Why There Is No Third Place Play-Off In Euro 2024?

As Euro 2024 comes to a close, there will be no third place play-off.

Euro 2024 Edited by Updated: Jul 12, 2024, 4:42 pm
Why There Is No Third Place Play-Off In Euro 2024?

Why There Is No Third Place Play-Off In Euro 2024? (image-instagram/euro2024)

The much-anticipated Euro 2024 is nearing its final showdown. The unbeaten Spain side will take on England on Monday, July 15 in the final to be held at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.

In the tournament journey, the Netherlands was knocked out by England while France lost to Spain in the semifinals and had to leave the finals empty-handed as there is no third-place playoff in Euro.

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The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) scrapped the idea after the 1980 tournament held in Italy. The last third-place play-off ended with the host losing for 9-8 penalties to Czechoslovakia following a 1-1 draw.

However, there was barely any interest in the game with the TV audience down. The attendance ground too was low, even though the host nation was playing.

Moreover, after missing out on the final, the last thing any team would want to do is to compete for the bronze medal.

Ever since the scrapping of the match, ten European Championships were played without a third-place play-off. However, Copa America and FIFA World Cup have a third-place match.

And thus, in the Euro 2024, the only game left in the tournament is the final which is going to be played in the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 14.

Before beginning a new chapter at Real Madrid, French Captain Mbappe would head for holidays.

While Euro 2024 ended in heartbreak for both France and Netherlands, England and Spain have reached the finals. Spain has been the overwhelming favourite for the match, simply because they have been the most impressive team at Euro 2024.

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The Spaniards have been in superb form, overcoming Germany and the French en route to the final. Meanwhile, England, though weren’t able to put on an impressive show, they have found their way to the finals. However, the Three Lions will have to up their game if they are to lift their first international trophy since 1966.