2026 World Cup Language Day 40: (a) Knock Back
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2026 World Cup Language Podcast Day 40: (a) Knock Back
Day forty, the last day at the 2026 World Cup and on this World Cup language podcast episode we look at the verb phrase ‘knock back’ and how it is connected with the 2026 World Cup final. You can read the transcript for this podcast below, while you can also check out our glossary of footballing phrases here and visit our site to access all our previous posts and podcasts. If you have any suggestions or questions about the phrase or our podcast then you can contact us here.
Welcome
DB: Hello there and welcome to the Learn English Through Football podcast. This is a phrase from the last day, day 40, of the 2026 World Cup! Of course, that means we are looking at a phrase from the final match between holders Argentina and Spain, a match the Spanish side won 1-0 after extra time.
Contact
DB: But before we take a look at today’s phrase, if you want to get in touch with us, just drop us a line at contact@learnenglishthroughfootball.com. You can suggest a piece of football language, send a comment, or just say hi. It would be great to hear from you. Tell a friend about the podcast and spread the word. Thank you!
Stinger: You are listening to the Learn English Through Football Podcast.com (in Spanish)
DB: Thank you for that message, which was from a fan of Spain, and congratulations to him! As we said, his side defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win Spain’s second World Cup!
(a) Knock Back
In the final between Spain and Argentina, the winning goal came from a perfect knock back. In extra time and the 106th minute, Pedro Porro lifted a cross towards the far post. Nico Williams rose above Argentinian player Molina and headed the ball back across goal instead of trying to score himself.
Embed from Getty Images
It was a brilliant knock backfinding Ferran Torres in space about eight yards from goal. Torres smashed the ball first time past goalkeeper Martínez to give Spain a 1–0 lead and ultimately the World Cup title.
Williams could have attempted a difficult header on goal, but instead he chose the better option, a knock back, and created a chance for his teammate.
Second ball
A related phrase is second ball. This is the ball that drops after a challenge in the air, a save, or rebound etc.. Teams that win second balls often gain possession and create attacking opportunities. Spain’s winner came from a situation where reacting quickly to the knock back and winning the second ball created the goal.
Stinger: You are listening to the Learn English Through Football Podcast.com (in Catalan)
DB: Thank you for that message which was in Catalan.
Goodbye
DB: OK, and with that we have reached the end of our daily World Cup language podcasts. It’s been great sharing and explaining these phrases with you. We’ll be taking a short break before the start of the season in Europe, but that’s not far away!
Today, we looked at ‘loose ball’ and ‘second ball’. As I said, we’ll be back soon. Hope you can join us in the new 2026-2027 season. Ta-ra!
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