The Sweet Spot

World News Australia's Robert Grasso analyses the week in sport. Follow @RobertGrasso

When only the (third) best will do

18 October 2011, 15:48 PM | Source:

As the Wallabies prepare for their Rugby World Cup Bronze medal match against Wales this Friday, SBS Sports Presenter Robert Grasso asks the question: Is the match for third-place the most pointless game in world sport?

When only the (third) best will do

When only the (third) best will do

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Someone once told me a compromise is an agreement between two losers. Ironically, this particular individual was recently sacked by his A-League club after failing to reach one.
 
However the comment made me think. Are World Cup Bronze medal games a complete non-event? A compromise for two vanquished semi-finalists? A cynical money-making exercise for tournament organisers which the players care less about than the fans themselves?
 
Interestingly,  European Football’s governing body, UEFA, last held a third place play-off in 1980.
 
The same can’t be said for the FIFA World Cup. In fact, arguments can be raised for its legitimacy. Especially if you’re a player vying for the Golden Boot award for the tournament’s most prolific striker.
 
Just ask Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci in 1990 or Thomas Muller who at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa secured the honour after scoring for Germany against Uruguay in Port Elizabeth.
 
But maybe I’m being a bit too cynical.

After all, Sweden’s national side was given a fighter escort and paraded through Stockholm to rapturous applause upon coming third at the 1994 World Cup. The result obviously meant something. Even if the medal was Bronze.

RELATED: Watch a 1994 tribute to Sweden on YouTube

Fool's Gold perhaps? Not judging by the euphoria.

Publicly, Robbie Deans’ squad is saying all the right things ahead of their match at Eden Park. Privately, one wonders.

RELATED: Sportal.co.nz - Third place playoff good distraction

So for all of you who do care, behold, the third-place winners at the FIFA World Cup and the Rugby World Cup.
 
US Astronaut Buzz Aldrin was right.
 
Nobody remembers the second man on the moon
 
Even fewer remember third.

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Your Comments

money making exercise

sam - from perth, 7 months ago

The third place playoff just gives organisers another chance to take more gate earnings. everyone knows they're often non-events. nothing to play for, but hey, FIFA has persisted with them since 1930. go figure

Waste of Time

Gerry - from Sydney, 7 months ago

Agree Robert. Waste of Time. Waste of effort. Care factor: Zero. So why do FIFA and the IRB persist?