Mon, Nov 21, 2022
After all the talk, the World Cup 2022 in Qatar is finally here. On the first full day of the tournament, they saw plenty of goals, particularly in England's 6-2 win over Iran. Will and Sam give their hot takes on the day's games, while Marshawn Lynch simply tries to wrap his head around this crazy game they call either football or soccer. They are joined by ex-England goalkeeper David James to discuss what it's like playing in a World Cup. Also, they give Marshawn a team to support during Tuesday's games. Finally, there's time to learn some facts about Tunisia, and Sean Hayes of Smartless shares his uneducated predictions for an upcoming match.
Tue, Nov 22, 2022
Welcome along to the football show that's as random as Saudi Arabia beating Argentina. Day 3 of the World Cup started with a result that shocked the world. Favorites to win the tournament Argentina lost 1-2 to Saudi Arabia (who are ranked 53rd in the world) in what could be the World Cup's biggest upset ever. US National team superstar Sam Mewis unpacks exactly what this must mean to the World Cup minnows, as they announced a national holiday in wake of the surprise victory. Will Arnett, Marshawn Lynch and Sam Mewis react to today's games, and their guest ex-England player Danny Mills weighs in on the 'football' vs 'soccer' debate... Plus, Danny and Marshawn also have an unlikely face-off, as they plan to race each other after the USA v England game on Friday. You heard it here first. Finally, there's time to learn some facts about the Mexican national team and, once again, Sean Hayes of Smartless shares his uneducated predictions for an upcoming match.
Tue, Nov 22, 2022
Another day, another massive shock. Today in the World Cup they saw Japan beat 2014 champions Germany. Also, there was a huge win for Spain and a narrow defeat for Canada by Belgium. Will Arnett is joined by Sam Mewis to discuss the latest results and Marshawn Lynch is given a new team to support. They're joined by special guest (and Will's nemesis), Michelle Beadle, as she gives her hot takes on the tournament while comparing World Cup and F1 teams. Also, they discuss more crazy Saudi Arabian celebrations and Sean Hayes predicts the outcome of the big England v USA game on Friday.
Fri, Nov 25, 2022
Welcome to the football show that's somehow lasted longer than Qatar at their own World Cup. Today in the Middle East Will Arnett attended the exhilarating stalemate between England and the USA and gives them his first hand account of the experience. The team also recaps all the action from Thursday and Friday at the tournament, including thrilling games such as Portugal v Ghana, and Brazil v Serbia. There are vibes galore in "nutmegged" as they discuss the dancing Cameroon team and Marshawn Lynch is given a new team to support in "Smells Like Team Spirit." The B.O.T.N squad is also joined by soccer icon Freddy Adu, who discusses his career and his hopes for the US national team. All this, plus Sean Hayes predicts the outcome of Saturday's big game: Argentina v Mexico.
Fri, Nov 25, 2022
Saturday at the World Cup saw the most in-demand game so far; Argentina v Mexico. It did not disappoint either, as Lionel Messi scored an incredible goal to secure a priceless win for the South Americans. In the show today, the team reacts to all the day's football. They discuss some World Cup stories that you might have missed, including a very angry England fan. Also, US international player, Lynn Williams, joins the show, they learn some random facts about Serbia, and Sean Hayes sends in some more random World Cup predictions.
Sun, Nov 27, 2022
This World Cup may have seen a record amount of 0-0 draws, but today the goals were flowing. They look back at a high scoring day, as the second round of group stage matches reached their conclusion. They then speak to two time World Cup winner Kelley O'Hara about how the US can progress on Tuesday and what it takes to lift the most famous trophy of all. Marshawn gets a new country to support in Smells Like Team Spirit, and they get another hilariously random prediction from Sean Hayes.
Mon, Nov 28, 2022
Will Arnett, Sam Mewis and Michelle Beadle celebrate the USA's nervy victory over Iran to secure their place in the final 16 of the World Cup. Gregg Berhalter's side will now face The Netherlands (or 'Holland', as Will calls them) in the knockout stages. The team is also joined by MLS legend Charlie Davies, who was in fine spirits following the USA win. Also, they learn some bizarre facts about Morocco in '2 Truths, 1 Lie' and Sean Hayes gets in touch with yet another ill-informed prediction.
Tue, Nov 29, 2022
What a show. As they wave goodbye to Denmark, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, Will Arnett, Sam Mewis, and Michelle Beadle are joined by another owner of a professional soccer team (not Marshawn this time), Wrexham's Rob McElenney. The It's Always Sunny creator joins the show to discuss the USA's World Cup campaign so far, Wrexham's season, and launches a surprise transfer bid for Diego Maradona. If that wasn't enough to entice you, Premier League goalkeeping legend Brad Friedel also shares some World Cup memories and joins for the Rapid Fire Recap. Michelle Beadle also learns how to be South Korean in Smells Like Team Spirit and more whacky World Cup stories in Nutmegged.
Sat, Dec 3, 2022
The knockout stages are here, and they have a knockout show to match. They look back at USA's loss to Netherlands and the rest of the round of 16 matches so far. Will, Sam and Marshawn are joined by British comedian Lloyd Griffith, who is very excited about England and their chances of winning the tournament. He also states his case for singing the national anthem in a packed stadium. Also, they have some crazy World Cup stories in Nutmegged, a Croatian edition of Two Truths and One Lie, plus Sean Hayes sends them another wild score prediction.
Mon, Dec 5, 2022
The team round up the round of 16, as the tournament enters the quarter final stages. Will, Sam and Marshawn react to Perfect Portugal, Brilliant Brazil, and Magnificent Morocco, as they put out Spain through penalties. The team are also joined by Fast and Loose host and comedian, The Kid Mero, who reveals he made a sweet, sweet profit off the most audacious of World Cup bets. Also, they have some silly World Cup stories in Nutmegged, Marshawn goes Dutch, plus Sean Hayes sends them another mind-bending score prediction.
Thu, Dec 8, 2022
The quarter-finals are here and they certainly did not disappoint. There were two huge matches today, as favorites Brazil crashed out to Croatia on penalties and Argentina squeezed past the Netherlands despite an incredible stoppage time goal to send the game to extra time. In today's show they look back at all the madness, plus they are joined by USWNT legend Abby Wambach and best-selling author Glennon Doyle to chat all things World Cup. Also, they have some great World Cup stories in Nutmegged, plus Marshawn gets a new team to root for in Saturday's quarter-finals. Finally, they have another crazy prediction for the upcoming big one between England and France from Sean Hayes.
Fri, Dec 9, 2022
Wow. Just when they thought this World Cup couldn't get any more shocking, Morocco beat Portugal to become the first ever African team to reach the semi finals of the World Cup. The team also cover England's devastating loss at the hands of the French, and Will has a thing or two to say about the officiating... Will's Smartless co-host Jason Bateman also joins the team and gives them his thoughts on the World Cup so far, including which are his favorite 'uniforms.' All this as well as your regular favorites, Two Truths One Lie, and Sean Hayes Selects. Back of the Net also pays tribute to much-loved US football journalist Grant Wahl, who died last night in Qatar at the age of just 48.
Mon, Dec 12, 2022
It's the semi-finals, and unlike the previous knockout rounds, it wasn't as packed with drama as a neutral would like. Argentina comfortably beat Croatia 3-0 to secure a place in the World Cup final, and a date with destiny for the great Lionel Messi. Will he become the greatest of all time on Sunday? On today's show they are joined by USMNT record caps holder Cobi Jones to discuss the game. Also, they get the thoughts of Scottish actor Thomas Doherty on England, his love of Messi and he explains the 'Old Firm' derby to Marshawn. Finally, Marshawn gets a new country to support and Sean Hayes sends in another prediction as he looks to beat Will in the overall leaderboard.
Tue, Dec 13, 2022
What a final they have in store. In today's second semi-final, France advanced to take on Argentina in Sunday's big decider. Will Kylian Mbappe scupper Lionel Messi's fairytale international career ending? In today's show, they look back at the France v Morocco game. The plucky Atlas Lions from North Africa scared the current World Champions numerous times but ultimately just couldn't find the crucial goal to trouble Les Bleus. Also, comedian Rhys Darby joins them on the show to talk about the World Cup and whether his character Murray from 'Flight of the Conchords' would make a good soccer manager. Plus, Marshawn gets a new country to support, and they have another wild prediction from the maverick that is Sean Hayes.
Fri, Dec 16, 2022
In this bumper penultimate show, Will, Sam, and Marshawn discuss the thrilling third place play-off between Croatia and Morocco, as two 'goal of the tournament' contenders from Josko Gvardiol and Mislav Orsic sealed the bronze for Croatia. History will remember a winner and a loser tonight, but they can't forget how both countries have been a victory for soccer. The team also preview Sunday's final with Men in Blazers' Roger Bennett. Will it be a Messi Miracle, or Delight for Didier Deschamps? Whoever wins, it's sure to be an epic finale to this sensational tournament. Finally, it only seemed fitting to invite Will's Smartless co-host Sean Hayes live on the show for the last 'Sean Selects' of the season... and it's still in play going into the final.
Sat, Dec 17, 2022
In the final show of Back of the Net with Will Arnett, the team attempt to summarize what will no doubt go down as one of the greatest World Cup finals in the tournament's history. Argentina, inspired by Ángel Di María, took a 2-0 lead into halftime, after a lackluster France failed to register a single shot on target. Then, out of nowhere, Kylian Mbappé dragged France back into the fold with 2 goals in 97 seconds. More late drama followed in extra time, as Messi put the Argentines in front... only for Mbappe to equalize in the 118th minute. A penalty shootout followed... and the rest is history. Finally, a World Cup for Messi and a place alongside Pele and Maradona in the list of the all-time greats. In a jam-packed show, 2-time World Cup champion Kelley O'Hara rejoins the team to analyze all the action, and the one and only Will Ferrell joins to give them his take on what has been a crazy World Cup from start to finish. They also have a live visit from 'beer guy' Gus Hully, all your silly football stories in 'Nutmegged' and they crown the victor in the final 'Sean Selects' of the series.