THE FUN FINAL?

Saturday’s updated “bronze final” pitting France against England in Miami could appear as a fresh, Gianni-style push to extend the event, yet the third-place playoff forms a regular part of World Cup lore, even though it stays the fixture sides least wish to contest. The first TPPO arrived in 1934, Germany overcoming Austria 3-2 in a contest wrapped in shadowy political tensions. Before long the game shifted toward a lighter tone – Brazil announced itself with a 4-2 win over Sweden in 1938, and France netted six past West Germany in a nine-goal spectacle two decades later. Just Fontaine claimed four that afternoon, later joined by Thomas Müller, Davor Suker and Toto Schillaci in leveraging the match to improve Golden Boot numbers – an approach Kylian Mbappé may pursue against a weary England side to edge Lionel Messi for another personal prize.

Yes, the third-place playoff can carry a tired, drained atmosphere, yet it can also deliver entertainment. The goals-per-game rate exceeds that of the final, and the TPPO has never reached penalties. Still, does the outcome count? It varies by viewpoint. In 1982 France fell in a memorable semi-final shootout to West Germany, then showed little interest versus Poland two days afterward. “Our hearts were elsewhere,” Alain Giresse noted four decades later. “We had pulled the plug.” Conversely Poland’s 3-2 success allowed them to equal their finest showing, having also claimed the TPPO against Brazil in 1970. Numerous sides have reached a fresh peak through this game, among them Austria, Chile, Portugal, Turkey and Belgium, whose 2-0 win over a disengaged England secured third place in 2018 plus a warm welcome on return.

Even if no side or player truly relishes the fixture, England enjoy it even less than most. Their two earlier outings finished in loss – to Italy in 1990 and the Belgium encounter in 2018. Not even Carlo Ancelotti would blink if England fall short again on Saturday against a star-studded France forward line keen to vent frustration on any opponent. Yet if England can echo Azteca more than Atlanta, their strongest men’s World Cup result since 1966 remains possible. So retrieve Kobbie Mainoo, cue Wonderwall and prepare. What is your view, Thomas Tuchel? “None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match.” Indeed. Still, would success grant Tuchel extra leeway, a bronze medal to cite while questions persist about the Argentina tie? The brief and extended reply is no. With only two servings remaining at this extended football feast, we will tune in regardless.

LIVE ON BIG WEBSITE

Join John Brewin from 10pm BST (5pm EST) for rapid minute-by-minute reports from France 3-1 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 stirred Football Daily appetites ahead of Didier Deschamps’ last outing 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?” – Dave Butler.

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?” – Phil Taverner

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?” – Daniel Solomons

If you have any, please send letters to the.boss@theguardian.com. 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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