in...Venezuela!
The English coach, who has worked in the private and professional system at academy and senior first team level, spent eight football filled days in Caracas, observing Deportivo La Guaira Head Coach Kike Garcia and his coaching staff. He also:
- Observed Caracas Futbol Club sessions from U16-U20 and the men's first team
- Watched 5 teams live across 3 fixtures
- Coached 11 U16-U18 youth national team players
- And got carried away with the colourful macaws ever-present overhead!
Ash shares his thoughts on how preconceptions faced up to reality in Venezuela, inside and outside of football; why Tuti Andrade and Jean Polo are two exciting 17-year-olds to watch out for; and what he learned from Liga FUTVE.
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #049: Podcast Co-Host Dominic Jose Bisogno flies solo to preview the MLS 2023 season from an exclusively Venezuelan perspective. From league record breaker Josef Martinez to first team hopeful Jesus Bueno - with the Junior Morenos and Miguel Navarros in between - Dominic provides insight and predictions on the campaign ahead. Including
- The defensive midfielder every MLS club wants - Jose 'Brujo' Martinez
- Vancouver Whitecaps' new #9 - Sergio Cordova
- Inter Miami's new poster boy - Josef Martinez
- And Dominic's expectations for them and all their countrymen in MLS
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #048: Zulia Futbol Club fan Ricardo Aguilar joins hosts Jordan and Kevin to discuss his club's sudden and harsh disappearance from Liga FUTVE and the fans' plans for them to rise again from the Third Division. Ricardo reveals:
- How, as Zulia Football Club, the team plan on returning to Liga FUTVE
- A membership model for the running of the club
- Federation plans for a Liga FUTVE 3 in 2024
- And how they intend on bringing something different to Venezuelan football.
Zulia Futbol Club was founded in January 2005. Just shy of 18 years later, having won two Copa Venezuelas and reached the quarterfinal of the 2019 Copa Sudamericana, the club disappeared following the recent merger with inter-state neighbours Rayo Zuliano. Rayo have taken Zulia's place in the top division, but have retained all of their own branding. The fans of Zulia Futbol Club, once home to MLS stars Jefferson Savarino and Brujo Martinez, plan on restarting the club from scratch in the Venezuelan Third Division.
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #047: Jordan and Dominic preview the upcoming Liga FUTVE season and touch upon the U20 Sudamericano so far, inncluding:
- How preseason has played out for several teams
- The future of Deportivo Lara
- Estudiantes, Mineros, and UCV's close encounter with death
- The highlights of the Transfer Window
- And predictions for the season ahead
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #046: Jordan is joined by experts on Argentine, Brazilian, Colombian, Paraguayan, and Peruvian football in this whistle-stop tour of Group A at the U20 South American Championships. Containing continental heavyweights Argentina and Brazil and tournament hosts Colombia, it's the tougher of the two groups on paper.
- Santiago Bauza talks of the positive football atmosphere engulfing Argentina
- Thiago Silveira confidently states his belief Brazil will win it for the 12th time
- Simon Edwards is full of optimism for the host nation despite Angel's absence
- Ralph Hannah says three points against Peru is a must for Paraguay
- And Renato Vilchez admits the odds are always against Peru at youth level
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #046: Jordan is joined by experts on Bolivian, Chilean, Ecuadorean, and Uruguayan football in this whistle-stop tour of Group B at the U20 South American Championships. Venezuela will be competing in this group with the desire to finish in the top three and advance to the Final Stage to fight for U20 World Cup qualfification.
- Jordan and Dominic preview Venezuela's squad and their chances
- Miguel Valero has some surprises in store for those uncertain about Bolivia
- Martin Benitez thinks the reigning champions can be positive
- David from The Warriors of Uruguay is looking forward to talent spotting
- And Adam Brandon takes us through Chile's latest youth generation
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in collaboration with World Football Index.
Episode #044: Jordan, Dominic, and Kevin review the past 12 months in the world of Venezuelan football, from first-time domestic league champions Metropolitanos to Deyna Castellanos' headline move to Manchester City Women's. With Jose Nestor Pekerman winning 5 of his 10 games of the men's national team and the U23s reaching the final of the Toulon Tournament, 2023 looks bright.
The three amigos discussed:* How Jose Maria Morr got it so right at Metro this season * The pride of having a Venezuelan in the World Cup Semi Finals * Young Venezuelans On the Move to Europe * And why Juan Camilo Zapata and Samson Akinyoola are success stories for FUTVE
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast in 2022 - see you next year!
Episode #043: 2022 Liga FUTVE Champion Andres Ferro spoke to us from the Venezuela National Team camp in Dubai ahead of friendlies with Panama and Syria. The 21-year-old has been called up to the senior national team for the first time, capping a fantastic year for the centre back.
We spoke to the Metropolitanos defender about: * Four Fantastic Years under Head Coach Jose Maria Morr * Finishing Runners-up with Venezuela U23s at the Toulon Tournament * What Metro need to compete in the 2023 Copa Libertadores * And what's next for club, country, and his career
Thank you for listening to The FUTVE English Podcast!
Episode #042: The 1979 Venezuelan Player of the Year represented Venezuela at the 1980 Olympics, took a mid-career break to study engineering in the United States, and went on to found FIFA.com. He's been on the organising committee of numerous World Cups and other major sporting events, but he is lesser known to today's generation of football fans: Cheche Vidal.
With over 40 years of experience in football, Vidal speaks with insight and clarity on: * The Ups and Downs of Venezuelan Football * Why he still believes Venezuelan football needs to die to be born again * His Playing Days * And much, much more!
After an extended summer break, welcome back to The FUTVE English Podcast!
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #041: Jordan and Dominic discuss the first half of the 2022 season in which, after 17 of the 30 regular stage gameweeks, Metropolitanos are top and UCV are bottom, reigning champions Tachira are just inside the top four, and 2021's runners-up Caracas are miles off the pace.
The two co-hosts discuss: * Whether Metropolitanos can keep it up without Robinson Flores * How Fran Perlo's Puerto Cabello sacking has saved Zulia * Whether Carabobo can sustain a top four challenge * And is Francesco Stifano can last the season at Caracas
From first to sixteenth, Jordan and Dominic barely miss a beat in this 40-minute episode.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #040: Colombian football expert and recruiter Simon Edwards is back on The FUTVE English Podcast to preview Venezuela's Toulon Tournament semifinal opposition Colombia.
Jordan quizzes Simon on:
• Colombia’s Tournament so far
• Their Key Players and Ones to Watch
• And Expectations for the Game
Simon also gives his thoughts on the importance of the tournament for Latin American countries and how Colombia’s participation fits in with the current national team setup and plans.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #039: Ghanaian football expert and award-winning sports journalist Saddick Adams special guests on The FUTVE English Podcast to preview Venezuela's Toulon Tournament opposition Ghana.
Jordan quizzes Saddick on: * Ghana's squad for the Tournament * Ghana's Key Players and Ones to Watch * Expectations for the Tournament * And Liga FUTVE's relationship with Ghanaian football
If Venezuela avoid defeat vs. Ghana, they will win Group B and advance to the semi-finals after victories over Indonesia (1-0) and Mexico (2-1).
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #038: Mexican football expert and former ESPN Mexico City correspondent Nayib Moran special guests on The FUTVE English Podcast to preview Venezuela's Toulon Tournament opposition Mexico.
Jordan quizzes Nayib on: * Mexico's squad for the Tournament * Mexico's Key Players and Ones to Watch * Expectations for the Tournament * And Latin America's football relationship with MLS
Nayib also gives his thoughts on the importance of the tournament for Latin American countries and how Mexico's participation fits in with Olympic and World Cup plans.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #037: Indonesian football expert and Football Business Academy graduate Yeremias Fade special guests on The FUTVE English Podcast to preview Venezuela's Toulon Tournament opposition Indonesia.
Jordan quizzes Yeremias on: * Indonesia's squad for the Tournament * Indonesia's Key Players and Ones to Watch * Indonesia's expectations for the Tournament * And whether the country back home will be following
Yeremias also gives his thoughts on who Indonesia should be concerned by in the Venezuela squad.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #036: Geraldine Carrasquero has quickly become a Venezuelan reference point across South American football thanks to her ESPN commentary on Liga FUTVE clubs' continental campaigns. Be it Caracas and Tachira in the Libertadores, or La Guaira and Metropolitanos in the Sudamericana, Geraldine flowers her narration with context, background, and Venezuelan insight.
Geraldine and Jordan discuss: * How learning English gave Geraldine her first international break * The fate of Venezuela's continental participants * The women's game in Venezuela * And her career path from futsal champion to ESPN commentator via Zulia FC
Geraldine also runs the Twitter account Mundo Pelota, dedicated to women's football globally.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #035: Following your club across the country is one level of dedication - especially in Venezuela. Following your club across the continent in the Copa Libertadores is on an entirely different level. Just two fans living in the Venezuelan capital have managed to follow their club, Caracas, on the road across South America this season, father and son Jorge Jr and Jorge Snr Fagundez. We spoke to Jorge Jr about it all.
Jorge and Jordan discuss: * Jorge's 20-day journey through South America * Caracas vs. Libertad of Paraguay and The Strongest of Bolivia * Problems at the border * And the passion that underlies his devotion to Caracas
And to complete the set, Jorge will be travelling to Brazil to watch Caracas in their final Copa Libertadores group stage game vs. Athletico Paranaense on 26 May!
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #034: With 4 out of 6 gameweeks played in the group stages of both the Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana Jordan and Dominic take a look at Venezuela's four participants:
The FUTVE English hosts focus on: * Deportivo La Guaira's Struggle to Balance League and Cup Football * Metropolitanos' Results vs. Performances * Deportivo Tachira's Missed Moment * And whether Caracas can Qualify to the Last 16
At the time of publishing Deportivo La Guaira (Sudamericana), Caracas, and Deportivo Tachira (both Libertadores) are all third in their respective groups; Metropolitanos (Sudamericana) are fourth.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #033: With nearly a third of the regular season played, Jordan Florit reviews the 2022 season so far.
Jordan puts the spotlight on: * The Top and Bottom Four * The Early Goleadors * Maria Morr's Magnificent Metropolitanos * And the struggles of UCV, Mineros and Zulia
Jordan also discusses Deportivo La Guaira's excellent start and recent slump, the subpar Caracas and Tachira seasons, and why UCV's season could turn around this weekend.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #032: Caracas Futbol Club captain Kaki Rivero, Envigado midfielder George Saunders, and agent Mauricio Andrade join host Jordan Florit to discuss whether Liga FUTVE is ready for its first English footballer.
They discuss:
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George Saunders' nine-year career as an English midfielder in Colombia
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Why owners and clubs have so far been hesitant to sign Europeans
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And whether the time is right to bring English talent to Venezuela
In this interesting debate, Rivero speaks of the fear and insecurities of Venezuelan football and its clubs' owners and Saunders tells listeners of his time as South America's only English professional footballer.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #031: Co-hosts Jordan Florit and Dominic Bisogno review the Copa Sudamericana qualifiers for Venezuela's four entrants.
They discuss:
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Estudiantes' Errors
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Metro's Magical Start
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And the end of the Hermanos Colmenarez fairytale
Metropolitanos advance after beating Estudiantes de Merida 0-2 and 4-0, while Deportivo La Guaira came from 2-0 down to Hermanos Colmenarez to win 3-2 on aggregate.
Dominic and Jordan breakdown what this means for all four teams' seasons and their hopes for the Copa Sudamericana group stages.
They also glance an eye toward Venezuela's final World Cup qualifiers vs. Argentina (A) and Colombia (H).
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #030: Co-hosts Jordan Florit and Kevin Vivas discuss the hottest talking points in Liga FUTVE after the opening weekend of action.
They discuss:
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Early indications and the three Clasicos
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The Absolution of Venezuela's Juvenile Rule
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And Monagas' and Lara's early Libertadores exit
Notably, it was the first weekend of Liga FUTVE action since the rule stipulating every team must start at least one U19/U20 was scrapped. Yet:
⏱ 36 U20s got minutes
📜 19 U20s got starts
And from that:
⏱ 19 U19s* got minutes
📜 9 U19s* got starts
Kevin and Jordan unpack what that means for what the rule meant and what the future without it looks like.
*Born in 2003 or later.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #029: Host Jordan Florit interviews Venezuelan football agent Karim Assafo. The former General Manager of bitter rivals Caracas Futbol Club and Deportivo Tachira delivers a 45 minute education in Venezuelan league football.
Assafo shares his views on:
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His time at Caracas and Tachira
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Venezuela's Juvenile Rule
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And the future of youth football
Karim Assafo is the agent of 2021 Liga FUTVE Player of the Year Yerson Ronaldo Chacon, Venezuelan-English centre back Oliver Cawthorne, Metropolitanos captain Christian Larotonda, Boavista's Jeriel De Santis, and many more.
And you can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #028: Carabobo Futbol Club General Manager Federico Rojas joins hosts Jordan Florit and Dominic Bisogno to discuss Carabobo's new ownership, their January Transfer Window, and the long term project they're looking to build at the Estadio Misael Delgado.
Rojas also talks about:
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Their transfer recruitment policy
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Data in football, baseball, and basketball
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Liga FUTVE and the upcoming 2022 season
Federico Rojas was appointed General Manager of the club in June 2021, following the April 2021 acquisition of the club by local businessman Giuseppe Palmisano.
And you can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish!
Episode #027: Jordan Florit is joined by Scottish football analyst Patrick Caskie, a freelance data analyst and writer who plunged FUTVE into the eyes of Between The Lines readers in late 2021 with a superb set of data-visuals and astute analysis of Caracas striker Samson Akinyoola.
Caskie gives his views on:
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Why FUTVE appealed to a Scottish university student & Rangers fan
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Yerson Chacon, Samson Akinyoola, and Telasco Segovia
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And which countries should be casting their nets on Venezuelan shores
Patrick Caskie's superb data-visuals are building him a steady and interactive follower base on Twitter. You can follow him here!
And you can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish, too!
Episode #026: Regular Co-Host Dominic Jose Bisogno flies solo for the final FUTVE English Podcast of 2021, merging his passion for Venezuelan football with his expertise in MLS to bring you five Venezuelans he predicts will have vital 2022 campaigns.
Dominic discusses:
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Christian Makoun's revelatory 2021
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Daniel Pereira's debut MLS season as the SuperDraft First Pick
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And how he sees next year shaping up for Wikelman Carmona, Jesus Bueno, and Pablo Bonilla
All five of Dominic's named picks are U23 with future national team potential on a regular basis. Keep a look out for their names over the next 12 months!
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #025: Iceland's Dr. Football Hjörvar Hafliðason joins us to discuss Icelandic football ahead of Juan Camilo Perez's move to 2021 Runners-Up Breidablik. A former player himself - including a brief stint with Stoke - Hjörvar pulled no punches with his comedic assessments and discussion around Venezuelan and Icelandic football, respectively and comparatively!
Hjörvar discusses:
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Why arriving to Iceland in January is no easy feat
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The national team's recent successes on the national stage
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And whether the country has too many football teams
So far, two Venezuelans have joined Icelandic clubs for the 2022 season. Following Juan Camilo Perez to the Scandinavian country is 23-year-old left back Jesus Yendis. After a fantastic season at Hermanos Colmenarez, Yendis has penned a two-year deal with newly promoted Fram. Fram are no strangers to the top flight, with 18 league titles and 40 games on the continental stages of the Champions League and Europa League back when it was the European Cup and UEFA Cup.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #024: Jordan Florit and Dominic Bisogno is joined by 90Min's Chris Smith, an MLS and Atlanta United reporter who broke the news of the Darwin Matheus signing at the start of 2021 and knows more than most about club legend Josef Martinez!
Chris discusses:
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Atlanta's Venezuelan Trio: Josef, Matheus, and Ronald Hernandez
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Breaking transfer stories and how to manage agent relations
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And what Chris has learned about Venezuelan football
Chris Smith is a freelance football writer covering Major League Soccer, USMNT, Canada's MNT, and more for 90min. Gold Standard NCTJ qualified.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #023: Jordan Florit and Dominic Bisogno is joined by fellow FUTVE English colleague Kevin Vivas to review the Opening Stage of the 2021 Liga FUTVE stage and cast an eye towards the Closing Stage.
The trio discuss:
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The Shocks and Stories of the Opening Stage
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Standout Performers of the Season So Far
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Predictions for the Title and Continental Qualification
The title will be contested by Caracas FC, Deportivo Tachira, Estudiantes de Merida, Deportivo La Guaira, Deportivo Lara, and Monagas with the top four qualifying for the 2022 Copa Libertadores and the bottom two for the Copa Sudamericana.
Academia Puerto Cabello, Metropolitanos, Portuguesa, Aragua, and Hermanos Colmenarez will compete for two Copa Sudamericana places.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #022: Jordan Florit speaks to football agent Cem Sagar about his client Samson Akinyoola and Venezuela's new African wave of talent. From next in line Ade Oguns to talents yet to arrive on the scene, Sagar enlightens us on scouting wonderkids in Nigeria and his how a Benin-born striker ended up in Venezuela via Slovakia.
The London-based agent tells us:
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About his background as a UEFA B License Coach
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Why Caracas fans should be excited for Ade Oguns and 2022
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Founding Diamond Sports Management
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And his predictions for the rest of this season
Cem Sagar is the CEO of Diamond Sports Management, a global sports consultancy network with footballers in Slovakia, Egypt, Israel, Serbia, Denmark, and more.
You can follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #021: Regular co-hosts Dominic Bisogno and Jordan Florit preview Venezuela's upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Brazil, Ecuador, and Chile against the backdrop of a Federation who wants to establish a new identity and a fanbase and journalistic landscape angry at absentees.
With level-headedness in abundance, Dominic assertively addresses Jordan's points of the day, including:
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The aforementioned absentees
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The 28-man squad chosen
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What can be hoped for against such opposition
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And whether it's time for youth to step into the shoes of veterans
The co-hosts also give their preferred XI for the upcoming games and their predictions for how many points can be hoped for.
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #020: It's a special edition this week as The FUTVE English Podcast reaches twenty episodes: co-hosts Jordan and Kevin speak exclusively with Metropolitanos and Venezuela midfielder Christian Larotonda in his house in Caracas!
With Mrs. Larotonda supplying delicious coffee, homemade juice, and excellent empanadas, Larotonda discusses:
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Being part of Metro history
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His pride at representing Venezuela
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AC Milan ambitions
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And why José María Morr is a great coach
The 22yo also shares stories of playing with Wuilker Farinez and Robinson Flores in youth teams, the bond he has with Abraham Bahachille and Dani Perez, and Metropolitanos' desire to qualify for continental football once again, while his dad proudly shows us photos of Christian through the ages.
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #019: Jordan and Dominic discuss what went wrong for Venezuela in September's disastrous World Cup qualifying triple header with Argentina, Peru, and Paraguay.
Jordan thinks it's all over while Dominic clings on to the last remnants of hope, as they go through:
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Venezuela 1-3 Argentina in front of a Caracas crowd
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Peru 1-0 Venezuela and Villanueva's moment of madness
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And Paraguay 2-1 Venezuela, as the dream slips away
Listen to Jordan describe his first live Venezuela game and why he'll remember it fondly despite the loss and how Dominic saw it all unfold as Adrian Martinez saw red for his late challenge of Lionel Messi.
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #018: Regular co-host Dominic Bisogno picks out his eight Venezuelans to look out for as new seasons kick off around Europe.
Dominic highlights:
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Eric Ramirez's move to Ukrainian Champions Dynamo Kyiv
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Club Brugge's long term strategy for Dani Perez
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And Romelo Otero's new lease of life on offer in Mexico
From established La Liga players to young guns on the move, Dominic runs through the players he believes deserve a close eye over the next 12 months. Will Jeriel de Santis get his moment at Boavista? Can Ramirez net in the Champions League?
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #017: Manuel Veth is Transfermarkt's USA Area Manager and joins us to discuss player values, the global market, and how clubs, players, and scouts use one of football's biggest databases to inform, improve, and influence the world of football.
Manuel speaks about:
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Transfermarkt's reputation and reliability
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His background and role as USA Area Manager
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And how Liga FUTVE could improve its players' transfer values
Manuel has a PhD in History from Kings College London. His dissertation was titled 'Selling the People's Game: Football's transition from Communism to Capitalism in the Soviet Union and its Successor State'. In his own words, this led to him falling into journalism. As well as his role with transfermarkt, Manuel is the owner of @FutbolgradLive and covers the Bundesliga for Forbes.
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #016: With the first stage of the season at it's midpoint, Jordan, Dominic, and Kevin reflect on the league's standout teams, individuals, and key moments so far.
Including:
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Whether Gran Valencia can continue to shock
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Their favourites to qualify for the second stage
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And the young talent with one eye on Europe and the MLS
At the the time of recording, Deportivo Tachira, Caracas, and Deportivo La Guaira were top of their respective groups, while Trujillanos, Lala FC, and Carabobo were sitting bottom of each. With Venezuela set to host the U20 South American Championships later this year, plenty of young talent is on show and doing their best to earn a place in Martin Carrillo's squad, as are a number of foreign imports looking to use the league's growing profile as a stepping stone for the rest of their career. Listen to what our panel have to say!
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #015: We speak to author Ryan Baldi about his new book 'The Dream Factory - Inside the Make-Or-Break World of Football's Academies' and what lessons can be learned in Venezuela.
Including:
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The relationship between grassroot and professional clubs
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Why the focus shifted from winning to developing
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And the post-Brexit transfer market
Venezuela and England met in the final of the U20 World Cup in 2017 with the Three Lions winning 1-0. Just one player from that England team reached the final of Euro 2020 whilst eight from Venezuela's participated in the 2021 Copa America (both held in June and July 2021). We discuss what can be read into that and whether English football could benefit from implementing some of Venezuelan football's rules and vice versa.
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #014: Hosts Jordan Florit and Dominic Bisogno review the Copa America from a Venezuelan perspective, discussing the stories behind the scorelines and the context to the consequences.
Including:
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Eight players testing positive for COVID on day one
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Full international debuts for four players
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And whether Peseiro is the right man for the job
Venezuela were in a group with hosts Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, finishing bottom. La Vinotinto were without key players Yordan Osorio, Wilker Angel, Darwin Machis, and Salomon Rondon before the tournament even began, and then lost a further eight on day one.
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #013: Hosts Jordan Florit and Dominic Bisogno preview the Copa America from a Venezuelan perspective and look back at this month's World Cup qualifiers: a 3-1 loss to Bolivia and a 0-0 draw with Uruguay.
Jordan and Dominic give:
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Their opinions on Venezuela's form
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Their thoughts on Jose Peseiro's 28-man squad
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And their predictions for Venezuela's progression
Venezuela are in a group with hosts Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Four teams will advance to the knockout rounds. La Vinotinto are without key players Yordan Osorio, Wilker Angel, Darwin Machis, and Salomon Rondon. Yeferson Soteldo also misses at least the first two games through injury.
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #012: Caracas FC striker Samson Akinyoola joins hosts Jordan Florit and Kevin Vivas to discuss his start to life in Liga FUTVE, living in Venezuela, and playing for Noel 'Chita' Sanvicente.
Akinyoola also shares his thoughts on:
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His toughest opponent so far
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The dressing room leaders at Caracas FC
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And how the Slovakian league compares to FUTVE
Samson Akinyoola is a 21yo striker born in Benin and raised in Nigeria. He signed for Caracas FC in January 2021, joining from Slovakian side Senica. His goals against Junior FC in Copa Libertadores qualifying makes him the only non Central or South American born player to score in the competition this season.
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #011: ESPN's Richard Mendez joins hosts Jordan Florit and Kevin Vivas to discuss his career in media and broadcasting, his beginnings in Venezuela with Meridiano TV and others, and the national team.
Richard also shares his thoughts on:
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Venezuela's impact on MLS
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Football's growing profile in the United States
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Why he is confident La Vinotinto will go to a World Cup
Mendez has interviewed some of world football's biggest stars, such as Diego Forlan, David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Raul, as well as Venezuela's record appearance holder Juan Arango and goalscorer Salomon Rondon.
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #010: Mauricio Andrade of Venezuelan football agency Andrade Sports Group joins host Jordan Florit to discuss the progress the domestic game has made in the past 20 years, where it still needs to improve, and our expectations for the future.
Mauricio shares his thoughts on:
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The clubs doing youth development right
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Yangel Herrera's potential
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Upcoming changes on agency regulations
We also discuss the public's perception of agents, the value agents can add to a player's career, and the difference a good agent can make.
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #009: Ralph Hannah of Paraguayan football podcast Guarani Vision joins host Jordan Florit to discuss the Paraguayan opposition Deportivo Táchira and Deportivo La Guaira will encounter in the 2021 Copa Libertadores: Cerro Porteño and Club Olimpia.
Ralph gives us:
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The lowdown on the form of Cerro and Olympia
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Their key men and expected approach
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And his predictions for the tournament
We also discuss Paraguay's early start and Venezuela's late one in relation to the ongoing COVID pandemic, aging #9s Roque Santa Cruz and Mauro Boselli, and Liga FUTVE's new Paraguayan protagonists, such as Yaracuyanos Head Coach Daniel Farrar and Portuguesa duo Samnuel Caceres and Adrian Fernandez.
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #008: Data published at the end of February by ESPN showed that just 7.1% of Liga FUTVE players are foreign - the lowest percentage of any South American country. Across the border in Colombia, the number stands at 9.6%, with Venezuela contributing the biggest share: 22 of the 54. Colombian football expert Simon Edwards joins us to discuss the the impact the two countries' footballers are having on one another's league.
We cast an eye on three Colombians set to shine in Venezuela this year:
- Juan Camilo Zapata (Hermanos Colmenarez)
- Ricardo Delgado (Hermanos Colmenarez)
- Jesus Marimon (Mineros de Guayana)
And we also discuss the growing number of Venezuelans playing in the Liga Dimayor; from America de Cali #1 Joel Graterol to Santa Fe icon Luis Manuel Seijas, and Jaguares de Cordoba's three newest recruits to who could be next.
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #007: In 2016, Venezuela qualified for the women's U17 World Cup on the back of two consecutive South American Championships undefeated. The likes of Deyna Castellanos, Veronica Herrera, and Daniuska Rodriguez had come together to form a golden generation of Venezuelan talent that provided the country real hope of seeing its first World Cup. Jennifer Socorro, a former Venezuela international herself, saw the potential of this group of players not just to become victors on the pitch but to stitch together a torn society. Along with fellow directors Edwin Corona Ramos and David Alonso, Jennifer documented their journey to Jordan and their World Cup exploits in the multi-award winning film 'Nos Llaman Guerreras' (They Call Us Warriors).
Jennifer joins former club and country teammate Kat Sheppard to discuss:
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Her own route in and ultimately out of professional football
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The inspiration for the film
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And the growing importance of women's football in Venezuela
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Nos Llaman Guerreras - Synopsis:
"In a country torn apart by political and economic upheaval, a team of young women find refuge in a sport that rises above their personal poverty and gendered social status. But when this new soccer team goes undefeated in all of South America, these women find themselves in the position to win Venezuela’s first World Cup and gain a new acceptance and voice in their home country."
Jennifer Socorro - Bio:
"Jennifer Socorro (1992) is a young filmmaker born in Caracas, Venezuela who has had a passion for football since she was a young child. She brought her passion for filmmaking and football together to create this film."
Episode #006: Born and raised in Caracas with an African sojourn as a toddler, Oliver Cawthorne's upbringing is not what you would expect from such an English sounding name. His path through Venezuelan youth football to County Champion in England is just as fascinating.
Jordan and Oliver discuss:
- Playing for Estudiantes de Caracas and moving to England
- His hopes of playing in Liga FUTVE and for La Vinotinto
- And his father's kickabouts with Diego Maradona!
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #005: Leonardo Perez takes us behind the scenes of his son's transfer from Metropolitanos to Club Brugge, accompanied by Giovanni Spinato, one of the Venezuelan agents who worked on the deal. Dani Perez scored 3 minutes and 44 seconds into his first game, making it the fastest European debut goal by a Venezuelan in over twenty years.
Jordan, Leonardo, and Giovanni discuss:
- Dani's development
- Interest from Portugal, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, and Uruguay
- Stars and Friends, the agency that handled the move
- And why Dani chose Club Brugge
If you enjoyed this episode of The FUTVE English Podcast, subscribing on your platform of choice will ensure you do not miss an episode!
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #004: Dominic Bisogno hosts as Kevin Vivas shares his experiences as the translator of 'Red Wine & Arepas: How Football is Becoming Venezuela's Religion', the first English language book on Venezuelan football. Kevin talks about: * Accompanying author Jordan Florit in Venezuela * Crashing in The Andes * And why he feels grateful for living in Caracas
From Caracas to Maracay, Barinas to Merida, and Tachira back to Caracas, Kevin was there for it all, translating, guiding, and accompanying Jordan throughout his time in Venezuela. However, as you'll hear, it was a journey of many firsts for Kevin, too: stadiums, cities, and experiences. It proved to be just the beginning, though, as soon after Jordan returned to England, the decision was made for Kevin to translate the book into Spanish. In this 33-minute podcast, all of the above and more is discussed for the first time!
If you enjoy our podcast, consider subscribing to ensure you don't miss out on our episodes.
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #003: Former Caracas FC Femenino and Venezuela midfielder Kat Sheppard joins Jordan to discuss: * Winning the Liga Nacional and Copa Venezuela * The trials and tribulations of representing her country * And why her professional career ended before turning 20
From her participation in the first ever Copa Libertadores Femenino to crossing a burning Colombian border on foot, Kat tells the unexpected tales of life as a female footballer in Venezuela from 2005 to 2009, before the likes of Deyna Castellanos and Veronica Herrera, before the scene was the subject of an award-winning film, and before college scholarships in the US were a known route out of the domestic league and into the the wider world of football.
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You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
FC Dallas sign Venezuelan winger Freddy Vargas on loan from Deportivo Lara with an option to buy.
Yesterday (13 January) the left-footed 21-year-old renewed his contract with Lara for two years, but today he joins MLS side FC Dallas.
In this bonus episode podcast, our MLS and Venezuela expert Dominic Bisogno explains why this is a good move for both player and club, and our Liga FUTVE specialist Jordan Florit gives Dallas fans plenty of reasons to be excited with the numbers behind this exciting young talent.
If you enjoy our podcast, consider subscribing to ensure you don't miss out on our episodes.
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
Episode #001: Tifo Football's Alex Stewart joins us to review the 2020 Liga FUTVE season and provides his expert opinion on the Gran Final, which saw Deportivo La Guaira win their first league title with a 2-0 win over eight-time champions Deportivo Tachira. The tactical guru, who heads up content at The Athletic UK, was impressed with the tactical nous of both managers as well as a number of young players across the league.
Jordan and Dominic host, discussing: * Freddy Vargas' potential move to MLS' FC Dallas * The long-term heir to the throne of Roberto Rosales, Jon Aramburu * And why Liga FUTVE has a new fan in Alex Stewart
If you enjoy our podcast, consider subscribing to ensure you don't miss out on our episodes.
You can also follow us on Twitter - @FUTVEEnglish.
The FUTVE English Podcast is your one stop shop for Venezuelan football in English, bringing you fortnightly episodes dedicated to:
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The Venezuelan league
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The national teams
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And the myriad of Venezuelan players around the world.
The whole FUTVE English team came together for this introductory episode:
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Author of 'Red Wine & Arepas: How Football is Becoming Venezuela's Religion' Jordan Florit
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Former Caracas FC & Venezuela international Kat Sheppard
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MLS & Venezuelan football expert Dominic Bisogno
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And Venezuelan league expert Kevin Vivas
With this short introductory episode, meet the team behind FUTVE English, our relationship to Venezuelan football, where the game is at, and what you can expect from The FUTVE English Podcast.
On 6 January 2021, The first English language podcast dedicated to Venezuelan football is launched: The FUTVE English Podcast. Until then, catch a snippet of our first episode!
In the first episode, meet the team behind FUTVE English, our relationship to Venezuelan football, where the game is at, and what you can expect from The FUTVE English Podcast.