This seems like a joke to me. Normally you would say "we've got them right where we want them" when you are trying to catch something or someone and they really are where you want them to be. Maybe you are in a battle and you set a trap for the opposing army. You pretend there is a weak spot on your side and when the opposing army moves in that direction, you say "we've got them right where we want them" and then attack with the soldiers that were hiding just out of sight. In your story the dad is either joking or is the kind of person who never gives up hope and is trying his hardest to believe that his team can still win.

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Best,

Ian

Think of chess, your opponent makes a move on the broad you know was the wrong thing to do and now you have a chance to catch his Queen.

in your mind, you tell yourself "I got him right where I want him"

it's like an expression meaning, I am about to win and you cant stop it from happening. Does that make sense to you?