As football continues to evolve with advancements such as goal-line technology, VAR (Video Assistant Referee), and recent trials of innovations, like the blue card and sin bin, one aspect remains constant: the presence of the third-place match in major tournaments.
A third-place playoff is universally regarded as an undesirable match for any team involved.
Questions often arise about why tournament organisers schedule such fixtures rather than allowing teams to regroup and return to their home countries or clubs.