‘Not leaving empty handed’: Why the Matildas’ third-place battle really matters
Take France’s iconic men’s team of the 1980s. In the semi-final of the World Cup in 1982, they were up 3-1 against Germany in extra time only to concede twice and lose the match on penalties. Devastated by the defeat, they hardly trained for the third-place playoff and slumped to a 3-2 defeat to Poland two days later.
The battle of the neighbours was won on the field by Germany, but the match was far more memorable for the off-field drama and geopolitical intrigue.But on the field, the playoff does mean plenty. For one, it’s a final chance for players to get their hands on silverware – after all, a bronze medal is better than nothing. It’s worth mentioning that bronze medals are handed out since the World Cup was traditionally modelled on the Olympics, hence the four-year cycle.
Given the opportunity for players to claim the historic award, third-place playoffs are often thrilling and high-scoring encounters. “We’ll all get around each other, we’ll make sure that we’re ready to go for the next game because we want that bronze medal, it’s dangling right in front of us.” It’s a fraction of the men’s prize money for each player, but an extra $15,000 USD each for one more win is a nice reward!England golazo leaves stadium silenced | 00:32
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Matildas' World Cup semifinal is not about old rivalries, but new mythmakersAustralia and England have long-standing rivalries in men's sport, but for tonight's semifinal, how relevant are these old myths to these bright young teams?
Read more »
Sam Kerr’s stunning strike not enough as England end Matildas’ World Cup runA shattering 3-1 semi-final defeat to England has knocked the Matildas out of World Cup contention at Stadium Australia.
Read more »
Sam Kerr’s stunning strike not enough as England end Matildas’ World Cup runA shattering 3-1 semi-final defeat to England has knocked the Matildas out of World Cup contention at Stadium Australia.
Read more »
Sam Kerr’s stunning strike not enough as England end Matildas’ World Cup runA shattering 3-1 semi-final defeat to England has knocked the Matildas out of World Cup contention at Stadium Australia.
Read more »
Matildas' semifinal loss to England was not about the finish, but the runThe Matildas wanted to create their own Cathy Freeman moment. They did — but not in quite the way they expected.
Read more »
Extended interview: Why James Cameron may not direct the final 'Avatar' sequelTrusted and independent source of local, national and world news. In-depth analysis, business, sport, weather and more.
Read more »