World Cup third-place play-off: the unloved match that can stir the soul — theguardian.com

The third-place play-off at the World Cup is notorious as the match no player wants to contest, no manager wants to oversee, and few punters want to watch. Its reputation is hardly surprising, as it is an unpalatable proposition for two disillusioned teams: a contest between two squads who have had their chance to play in the greatest game of all snatched away at the last, and just want to go home.

Read More