Euro 2024 will skip the tradition of a third-place play-off, a departure from the World Cup format that usually includes such a match.
The last time a Euro Championship featured a match to determine third place was in 1980, where Italy hosted and Czechoslovakia emerged victorious in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
While some may miss the opportunity for teams like France to compete for the figurative bronze on the podium, the decision reflects a trend towards lessening the stakes in this regard.
France’s campaign in Euro 2024 ended with a defeat to Spain, marking a disappointing exit for Didier Deschamp’s side after a tournament marked by defensive solidity but offensive struggles, scoring only one goal from open play across six matches.
Spain, having secured a spot in the final, now has a shot at claiming the Euro 2024 title, while France will not participate in a third-place play-off.
In contrast, the World Cup tradition involves the losing semi-finalists battling for the honour of finishing third, though no physical bronze medals are awarded.
The absence of a third-place play-off in Euro 2024 continues a trend that has persisted for over four decades, reflecting a shift away from additional matches that historically saw lower TV ratings and stadium attendance.