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A history of third place:
Brazil vs Netherlands World Cup 2014: A history of the third-place
play-offs...
Brazil will contest the Netherlands in Saturdays third place play-off
match, with much criticism directed at the credibility and importance of
third place play-off matches.
Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal recently called for Fifa to scrap
the third and fourth place play-off matches, blaming the affects a
potential loss could have on his players.
With the credibility of the third-place off match called into
question, heres a good time to look into some of the best moments and
matches in the history of the third place play-off.
* 1958: France vs Germany
France faced Germany in a thrilling third place play-off encounter,
which saw Frances Just Fontaine net in four goals in Frances 6-3 win
over bitter rivals West Germany.
In terms of excitement, this match has no equal. Only in 1982, which
saw Hungary despatch El Salvador 10-0, has more goals been scored in a
World Cup match.
* 1974: Brazil vs Poland
With the loss of key players Pelé, Gerson, Carlos Alberto Torres,
Tostão and Clodoaldo, Brazil looked nothing like the magical 1970 team,
although Zagallo was still their manager.
Brazils decline came into fruition in 1974 who, after being steam
rolled by the Dutch, were no match for Poland and finished the
tournament in fourth.
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* 1978: Italy vs Brazil
With the score 1-0 in favour of the Italians, Brazil equalised
following a wonder strike from Nelinho. Brazil went on to win the match,
and claim third spot, 2-1.
However, this particular match has been cemented in history due to
the brilliance that was Nelinhos strike, which has been regarded as one
of the best World Cup goals.
* 1998: Croatia vs Argentina
Going into the third place play-off encounter, Croatias Davor uker
was level on five goals with Argentinas Gabriel Batistuta and Italys
Christian Vieri. The Croat put in a match winning performance, and
netted the winner to secure a famous third-place for Croatia, and claim
the golden boot for himself.
2006: Germany vs Portugal
The hosts involvement in the third place play-off encounter certainly
enhanced the matchs general appeal. Germany played a high tempo match,
with the hosts scoring three goals in 20 minutes with the help of
21-year-old midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. His first goal beat the
Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo with sheer pace.
The German did not stop, and netted his second goal, which swerved
away to the keeper’s left, in the 78th minute. |
