Importance of the FIFA World Cup Third-Place Match: England vs. France
England and France Clash for Third Place
On Saturday, July 18, England, led by Harry Kane, will compete against France, captained by Kylian Mbappe, in the FIFA World Cup third-place match. This event is scheduled to occur at the Miami Stadium, kicking off at 2:30 AM IST on July 19. Despite the finals being arranged, Didier Deschamps, the head coach of France, expressed that neither team is particularly eager to participate in this match. He stated, "I have a responsibility for this game. It is not a friendly match; it is a playoff for third place." Deschamps emphasized that both teams feel compelled to fulfill this obligation, even if it is not as significant as the final. However, he also hinted that the match might not be as trivial as it seems.
Significance of the Third-Place Playoff
Contrary to Deschamps' remarks, the third-place playoff carries considerable weight. Here are some reasons why this match is more important than it appears:
Bronze Medals for the Winners
The team that secures third place will be awarded bronze medals. Croatia's celebration of their bronze medal victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup serves as a testament to the pride associated with this achievement. One of the two semi-final losers will have the chance to celebrate on the field a day before the final match.
Increased Prize Money
The team finishing in third place will receive $29 million, while the losing team will take home $27 million. In comparison, the World Cup champions will earn $50 million, and the runners-up will receive $33 million.
Opportunity for the Golden Boot
Goals scored during the third-place match contribute to the golden boot tally. Currently, Lionel Messi and Mbappe are tied with eight goals each. If Mbappe scores in this match, he could surpass Messi. Should both players end up with the same number of goals, the player with more assists will be awarded the golden boot.
Historical Context of the Third-Place Match
The inaugural third-place match took place during the second World Cup in 1934. Notably, the first edition in 1930 did not feature this match. Italy emerged victorious against Czechoslovakia in the final, becoming the first champions.