England play Belgium in the World Cup’s third-place play-off in St Petersburg on Saturday. Here, Press Association Sport looks at some details of the fixture.
Do teams take this play-off seriously?
What is there to gain?
Still hurting – but still smiling. #threelions pic.twitter.com/9DUFANJoPj
— England (@England) July 13, 2018
In theory, the title of third place in the World Cup is not something to be sniffed at but, in reality, both teams will be remembered in years to come as beaten semi-finalists, rather than bronze medallists. Outside of the Olympics, third place carries little weight in tournament football. However, there is extra prize money at stake. The third-placed team will take home £18million and forurth-placed £16.6million. And while some may see the game as little more than a friendly, it is a competitive international. The FIFA ranking points could also come in handy when it comes to future seedings.
Are there any other benefits?
But that aside, is there much enthusiasm?
Do all teams see it that way?
✅ First #WorldCup at the age of 30✅ Third place finish with Croatia ???✅@adidasfootball Golden Boot with six goals
Not bad, Davor Suker ? pic.twitter.com/IUPWhdSBtN
— FIFA World Cup ? (@FIFAWorldCup) April 22, 2018
No. For teams that have over-achieved in reaching the semi-finals, the fixture gives them an opportunity to end memorable campaigns on a high. In 1994 Sweden talked up the so-called bronze medal match and went out and crushed Bulgaria 4-0. For Croatia, finishing third in 1998, when they were still a new country, was a huge source of national pride.
Why was the fixture introduced?
Why does FIFA persist with it?
Has anyone made their name in this fixture?
The last #WorldCup Greatest Goals vote of the day is live on Facebook!
? for @Tim_Cahill ?? ❤️ for Nelinho ??
?️? https://t.co/xq8EJdf4c9 pic.twitter.com/7FNq0SEb0K
— FIFA World Cup ? (@FIFAWorldCup) April 1, 2018
A stunning curling goal from Brazil’s Nelinho in 1978 often makes World Cup highlights reels. People often do not realise that came in a third-place play-off. Turkey’s Hakan Sukur also made history in the 2002 fixture, scoring the fastest World Cup goal after just 11 seconds.
