Disregarding the world’s most popular sport for most of their days, Santa Fe New Mexican sports writers Will Webber and James Barron can’t help but get caught up in the drama of the World Cup when it rolls around every four years.

Will filled out his bracket for the knockout rounds on Sunday, and by Monday his pick to win it all (the Netherlands) was sent packing.

Nevertheless, in the latest episode of “The Sports Den,” the guys feel a moral responsibility to fulfill their duty as sports pundits and spout off some takes.

There’s too much flopping and flailing. Players should be able to use their hands. Are some of these teams even from real countries? The classic All-American gripes are on full display.

In a short interview with University of New Mexico men’s basketball player Federico Grani last week, Will greeted the 6-foot-9 forward by prodding him about how his nation’s team — a four-time World Cup champion — hasn’t qualified for the tournament the last three cycles. Welcome to New Mexico, Federico!

After an unprecedented full segment of soccer, the guys come out of the break talking about a new era for the Mountain West, which will look quite different this year. The Lobos should now be the big dogs of the conference, Will and James say. A trip to the College Football Playoff could eventually be in the cards, as odd as that sounds.

With little else to talk about in this slow period for local sports, the guys bring up high school football, making some predictions about how the Santa Fe squads could look this year.

Disregarding the world&rsquo;s most popular sport for most of their days,&nbsp;Santa Fe New Mexican&nbsp;sports writers Will Webber and James Barron can&rsquo;t help but get caught up in the drama of the World Cup when it rolls around every four years.
Will filled out his bracket for the knockout rounds on Sunday, and by Monday his pick to win it all (the Netherlands) was sent packing.
Nevertheless, in the latest episode of &ldquo;The Sports Den,&rdquo; the guys feel a moral responsibility to fulfill their duty as sports pundits and spout off some takes.
There&rsquo;s too much flopping and flailing. Players should be able to use their hands. Are some of these teams even from real countries? The classic All-American gripes are on full display.
In a short interview with University of New Mexico men&rsquo;s basketball player Federico Grani last week, Will greeted the 6-foot-9 forward by prodding him about how his nation&rsquo;s team &mdash; a four-time World Cup champion &mdash; hasn&rsquo;t qualified for the tournament the last three cycles. Welcome to New Mexico, Federico!
After an unprecedented full segment of soccer, the guys come out of the break talking about a new era for the Mountain West, which will look quite different this year. The Lobos should now be the big dogs of the conference, Will and James say. A trip to the College Football Playoff could eventually be in the cards, as odd as that sounds.
With little else to talk about in this slow period for local sports, the guys bring up high school football, making some predictions about how the Santa Fe squads could look this year.

Hosted by award-winning sports scribes Will Webber and James Barron, The New Mexican Sports Den podcast provides coverage of the local sports scene in Northern New Mexico with a focus on prep sports and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Dialed into the New Mexico sports landscape for decades, Will and James share their insight on the latest developments from season to season. They also welcome guests for lively and colorful conversations.   
The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James is a production of The Santa Fe New Mexican.

Hosted by award-winning sports scribes Will Webber and James Barron, The New Mexican Sports Den podcast provides coverage of the local sports scene in Northern New Mexico with a focus on prep sports and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Dialed into the New Mexico sports landscape for decades, Will and James share their insight on the latest developments from season to season. They also welcome guests for lively and colorful conversations.&nbsp;&nbsp; The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James is a production of&nbsp;The Santa Fe New Mexican.

The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James

Hosted by award-winning sports scribes Will Webber and James Barron, The New Mexican Sports Den podcast provides coverage of the local sports scene in Northern New Mexico with a focus on prep sports and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Dialed into the New Mexico sports landscape for decades, Will and James share their insight on the latest developments from season to season. They also welcome guests for lively and colorful conversations.  

The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James is a production of The Santa Fe New Mexican.

Hosted by award-winning sports scribes Will Webber and James Barron, The New Mexican Sports Den podcast provides coverage of the local sports scene in Northern New Mexico with a focus on prep sports and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Dialed into the New Mexico sports landscape for decades, Will and James share their insight on the latest developments from season to season. They also welcome guests for lively and colorful conversations.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James is a production of&nbsp;The Santa Fe New Mexican.