Unlike the World Cup and some continental tournaments, there is no third place match in the European Championship, and the "Euro 2024" will not be an exception to this rule. The match, deemed unappealing by most football fans, will not take place. This means that France and the Netherlands will return home after their losses in the semi-finals of "Euro 2024" against Spain and England respectively, who will face each other this evening in the final at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.
The third place match has been absent from the UEFA European Championship for 44 years, specifically since the "Euro" edition hosted by Italy in 1980. In that edition, Czechoslovakia secured the last bronze medal in the European Championship after winning a penalty shootout 9-8 against the hosting Italy following a 1-1 draw.
Although Italy, the host country, participated in the third place match, the event garnered little interest, with low attendance and poor television viewership. Since then, ten European tournaments have been played without a third place match, unlike the FIFA World Cup and some continental tournaments such as the Copa America. The rationale for eliminating the third place match is sound, as after failing to reach the final, the last thing any losing team may consider is competing for a bronze medal. Upon reflection, gaining third place may be seen as a success, but just days after losing a semi-final to reach a major final, both players and fans lose enthusiasm and passion.
Based on this, UEFA justified its decision to cancel the "losers" match in the semi-finals of the "Euro," considering it unappealing and lacking interest, in addition to the pressure of match schedules.
