We look back through the records to some of the most cherished bronze medals matches that the FIFA World Cup has to offer ahead of Croatia’s match versus Morocco on Saturday, December 17 in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 third-place play-off.
1998: Croatia 2-1 Netherlands
In this year’s play-off, Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia team will compete in the hopes of repeating the achievement of 1998. When Miroslav Blazevic’s team faced the Netherlands in the Parc des Prince.
Robert Prosinecki twisted Arthur Numan on the edge of the box and shot past Edwin van Der Sar after only 14 seconds. Boudewijn Zenden then equalised with a fierce 25-yard shot.
1990: Italy 2-1 England
For forwards wanting to score a pivotal goal in their pursuit of individual glory, the third-place play-off is frequently a fruitful hunting field. And Italia ’90 was no exception for Salvatore Schillaci. The Czech Republic’s Tomas Skuhravy and the super-sub turned starter against England both had five goals each in the competition.
1958: France 6-3 West Germany
Even though Didier Deschamps’ team is now a two-time World Champion, the French will always remember their first trip to the podium. When they faced off against West Germany in the most exciting bronze medal game ever. Just Fontaine, who led Les Bleus and had already set a tournament record with nine goals, used the play-off to cement his legacy.
2010: Uruguay 2-3 Germany
Following their thrilling quarterfinal match with Ghana in South Africa, La Celeste was accustomed to drama, and their play-off match with Germany at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was no exception.