As the UEFA European Championship progresses towards its climax in Germany, many fans new to the tournament structure might be wondering about the final stages. With the semi-finals concluded and anticipation building for the grand final in Berlin, a common question arises: Is There A Third Place Game In The Euros? This article delves into the format of the European Championship to clarify why, unlike some other major international football tournaments, the Euros does not feature a third-place play-off.
Why the Euros Ditched the Third Place Playoff
Unlike competitions such as the FIFA World Cup or Copa America, the European Championship opted to discontinue its third-place match after the 1980 tournament. The decision by UEFA, European football’s governing body, was primarily driven by a lack of public and broadcaster interest. Historically, the third-place play-off at Euro tournaments struggled to capture the excitement and viewership associated with the high-stakes semi-finals and the ultimate final showdown.
The last Euro third-place game took place in 1980, where Czechoslovakia and Italy battled to a 1-1 draw, with Czechoslovakia eventually securing third place after a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout victory. However, the low attendance at the stadium and disappointing television ratings signaled to UEFA that the match did not resonate with fans. Consequently, for all subsequent European Championships from 1984 onwards, the third-place play-off was removed from the schedule.
Bronze Medals: A Brief History at the Euros
While the third-place game is no longer part of the Euros format, there was a period where bronze medals were awarded. Initially, bronze medals were given to the third-place team when the play-off existed. Even after the game was eliminated, UEFA briefly revived the practice of awarding bronze medals, this time to both losing semi-finalist teams. This occurred at Euro 2008, where Turkey and Russia received medals, and again at Euro 2012, with Germany and Portugal being recognized.
However, this gesture was short-lived. From Euro 2016 onwards, UEFA ceased awarding bronze medals altogether. Currently, only the Euro champions and runners-up receive medals, emphasizing the tournament’s focus on crowning the ultimate winner.
Third Place Play-offs in Other Tournaments
It’s worth noting that the absence of a third-place game in the Euros is not universal across major international football tournaments. Both Copa America and the FIFA World Cup retain their third-place play-offs. For instance, in the recent Copa America, the two semi-final losers competed for third place. This contrast highlights that tournament organizers have differing views on the value and fan appeal of a third-place match.
Euro 2024: Focusing on the Final
As Euro 2024 progresses, the focus is squarely on the final match. Spain has secured their place in Berlin after a compelling semi-final victory against France. They now await the winner of the other semi-final between England and the Netherlands. With the third-place game absent, all attention is directed towards these top teams battling for the coveted European Championship title.
In conclusion, to answer the initial question: no, there is no third place game in the Euros. This format, adopted since 1984, streamlines the tournament to emphasize the journey to the final and the crowning of the champion. For fans seeking third-place action, they would need to look to other international competitions like the Copa America or the World Cup.
