Red Star ’91: Conquering Europe as Yugoslavia Collapsed – Part One
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson explore the history of Red Star Belgrade, focusing on their monumental 1991 European Cup win against a backdrop of Yugoslavia's political turmoil and impending civil war. This episode explores the club's founding, cultural significance, and key players, including the dramatic escape of Miodrag Belodedici from Romania. They also detail the influence of notorious figures like Arkan and the emotional scenes in Belgrade during this turbulent time. Part Two will release on Friday.00:00 Introduction 06:19 Political Tensions and Football09:31 The Riot at Maksimir Stadium16:36 Arkan's Criminal Background25:04 Arkan's Bonkers Wedding and Return to War27:23 The Rise and Fall of Arkan29:39 Red Star Belgrade: Historical Context and Formation31:13 The Intellectual and Working-Class Roots of Red Star36:24 Red Star's European Struggles and Triumphs39:52 The Escape and Signing of Miodrag Belodedici44:32 The 1991 Season and Key Changes47:48 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Death Match: Football, Resistance, and Myth in Nazi-Occupied Ukraine | Part Two
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this episode, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson bring their second and final part of their series on the Death Match, one of the most mythologized football games of all time. Occurring in Nazi-occupied Kyiv, Ukraine, this match between Start, a team formed mostly of former Dinamo Kiev players, and Flakelf, a Luftwaffe team, has become a symbol of resistance. The hosts discuss the brutal context of the occupation, the complex legacies of the players, and the role football played in these extraordinary historical circumstances. Jonathan Wilson critically examines how much of the narrative is based on verifiable facts and how much may have been post-war Soviet propaganda. This episode provides a nuanced understanding of how football intersected with geopolitics, resistance, and national identity during one of history's darkest periods.00:00 Introduction to the Death Match Series01:27 Historical Context: Nazi Occupation and Football02:26 The Rise of Team Start03:07 Early Matches and Growing Tensions04:21 Embarrassing Defeats for Axis Teams05:28 Public Perception and Propaganda06:29 The Turning Point: German Concerns14:13 The First Clash with Flakelf18:05 Setting the Stage for the Death Match26:06 The Referee's Influence and Game Dynamics27:10 Halftime Tensions and Orders to Lose28:39 Second Half and Controversial Moments32:35 Post-Match Arrests and Interrogations35:50 Life in the Prison Camp43:10 Escape and Kyiv's Liberation44:33 Legacy and Mythology of the Death Match Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Death Match: Football, Resistance, and Myth in Nazi-Occupied Ukraine | Part One
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into the harrowing tale of 'The Death Match,' a match played under Nazi occupation in Ukraine. They explore the brutal conditions faced by Ukrainian footballers, the formation of a remarkable team, and the resonances with modern-day conflicts. In Part One, learn how football resurfaced amidst atrocities, with bakery manager Yosyp Kordyk forming a team from former stars. The discussions cover the political intricacies and personal tragedies, setting the stage for the match itself.Join us for Part Two on Friday, where the details of the game itself and its far-reaching consequences are revealed.00:00 Introduction to the Yard Brigade00:26 Welcome to the Podcast00:53 The Mythologized Football Match02:44 Escape to Victory and Its Origins04:16 Introducing Joseph Cordick05:49 The Nazi Occupation of Kiev07:37 The Struggles of Mik Trivi14:21 The Fall of Kiev and Its Aftermath25:51 Ukrainian Nationalism and Football Under Nazi Occupation27:34 The Horrors of Nazi Occupation in Kyiv29:43 Football as a Means of Normalization30:32 Resistance and Brutality in Kyiv31:30 Formation of the Start Football Team33:06 The Struggles and Symbolism of Playing Football37:16 The First Match and Its Consequences39:09 The Complexities of Resistance and Collaboration49:14 The Aftermath and Public Perception51:07 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Takeover That Led to Chelsea's Club World Cup Glory
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. After Chelsea's Club World Cup win at the weekend, Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author Nick Purewal, who discusses his book Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC about the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich and the sale of Chelsea FC. Here we give a unique insight into the unprecedented chaos surrounding Chelsea during their 2022 sale, including behind-the-scenes details of Abramovich's involvement in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, a near-poisoning event, and the tumultuous sale process of the club that led to current owner Todd Boehly buying the club. 00:00 Introduction 04:51 Abramovich's Role and the War's Impact07:35 The Rapid Downfall and Sanctions16:04 Abramovich's Involvement in Peace Talks19:28 The Poisoning Incident26:10 Skepticism and Vindication29:52 Legal Confusion and Government Challenges31:47 Chelsea's Struggles Under Sanctions35:23 The High-Stakes Sale Process38:48 The Bidding War Heats Up44:26 Jim Ratcliffe's Last-Minute Bid50:10 The Aftermath and Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast
Welcome to The Overlap's football history podcast, It Was What It Was.Each week Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper will be talking about the key episodes in football history that have shaped the footballing world.The show will be discussing the best stories from football's past, giving insights to the personalities involved. the tales from behind the scenes and the impact they left.Join us at Football University!If you enjoy the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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