THE FUN FINAL?
This Saturday’s rebranded “Our hearts were elsewhere,” featuring France and England in Miami might appear as a commercialized venture, yet the third-place playoff has a significant place in World Cup history, despite its reputation as a match few wish to partake in. The inaugural TPPO took place in 1934, with Germany overcoming Austria 3-2 amidst an atmosphere rife with geopolitical tension. Thankfully, this fixture evolved into a more entertaining affair – Brazil made an entrance by defeating Sweden 4-2 in 1938, followed by France’s remarkable 6-3 win over West Germany two decades later. On that occasion, Just Fontaine netted four goals, later joined by Thomas Müller, Davor Šuker, and Toto Schillaci, who all used this match to enhance their Golden Boot tallies – a strategy Kylian Mbappé may wish to adopt against a weary England side in pursuit of an additional personal accolade.
While the third-place playoff carries a somewhat disheartened ambiance, it can also be quite exhilarating. The goals-per-game ratio exceeds that of the final, and remarkably, the TPPO has never concluded in a penalty shootout. But how much does the outcome truly matter? Opinions vary. In 1982, France suffered a heartbreaking semi-final loss to West Germany on penalties, only to exhibit a lackluster effort against Poland just two days later. Alain Giresse reflected on that experience, stating, “None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match.” Conversely, Poland’s 3-2 win allowed them to equal their best-ever showing, having also triumphed in the TPPO against Brazil in 1970. Numerous teams have achieved personal milestones through this matchup, including Austria, Chile, Portugal, Turkey, and Belgium, whose 2-0 victory over a disengaged England secured third place in 2018, celebrated with a warm welcome upon their return home.
Despite the general disinterest in this game, England appears particularly averse. Their previous two appearances resulted in defeats – once against Italy in 1990 and again against Belgium in 2018. Not even Carlo Ancelotti would be surprised if England falters again this Saturday, facing a formidable French attack eager to unleash their frustrations. However, if England manages to channel a bit of Azteca spirit and less of Atlanta’s, they could achieve their best men’s World Cup performance since 1966. Digging Kobbie Mainoo out of reserve, firing up Wonderwall, and getting into the right mindset are all part of the plan. What are your thoughts, Thomas Tuchel? “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” Even so, would a victory provide Tuchel with some much-needed leeway, a shiny bronze medal to showcase as journalists continue to dissect the Argentina game? The short answer, and indeed the long one, is no. Nevertheless, there are just two bites left at this summer’s football buffet, and we will watch it nonetheless.
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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 got Football Daily hungry before Didier Deschamps’ final game 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?” – Dave Butler.
“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?” – Phil Taverner
“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?” – Daniel Solomons
If you have any thoughts, please send letters to the.boss@. Today’s prized letter of the day goes to … Dave Butler. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, are here.
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