Why Does the World Cup Have a Third-Placed Match, and How Does it Work?

Why Does the World Cup Have a Third-Placed Match, and How Does it Work?

We are at the semi-finals of the World Cup and that means one thing. There are 2 matches left. Now while everyone knows what one of those matches are, the other isn’t as know. The penultimate match will take place between the sides that lost their semi-final matches.

It’s always a bittersweet game to play as it gives the players one last send-off, however, reminds them how close they were to the final and lifting the dream of everyone pro footballer.

Why Does the Third-Placed Match Exist?

Well, it happens for a few reasons. One is so that they can see what the global standings and rankings for nations will be. The side that finishes 3rd will more than likely see them ranked as the 3rd best nation in the world. This is more of a pride than anything else.

The other reason and what is more important in the modern ecosystem of football is money. Adding an extra game between 2 sides that have gone deep into the tournaments will have views. While it won’t be close to the numbers the finals get, it will still get hundreds of millions of views and will bring in a vast number of profits.

How Does the World Cup Third-Placed Match Work?

This is the simple part. It is black and white. The sides that lose their World Cup semi-final draws will enter this match. It will be their last match and will be the game that they try and end on a high.

This summer the sides that we could see in it are France or Spain, and England and Argentina. One team from each side of the bracket will enter it while the others make the finals.

Do the Players Even Want to Play in a World Cup Third-Placed Match?

This is a question that is up for debate as there are 2 answers for this. One of them is that yes, the players do care. They are still at the biggest tournament in football and playing for the pride of their nation. While they can no longer win the end prize, they can still prove that they are the 3rd best nation on the planet.

However, that is one side of the coin. The other is no they don’t. They have been going through the pain of losing and semi-finals and not being able to get into the final hurdle. This pain isn’t something that goes away after a few days. Having to mend from a loss that painful and playing a game that rubs salt into the wound a few days later means that they probably don’t have much care playing the game.

Why Does it Exist?

Well in the end there are multiple reasons. When it first started it allowed nations to have some closure for the tournament and their run. It allowed them to win their last game rather than end it in heart break. It also meant that they would be recognised as the 3rd best nation in the world at football.

However, now, it is more focused on a profit and allowing FIFA to have a stronger financial gain. With an extra 90 minutes minimum and millions of viewers sponsors will have to pay more. While the other reasons still exist, the game doesn’t mean anywhere near as much to nations as it used to.