A BRONZE SHOWDOWN
This Saturday, the so-called “Our hearts were elsewhere,” between France and England in Miami may seem like a calculated marketing venture, yet the third-place playoff has a long-standing tradition in World Cup history, even if it is often viewed as a game that no one truly desires to play. The inaugural third-place playoff occurred in 1934, where Germany triumphed over Austria 3-2 amidst troubling geopolitical tensions. Fortunately, this matchup soon transformed into something more light-hearted – Brazil made a striking entrance on the global stage by defeating Sweden 4-2 in 1938, while France overwhelmed West Germany with a stunning 6-3 victory two decades later. That day, Just Fontaine netted four goals, joining the ranks of Thomas Müller, Davor Suker, and Toto Schillaci, who all used this match to boost their Golden Boot tallies – a strategy Kylian Mbappé might consider to outshine Lionel Messi against a weary England team.
While the atmosphere of the third-place playoff can often feel lackluster, it has the potential to be quite entertaining. The average goals per game exceed that of the final, and this match has never gone to a penalty shootout. But how significant is the outcome? That varies depending on whom you ask. In 1982, France suffered a heartbreaking semi-final loss to West Germany on penalties, leading to a lackluster performance against Poland just two days later. “None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match.” Alain Giresse reflected four decades later. “None of us wanted to play for this third place but we have no choice. We want to pay back our coach. He did so much for the France team. We must be grateful to him for that and we need to do everything we can to win this game … to get this chocolate medal, this bronze medal” Conversely, Poland’s victory that day allowed them to achieve their best-ever result, having previously won the third-place match against Brazil in 1970. Numerous teams have recorded their best-ever performances in this fixture, including Austria, Chile, Portugal, Turkey, and Belgium, who secured third place with a 2-0 win over a disinterested England in 2018, celebrated with a warm welcome upon their return.
No team seems to relish this match, and England appears particularly disenchanted. Having already lost their earlier attempts in this competition – against Italy in 1990 and Belgium in 2018 – the prospect of another defeat looms large. Carlo Ancelotti might not be surprised if England falters again on Saturday against a formidable French lineup determined to unleash their frustrations. However, if England can channel their performance to be more reminiscent of their Azteca glory and less of the Atlanta disappointment, they could achieve their best men’s World Cup result since 1966. So, let’s pull Kobbie Mainoo from the sidelines, play “Wonderwall,” and set the scene. What are your thoughts, Thomas Tuchel?
“None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match.”
Nevertheless, would a victory provide Tuchel with a moment of respite, perhaps a shiny bronze medal to showcase as journalists continue to discuss the Argentina game? The short answer, indeed the long one, is no. However, with only two matches remaining in this summer-long football feast, fans will surely tune in regardless.
WATCH LIVE
Join John Brewin from 10pm BST (5pm EST) for live, minute-by-minute updates as France takes on England in the third-place playoff.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“None of us wanted to play for this third place but we have no choice. We want to pay back our coach. He did so much for the France team. We must be grateful to him for that and we need to do everything we can to win this game … to get this chocolate medal, this bronze medal.”
– Ibrahima Konaté has captured the essence of Football Daily before Didier Deschamps’ final match with France.
FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS
“I seem to recall that the GWC has been hosted by three countries, who advanced to the same stage of the competition, making them at least equal as far as ability to compete is concerned. So, surely, any presentations at the final should be represented and handed over by Canada, Mexico, and USA USA USA, on behalf of FIFA, and not only by Donald Trump?”
“So Donald Trump will be attending the GWC final … what further imaginary award will Infantino pull out of the hat for him at the end? The Ballon d’Orange perhaps?”
“Re: naming the 2030 World Cup (Football Daily letters passim): split across three global power zones, it sounds like an Aldous Huxley dystopian vision. How about Brave New World Cup?”
If you have any letters, please send them to the.boss@. Today’s winner of the prized letter goes to … Dave Butler. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, are here.
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