World Cup 2026

[Duque de Bragança]

Although in same ways Paraguay is the France of Latin America. The first leader of Paraguay was deeply inspired by the Rousseau, Robespierre and Napoleon becoming first the Consul and then the Supreme and Perpetual Dictator of Paraguay (I'm fairly sure there's a Vargas Llosa novel about him). And Paraguay, its military led by the Marshals of Paraguay, later decided to declare on most of its neighbours: Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay at once (which was absolutely devastating).

Even aside from the underdog element I've weirdly actually been to Paraguay for a very few short days so have a bit of a soft spot for them (although France is better as a tourist destination ).

Weren't all the independence movements in South America inspired by the French Revolution to some degree?

Well that and they were directly caused by Napoleon invading Portugal through Spain, then Spain while he was at it.

Fixed! 

[Duque de Bragança]

I can't decide if I want England to lose to Congo or Mexico   

Either will do.

Still, way too early to launch fireworks.

[Josquius]

Something I often ponder has come to me again.
Assuming we can perfectly copy players and there's no transfers. If we dropped international teams into the PL how would they do?
I do fear England would be basically Spurs.

[Duque de Bragança]

I'm afraid the Three Lions will tie the game, at least.

[HVC]

Something I often ponder has come to me again.
Assuming we can perfectly copy players and there's no transfers. If we dropped international teams into the PL how would they do?
I do fear England would be basically Spurs.

Wrexham. Lots of hype. Lots of media. More attention than it deserves

[HVC]

I'm afraid the Three Lions will tie the game, at least.

They're going into penalty dive mode.

[Josquius]

Textbook penalty for England surely there. :/

[Sheilbh]

I'm afraid the Three Lions will tie the game, at least.

Some fantastic saves and defending - particularly Wan-Bissaka.

[HVC]

Textbook penalty for England surely there. :/

Only if you give the yellow card to the turf

[Josquius]

Textbook penalty for England surely there. :/

Only if you give the yellow card to the turf

Keeper clearly grabbed Kanes leg.

[HVC]

Textbook penalty for England surely there. :/

Only if you give the yellow card to the turf

Keeper clearly grabbed Kanes leg.

He started going down after he kicked the ground. Thought he made contact with a player and started going down with Visions of a penalty kick in his eyes

[Sheilbh]

He started going down after he kicked the ground. Thought he made contact with a player and started going down with Visions of a penalty kick in his eyes

Dispute among the pundits Wayne Rooney agrees with you.

Edit: Also enjoy the optimistic chyron updates like "England hasn't won a knock-out World Cup game after conceding first since the 1966 final against West Germany"

[HVC]

He started going down after he kicked the ground. Thought he made contact with a player and started going down with Visions of a penalty kick in his eyes

Dispute among the pundits Wayne Rooney agrees with you.

Maybe I was wrong about good old Wayne   

[Sheilbh]

Chancellor Merz pushed back that the federal government should do more about addressing effects of climate change (pushing it onto the states and local governments) or that it should be "Chefsache" (i.e. priority topic handled by the head honcho); he "apologized" to a cancer patient who questioned his health policies and who he replied to rather insensitively by sending her an autographed photo of his ... and about the German defeat he tweeted: "Even though elimination hurts: What a game! With your commitment and team spirit at this World Cup, you have thrilled our country. We are proud of you."

Which created another backlash with "Which game?" trending. He later added "We celebrate our successes together. And in defeat, we stand together. That makes us strong. Whoever wears the eagle on their chest deserves our support, not our ridicule." Which didn't help much, because the damage was done. Satirical site Postillon wrote: "Merz explains his praise tweet for the national team: I certainly have empathy for millionaires."

Let's just say, he's not a Great Communicator.

I'm not sure what else he's supposed to say to be honest. "Shame about the result but you played and we're still so proud of you" feels like fairly standard comms. Edit: I'm not sure that the head of government laying into the team a la South Korea or giving us the benefit of his punditry is a better alternative here.

I saw some clips from I think Bild on the Guardian Liveblog about his comments - and combined with Matthaus talking about the WAGS it felt a lot like England 20 years ago

[Sheilbh]

Maybe I was wrong about good old Wayne   

Oh I think you'd get on He also said he thinks the defenders look bereft of confidence, the midfield aren't organised and if England don't score quickly they might go down 2-0.