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#81

Off the Record / Re: Who will win the 2026 Worl...

Last post by Sheilbh - July 08, 2026, 07:49:53 AM

Fact: England has only won the World Cup under Labour governments.   

Harold Wilson's line: "have you ever noticed that we only win the World Cup under a Labour government?"

A performative northern Prime Minister leading a Labour government strongly buttressed by a woman from the Labour left with a shock of red hair - and a World Cup too. Maybe we will have a Harold Wilson summer

I very much doubt it, but it'd be nice. And since Southgate came in (so 2018) England have won more knockout games in major tournaments than they had in the previous 70 years and dispelled a few curses too (like winning a penalty shoot out). I don't think he's a particularly good coach but I think he was a phenomenal manager who basically reset the entire culture of the team (which I think Tuchel has continued and evolved).

I think France. I've not seen anything from them that suggests many vulnerabilities. They look very strong, they're playing for Deschamps, there's a bit of (as Roberto Martinez always talks about) footballing arrogance that's irresistible about them.

#82

Off the Record / Re: What does a TRUMP presiden...

Last post by Sheilbh - July 08, 2026, 07:42:07 AM

Meloni looks particularly happy to see the orange shitbag again :

:https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b4238a41bfc68040a1006273cf1eace4f6afbc9b/687_0_6829_5464/master/6829.jpg?width=700&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none

Her statement on his "begging for a photo" was robust. A reminder of the challenge of a nationalist international: they are still nationalists. So she's not going to accept a humiliation for her or Italy.

#83

Off the Record / Re: What does a TRUMP presiden...

Last post by Sheilbh - July 08, 2026, 07:40:59 AM

I disagree on Spain. They have the lowest defence spending in NATO which is not going up - and their response to Trump is not to build up but to suggest their should be a European army and European defence. Which I think reveals exactly the challenge of that: some countries want it to shift who is paying for Europe's defence from the US to someone else but not themselves and it's because Spain is not and does not feel itself to be at risk, but is not willing to increase spending in order to better support Poland or the Baltics who do.

I think it is striking that the countries who are most willing to criticise Trump verbally like Spain or Ireland are also the ones least likely to be increasing their defence spending, while the countries who are increasing their defence spending and perceive a real threat like the Baltics and Poland and Germany are broadly trying to play down Trump.

#84

Off the Record / Re: Facebook Follies of Friend...

Last post by Valmy - July 08, 2026, 07:19:18 AM

Whoever made the post that capitalism rewards competence has not met many trust fund kids

Capitalism rewards whatever makes the most profits and money. If that happens to be competence then it rewards that, but it could just as easily be who is the most corrupt and ruthless. That is why it has to be heavily regulated, to ensure it rewards the right things. Competition has a way of turning into colluding cartels or monopolies.

#85

Off the Record / Re: World Cup 2026

Last post by HVC - July 08, 2026, 07:10:53 AM

Said it before, but I hate penalties. Should just keep playing 15 minute increments until someone wins.

It is kind of like if after an overtime basketball games were then decided by a game of HORSE.

 

#86

Off the Record / Re: World Cup 2026

Last post by HVC - July 08, 2026, 07:10:26 AM

There are indeed quite a lot of conspiracies flying around about trying to make sure Ronaldo, Messi and the US stay in as long as possible 

Even at their best play I don't think they could beat Belgium. And they definitely weren't at their best from what I saw. Despite Sheilbh's enthusiasm US still has a ways to go. But they were getting more exciting and better every tournament   Shame Trump had to taint them.

As for Portugal, you can have different views on the Croatia goal but if FIFA wanted them to win there were some jersey tugs in the Spanish box

#87

Off the Record / Re: US - Greenland Crisis Thre...

Last post by Valmy - July 08, 2026, 07:06:21 AM

Trump repeated his claim at the NATO summit of all places.

It is like his ballroom. He just cannot stop talking about it.

#88

Off the Record / Re: Who will win the 2026 Worl...

Last post by Valmy - July 08, 2026, 07:02:36 AM

A France vs. England final would be cool. We will probably get a 2022 rematch though, I hope for the opposite result.

#89

Off the Record / Re: Iran War

Last post by Valmy - July 08, 2026, 07:01:11 AM

And the war is back on! Or not. Or it is! Or it isn't.

Meanwhile we seem to be succeeding in our manipulation of oil prices through financial instruments so I guess Trump has that covered. Not sure how sustainable that is but I guess now we get to see how far we can take this.

#90

Off the Record / Re: What does a TRUMP presiden...

Last post by Valmy - July 08, 2026, 06:57:57 AM

$1,000 dollars of damage? Oh no! Did he steal some paperclips as well?

Anyway no way he gets convicted.

Got the feeling that Spain might do a france: stay part of nato but kick out the Americans. Others might follow

Spain should just ignore him. Trump just sort of says things.

Though all the Europeans should remove our bases. They just set up this kind of situation where said country gets to participate in bombing of someplace in the Middle East whether they want to or not and that strikes me as not really in the spirit of what NATO is supposed to be, which is a defensive alliance.