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Replying To katser: "A disgusting World Cup Final coming up.....horrible boring Spain coming up against Argentina who Spain "introduced " the language of Spanish amongst those innocent Argentine folk many many years ago!
Argentina to win their 4th World Cup." Looking forward to it now that we can relax.
Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2886 - 16/07/2026 22:37:20
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Good post. That was some bottle job by England.
We can relax now and enjoy hopefully a good game on Sunday. I have a great grá for Spain in general, a fantastic country. But Argentina winning wouldn't bother me either, they're some bit of stuff. Bucketloads of character." Sorry Lockjaw, I didn't read your post until I had posted mine. Copy and paste would have done.
Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2886 - 16/07/2026 22:39:08
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Replying To WanPintWin: "Correct. Tuchel will be the sole scapegoat and easy target, but the players themselves have to take a huge amount of the blame. They hardly put two passes together after they scored. Tuchel definitely made some poor calls also, but the players have to take the bulk of the responsibility.
There were 35 minutes left when they scored, and we had 9 minutes of injury time. Argentina had 88% possession in that time, which is staggering, and a large chunk of it in England's half in and around the box.
A bit of luck and they could have held out, and people would be hailing a backs to the wall performance. But they made a rod for their own backs by completely retreating.
Compare that to Spain who continued to be brave after scoring the first goal against France on Tuesday. They kept doing what they knew gave them the best chance and trusted themselves. They ended up neutralising France completely, got the second goal and were unlucky not to get another.
As with 4 years ago, people have questioned Argentina's quality. They're not going to overwhelm teams and will even struggle with teams they should be beating more comfortably, but that's not how to judge a team with their characteristics.
They are incredible battlers, will give a match to anyone and then have some real quality in key moments. This team has character in spades. How they dug in 4 years ago in the final when France equalised is still one of the most impressive things I've seen in soccer. Most teams would have folded in that scenario, but they actually got back on top in the game and the rest is history. Spain will be favourites, but I'd be surprised if they get anything easy on Sunday. I expect Argentina to give them a much bigger challenge than France did.
Looking forward to it." Gaelic Football has changed to the point where a corner back is expected to be as much an attacking player as a forward, but yet to your point, we are expected to believe that professional players paid millions but as defenders are still only expected to header the ball and hoof it out of defense. When it came down to it the players just were not good enough.
zinny (Wexford) - Posts: 2222 - 17/07/2026 06:57:51
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Watching Trump present the trophy to Spain will be glorious if it happens after what he said about Spain recently.
yew_tree (Mayo) - Posts: 12215 - 17/07/2026 09:09:57
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Replying To katser: "A disgusting World Cup Final coming up.....horrible boring Spain coming up against Argentina who Spain "introduced " the language of Spanish amongst those innocent Argentine folk many many years ago!
Argentina to win their 4th World Cup." I'm looking forward to the final, should be a good game, neither team will sit back. Plus, I had an e/w bet on Argentina to win the cup at the beginning.
Cockney_Cat (UK) - Posts: 2947 - 17/07/2026 09:20:34
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I've had a bit more time to digest the game the other night and for me, England's demise comes down to a fundamental issue in their psyche which affected them not only in this tournament, but in many others previously as well.
They have an obsession with World War Two and their role in it. Yes, we are all extremely thankful that they held out, and ultimately prevailed against the Nazi war machine. But it has adversely impacted their thinking across a number of areas in the decades since. If you think of the "spirit of Dunkirk" for example, it was a mad, brave, last ditch rescue attempt which saved thousands of lives. A very commendable effort for sure, made possible in part by civilians taking their non-military boats across the channel to aid in the effort.
Similarly with Brexit. Despite all factual evidence illustaring that it was/is an act of prfound economoic stupidity, the prevailing attitude seems to have been, "Old Blighty will be ok, we'll muddle on through and in time we'll come out on top because there's nothing we love more than a backs-to-the-wall job where we emerge victorious at the end"
I heard some of their main pundits saying that the Mexico performance at this World Cup was one of England's best ever and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. A fantastic result in a hostile environment for sure, but performance? It's not often I agree with Michael Owen, but what was hailed as a brave and heroic performance was anything but. Football bravery is not retreating and camping in your own box with Dan Burn heading everything away. Real football bravery is demanding and using the ball correctly in the hairiest of situations, and trusting your superior ability to see you through.
We saw it the other night again for the umpteenth time. England get ahead and immediately retreat into backs-to-the-wall mode. The trouble is it wasn't Mexico they were up against this time. It was an Argentina team with ferocious character, and oh - the best football player of all time. It wasn't his first rodeo playing against a low block.
They can go on about their Premier League and their superstar players all they want. But time and again, when the real pressure cranks up, they go into their shells and into survivor mode instead of grasping the nettle and playing to win.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 10426 - 17/07/2026 10:08:18
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Replying To Lockjaw: "I've had a bit more time to digest the game the other night and for me, England's demise comes down to a fundamental issue in their psyche which affected them not only in this tournament, but in many others previously as well.
They have an obsession with World War Two and their role in it. Yes, we are all extremely thankful that they held out, and ultimately prevailed against the Nazi war machine. But it has adversely impacted their thinking across a number of areas in the decades since. If you think of the "spirit of Dunkirk" for example, it was a mad, brave, last ditch rescue attempt which saved thousands of lives. A very commendable effort for sure, made possible in part by civilians taking their non-military boats across the channel to aid in the effort.
Similarly with Brexit. Despite all factual evidence illustaring that it was/is an act of prfound economoic stupidity, the prevailing attitude seems to have been, "Old Blighty will be ok, we'll muddle on through and in time we'll come out on top because there's nothing we love more than a backs-to-the-wall job where we emerge victorious at the end"
I heard some of their main pundits saying that the Mexico performance at this World Cup was one of England's best ever and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. A fantastic result in a hostile environment for sure, but performance? It's not often I agree with Michael Owen, but what was hailed as a brave and heroic performance was anything but. Football bravery is not retreating and camping in your own box with Dan Burn heading everything away. Real football bravery is demanding and using the ball correctly in the hairiest of situations, and trusting your superior ability to see you through.
We saw it the other night again for the umpteenth time. England get ahead and immediately retreat into backs-to-the-wall mode. The trouble is it wasn't Mexico they were up against this time. It was an Argentina team with ferocious character, and oh - the best football player of all time. It wasn't his first rodeo playing against a low block.
They can go on about their Premier League and their superstar players all they want. But time and again, when the real pressure cranks up, they go into their shells and into survivor mode instead of grasping the nettle and playing to win." I personally find our collective obsession with them losing a game of soccer a bit sad tbh.
And perhaps we should get our own economic problems,housing shortages and emigration under control before lecturing other nations about stupid decisions,especially when many of our people (some of whom i know) have moved FROM Ireland TO these countries.
Seniorleague (Galway) - Posts: 172 - 17/07/2026 22:22:06
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Replying To Seniorleague: "I personally find our collective obsession with them losing a game of soccer a bit sad tbh.
And perhaps we should get our own economic problems,housing shortages and emigration under control before lecturing other nations about stupid decisions,especially when many of our people (some of whom i know) have moved FROM Ireland TO these countries." To our own detriment, we follow their domestic game more than our own, and I'll admit I'm as guilty as any in that regard. But, we can't ignore our own history. Lets face it, if England ever do win another World Cup, a sickening and all too familiar sense of triumphalism will descend on even their most moderate of pundits. They just couldn't help themselves. Which is why so many, and not just in Ireland either, take such smug satisfaction when they consistently flop.
It's true as you say, we're hardly a model of fiscal planning ourselves. But I'd hope & pray we'd never inflict such a thing as a Irexit on ourselves. Consciously removing yourself from what's generally considered the world's largest and most integrated free trade area would be an inexplicable act of self sabotage.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 10426 - 17/07/2026 23:15:24
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Replying To Lockjaw: "To our own detriment, we follow their domestic game more than our own, and I'll admit I'm as guilty as any in that regard. But, we can't ignore our own history. Lets face it, if England ever do win another World Cup, a sickening and all too familiar sense of triumphalism will descend on even their most moderate of pundits. They just couldn't help themselves. Which is why so many, and not just in Ireland either, take such smug satisfaction when they consistently flop.
It's true as you say, we're hardly a model of fiscal planning ourselves. But I'd hope & pray we'd never inflict such a thing as a Irexit on ourselves. Consciously removing yourself from what's generally considered the world's largest and most integrated free trade area would be an inexplicable act of self sabotage." Don't think there's any danger of us doing that.
Seanfan (Roscommon) - Posts: 765 - 18/07/2026 12:00:09
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Replying To Seniorleague: "I personally find our collective obsession with them losing a game of soccer a bit sad tbh.
And perhaps we should get our own economic problems,housing shortages and emigration under control before lecturing other nations about stupid decisions,especially when many of our people (some of whom i know) have moved FROM Ireland TO these countries." They are a nation that still occupies part of the Irish national territory in 2026. Their occupation is a practical every day reality for Northern Nationalists. There should be a much greater determination on behalf of the Irish Government and the Irish population to put pressure on the British Government to set a date for a border poll which the British show no appetite to do.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael voted down a Sinn Fein bill on Irish unity in recent weeks for a green paper and a citizens assembly in a disgraceful move that finally ended any lasting claims of Fianna Fáil as "the Republican party". Look at how important the Malvinas are to Argentina and contrast the almost apathy there is in the Republic towards reclaiming the North.
In sporting terms an English World Cup triumph would be awful because they are a gloating nation full of own self importance. They are not ashamed of their evil colonial history, in fact they are proud of it. An English win would make them feel that the clock has been reset to a time when they were the preeminent World power. Additionally they don't deserve to win on sporting ability as their level of performances in so many games is absolutely dire over many international tournaments.
REDANDBLACK30 (Down) - Posts: 1763 - 18/07/2026 12:05:47
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Replying To REDANDBLACK30: "They are a nation that still occupies part of the Irish national territory in 2026. Their occupation is a practical every day reality for Northern Nationalists. There should be a much greater determination on behalf of the Irish Government and the Irish population to put pressure on the British Government to set a date for a border poll which the British show no appetite to do.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael voted down a Sinn Fein bill on Irish unity in recent weeks for a green paper and a citizens assembly in a disgraceful move that finally ended any lasting claims of Fianna Fáil as "the Republican party". Look at how important the Malvinas are to Argentina and contrast the almost apathy there is in the Republic towards reclaiming the North.
In sporting terms an English World Cup triumph would be awful because they are a gloating nation full of own self importance. They are not ashamed of their evil colonial history, in fact they are proud of it. An English win would make them feel that the clock has been reset to a time when they were the preeminent World power. Additionally they don't deserve to win on sporting ability as their level of performances in so many games is absolutely dire over many international tournaments." I appreciate this post and your politics. However, Sinn Féin has not done enough over the past 28 years regarding the united Ireland thing. Where are the peaceful mass rallies to mobilise the nation? I don't consider SF any more republican than FF, FG, etc. Doing a bit of talking in the Dail is not doing anything. They need to go all out Mahatma Gandhi style.
suckvalleypaddy (Galway) - Posts: 1813 - 18/07/2026 13:06:19
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Replying To Lockjaw: "To our own detriment, we follow their domestic game more than our own, and I'll admit I'm as guilty as any in that regard. But, we can't ignore our own history. Lets face it, if England ever do win another World Cup, a sickening and all too familiar sense of triumphalism will descend on even their most moderate of pundits. They just couldn't help themselves. Which is why so many, and not just in Ireland either, take such smug satisfaction when they consistently flop.
It's true as you say, we're hardly a model of fiscal planning ourselves. But I'd hope & pray we'd never inflict such a thing as a Irexit on ourselves. Consciously removing yourself from what's generally considered the world's largest and most integrated free trade area would be an inexplicable act of self sabotage." Fair post,most of which i agree with,and i know little of politics or economics,but sometimes i feel as if the European union leadership is populated by people who believe that gdp is the be all and end all.
Expanding economies and healthy balance sheets mean nothing when ordinary citizens arent benefiting from that wealth.
Despite our much vaunted economic progress,in many ways ireland is a worse place to live now than when i was a child( born in 1985),
Seniorleague (Galway) - Posts: 172 - 18/07/2026 14:02:12
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Replying To suckvalleypaddy: "I appreciate this post and your politics. However, Sinn Féin has not done enough over the past 28 years regarding the united Ireland thing. Where are the peaceful mass rallies to mobilise the nation? I don't consider SF any more republican than FF, FG, etc. Doing a bit of talking in the Dail is not doing anything. They need to go all out Mahatma Gandhi style." Yes I agree Sinn Fein could also have done more. They should be organising mass rallies, border poll protests etc. Yet there is a feeling that Sinn Fein and the other left wing parties want to do something but Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael want to do nothing.
After Brexit there should be momentum towards unity but only for Ireland's Future regularly hosting debates there is no actual planning for a United Ireland. Sinn Fein must also take their share of the blame for that.
REDANDBLACK30 (Down) - Posts: 1763 - 18/07/2026 14:12:34
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Replying To REDANDBLACK30: "Yes I agree Sinn Fein could also have done more. They should be organising mass rallies, border poll protests etc. Yet there is a feeling that Sinn Fein and the other left wing parties want to do something but Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael want to do nothing.
After Brexit there should be momentum towards unity but only for Ireland's Future regularly hosting debates there is no actual planning for a United Ireland. Sinn Fein must also take their share of the blame for that." You talk about mass rallies but how much enthusiasm is there for unity though?
Some projections estimate that within 25 years Ireland will.be predominantly "new Irish", meaning most people on this island will have had no long term history on the island and as such,understandably, wont be too invested in the whole cause.
Most natives i know are in favour of unity but really arent that bothered about it and those that are are motivated by a hatred of England rather than a love of Ireland or Irish culture,which is very unhealthy imo.
Seniorleague (Galway) - Posts: 172 - 18/07/2026 14:40:39
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Replying To REDANDBLACK30: "They are a nation that still occupies part of the Irish national territory in 2026. Their occupation is a practical every day reality for Northern Nationalists. There should be a much greater determination on behalf of the Irish Government and the Irish population to put pressure on the British Government to set a date for a border poll which the British show no appetite to do.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael voted down a Sinn Fein bill on Irish unity in recent weeks for a green paper and a citizens assembly in a disgraceful move that finally ended any lasting claims of Fianna Fáil as "the Republican party". Look at how important the Malvinas are to Argentina and contrast the almost apathy there is in the Republic towards reclaiming the North.
In sporting terms an English World Cup triumph would be awful because they are a gloating nation full of own self importance. They are not ashamed of their evil colonial history, in fact they are proud of it. An English win would make them feel that the clock has been reset to a time when they were the preeminent World power. Additionally they don't deserve to win on sporting ability as their level of performances in so many games is absolutely dire over many international tournaments." Is it just me but I have never spoken to one English person who would say they have anything in common with Unionists in NI. To be ashamed of something, you have to understand what they have done and to that extent there are very few and far between who understand what colonialism was. The English Government, Establishment and Media have forever had a one sided view of England's place in the world, which as a result if you are English and really want to know the truth you have to work very hard to find it.
My joy in seeing anyone but England win in soccer is not borne out of any dislike for the vast majority of English people (there are some I would have zero time for) or the belief that they are responsible for what happened in the past but rather the way that they on the baiting on the English media become so arrogant and superior when it comes to soccer and any glimmer of success.
zinny (Wexford) - Posts: 2222 - 18/07/2026 15:19:25
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Replying To Seniorleague: "You talk about mass rallies but how much enthusiasm is there for unity though?
Some projections estimate that within 25 years Ireland will.be predominantly "new Irish", meaning most people on this island will have had no long term history on the island and as such,understandably, wont be too invested in the whole cause.
Most natives i know are in favour of unity but really arent that bothered about it and those that are are motivated by a hatred of England rather than a love of Ireland or Irish culture,which is very unhealthy imo." Yes in polls there is a superficial attachment towards unity but the materialism of Irish people means it can generate no momentum as they put selfish self interest first ( support falls drastically when asked if they will pay higher taxes for unity).
In September 1913 poem the apathy of the Irish nation towards the nationalistic ideals of the past were lambasted by Yeats. An emerging Irish middle class were more interested in adding " the half pence to the pence" than Irish freedom. This all changed in 1916 and is reflected by Yeats in his Easter 1916 poem " a terrible beauty is born".
REDANDBLACK30 (Down) - Posts: 1763 - 18/07/2026 16:10:06
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Replying To zinny: "Is it just me but I have never spoken to one English person who would say they have anything in common with Unionists in NI. To be ashamed of something, you have to understand what they have done and to that extent there are very few and far between who understand what colonialism was. The English Government, Establishment and Media have forever had a one sided view of England's place in the world, which as a result if you are English and really want to know the truth you have to work very hard to find it.
My joy in seeing anyone but England win in soccer is not borne out of any dislike for the vast majority of English people (there are some I would have zero time for) or the belief that they are responsible for what happened in the past but rather the way that they on the baiting on the English media become so arrogant and superior when it comes to soccer and any glimmer of success." English people would have little in common with Unionists. Colonial history is not taught in schools but figures of the 45 trillion Britain stole from India during its occupation of the country have regularly been quoted in the British media. Anyone would rationalise theft on that scale as an evil empire at work? Yes the English media are as valid a reason as any for dreading an English win at the World Cup or Euros.
REDANDBLACK30 (Down) - Posts: 1763 - 18/07/2026 16:16:06
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Replying To REDANDBLACK30: "Yes in polls there is a superficial attachment towards unity but the materialism of Irish people means it can generate no momentum as they put selfish self interest first ( support falls drastically when asked if they will pay higher taxes for unity).
In September 1913 poem the apathy of the Irish nation towards the nationalistic ideals of the past were lambasted by Yeats. An emerging Irish middle class were more interested in adding " the half pence to the pence" than Irish freedom. This all changed in 1916 and is reflected by Yeats in his Easter 1916 poem " a terrible beauty is born"." What percentage of Nationalists in the North would be prepared to pay extra taxes in a United Ireland??
Seanfan (Roscommon) - Posts: 765 - 18/07/2026 16:44:01
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Replying To Seanfan: "What percentage of Nationalists in the North would be prepared to pay extra taxes in a United Ireland??" I would say also a lot of Nationalists in would not like to pay higher taxes either . Unionists will try to scare middle ground voters with the threat of financial catastrophe in a border poll (remember the British Government and Unionist groups in Scotland used similar tactics in their campaigns against Scottish independence) .
Approximately 25% of Sinn Féin voters and nearly 30% of SDLP voters-the two main nationalist parties-explicitly state they would switch their vote to against unity or abstain if it resulted in higher taxes and healthcare costs.
60% to 67% of voters in the Republic favor a united Ireland. Only ~31% to 41% remain in favor if tax increases are required. When asked about specific numbers, roughly 44% to 48% of voters in the Republic state they would be less likely to vote for unity if it left them €4,000 worse off per year.
REDANDBLACK30 (Down) - Posts: 1763 - 18/07/2026 17:33:34
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Replying To zinny: "Is it just me but I have never spoken to one English person who would say they have anything in common with Unionists in NI. To be ashamed of something, you have to understand what they have done and to that extent there are very few and far between who understand what colonialism was. The English Government, Establishment and Media have forever had a one sided view of England's place in the world, which as a result if you are English and really want to know the truth you have to work very hard to find it.
My joy in seeing anyone but England win in soccer is not borne out of any dislike for the vast majority of English people (there are some I would have zero time for) or the belief that they are responsible for what happened in the past but rather the way that they on the baiting on the English media become so arrogant and superior when it comes to soccer and any glimmer of success." Isn't the European Union choc full of nations with colonial pasts,and quite frankle a colonial present,some of them?
As an Irishman,and as such a citizen of the European Union should I be ashamed? Should you? Were you delighted to see Belgium knocked out of the world Cup? I could have picked a number of other EU nations as an example there.
Im not sure of the ins and outs but apparently the French are currently horrified at the prospect of Burkina Faso becoming a self governing nation, and if it succeeds and if it grows and becomes strong the Burkina Fasoinites will probably end up just usurping weaker nations nearby and exploiting them.
It is what it is.
Seniorleague (Galway) - Posts: 172 - 18/07/2026 18:21:31
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