As the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany progresses towards its climax, anticipation builds for the final showdown. Following the semi-finals, the focus shifts to the grand final in Berlin, where the new European champion will be crowned. However, unlike some other major international football competitions, Euro 2024 will not feature a third-place playoff match. The losing semi-finalists, like other eliminated teams, will simply exit the tournament. This raises the question: why isn’t there a third-place playoff at Euro 2024?
The Historical Absence of a Euro Third Place Playoff
The decision to discontinue the third-place playoff at the European Championships was made by UEFA after the 1980 tournament. In that year, Czechoslovakia and Italy contested the third-place match, with Czechoslovakia winning 9-8 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regular time. However, the match suffered from a lack of public and broadcaster interest, evidenced by low stadium attendance and television viewership. Consequently, UEFA opted to eliminate the third-place playoff from all future European Championship editions.
The Story of Bronze Medals at the Euros
Although the third-place playoff was abandoned, bronze medals were initially awarded to the third-place team up until 1980. Interestingly, UEFA revived the awarding of bronze medals, albeit to a different recipient, in 2008. At Euro 2008, and again at Euro 2012, bronze medals were presented to both losing semi-finalists. In 2012, this saw Germany and Portugal receive bronze medals despite not competing for third place. However, this practice was short-lived, and UEFA decided to cease awarding bronze medals altogether from Euro 2016 onwards.
Copa America’s Contrasting Approach: The Third Place Playoff
In contrast to the Euros, the Copa America tournament does include a third-place playoff match. The two defeated semi-finalists in Copa America compete for third place. The most recent Copa America third-place match in 2021 saw Colombia defeat Peru to secure third place. This highlights a difference in approach between European and South American football governing bodies regarding the value and relevance of a third-place contest.
Gearing Up for the Euro 2024 Final
While there will be no third-place game at Euro 2024, the excitement is focused on the final in Berlin. Spain has secured their place in the final after a semi-final victory over France, with goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo sealing a 2-1 win in Munich. They are set to face England, who reached the final by defeating the Netherlands, thanks to a dramatic 90th-minute winner from Ollie Watkins in Dortmund. The absence of a third-place playoff ensures all attention is directed towards the ultimate match, the Euro 2024 final, to determine the champion of Europe.
