THE FUN FINAL?
The upcoming “Our hearts were elsewhere,” between France and England on Saturday in Miami may seem like a modern attempt to monetize the event, yet the third-place playoff has a long-standing place in World Cup history, despite being viewed as a match that few desire to participate in. The inaugural TPPO occurred in 1934, where Germany triumphed over Austria 3-2 amid a backdrop of complex geopolitical tensions. Fortunately, over the years, this fixture has transformed into a more entertaining spectacle — Brazil showcased their talent by defeating Sweden 4-2 in 1938, while France overwhelmed West Germany with a remarkable six-goal performance two decades later. That match saw Just Fontaine net four goals, joining the ranks of Thomas Müller, Davor Suker, and Toto Schillaci in using this game to boost their Golden Boot statistics — a strategy that Kylian Mbappé might consider against an England squad that appears to be struggling.
While the atmosphere of the third-place playoff can feel heavy and lackluster, it often turns out to be quite entertaining. The average number of goals per game is greater than in the final, and the TPPO has never been decided by penalties. But how significant is the outcome? Opinions vary. In 1982, France experienced a heart-wrenching semi-final loss to West Germany on penalties, leading to a lackluster performance just two days later against Poland. Alain Giresse reflected, “None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match.” However, Poland’s subsequent 3-2 victory marked their best-ever performance, having also secured the TPPO against Brazil in 1970. Several teams have achieved personal milestones through this match, including Austria, Chile, Portugal, Turkey, and Belgium, who clinched third place in 2018 with a 2-0 victory over a disengaged England, receiving a warm welcome upon their return home.
Despite the general distaste for this match, England seems to have an even stronger aversion. Their previous appearances have resulted in defeats — one against Italy in 1990 and another against Belgium in 2018. Not even Carlo Ancelotti would be surprised if England falters once more on Saturday, especially facing a formidable French attack eager to unleash pent-up frustration. Yet, if England channels some of their Azteca spirit rather than their Atlanta mindset, they might just secure their most successful men’s World Cup finish since 1966. So, let’s dig out Kobbie Mainoo, turn up the volume on Wonderwall, and get in the right frame of mind. What’s your take, 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”
Nevertheless, would a win provide Tuchel with some respite, along with a shiny bronze medal to flaunt as discussions about the Argentina game continue? The concise and the comprehensive answer is no. Yet, with only two servings left at this summer’s football feast, we’re still inclined to tune in.
LIVE ON BIG WEBSITE
Join John Brewin at 10pm BST (5pm EST) for live minute-by-minute updates as France faces England in the TPPO.
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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 spurred Football Daily’s anticipation ahead of 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 thoughts, please send letters to the.boss@. Today’s prizeless letter o’ the day goes to … Dave Butler. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, are here.
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