Euro 2024: Why France Won’t Play in Third-Place Playoff Despite Elimination by Spain

• Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo scored a goal apiece to help Spain breeze past France in the first Euro 2024 semi-final
• Didier Deschamps' side had taken an early lead after a maskless Kylian Mbappe set-up Randal Kolo Muani
• France's time in Germany is now over, as they won't play in the third-place playoff game as often seen in the World Cup

France's campaign at Euro 2024 ended in a bitter taste after Spain outclassed them in the semi-final on July 9.

Despite going behind early to a Randal Kolo Muani header, Spain maintained their composure to win the game 2-1 and book their place in the Sunday final.

16-year-old genius Lamine Yamal equalised proceedings with a delightful curling finish. Yamal became the youngest goalscorer in Euro championships history.

Dani Olmo won the game for Luis de la Fuente's side to send Kylian Mbappe and co, packing.

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Is there a third-place playoff at Euro 2024?

Ordinarily, as often seen in the World Cup, the losing semi-finalists often play in the third-place playoff match. It is a game that no one usually wants to play in for obvious reasons but at least there is an assurance of a bronze medal at the end of the game.

The 2022 World Cup saw Croatia defeat Morocco to claim a podium finish after both of them had lost to Argentina and France, respectively.

However, the European Football Championships do not have a third-place playoff and thus Les Blues' campaign in Germany is over.

Why France won't play at Euro 2024 third-place playoff

The game hasn't been played at the Euros since 1980 when UEFA made the executive decision to scrap it. That year saw the hosts, Italy, lose to Czechoslovakia in a dramatic penalty shoot-out after a one-all draw in normal time.

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As reported by 90MIN, the reasoning UEFA gave then was the low stadium attendance and poor television revenues, which did not make sense from a revenue standpoint.

What next for France players after Euro 2024 exit?

It, therefore, means that we have seen the last of France in Germany. Mbappe would depart for holidays before beginning a new chapter at Real Madrid as Olivier Giroud heads stateside after signing for Los Angeles FC.

Spain, meanwhile, will await the winner between England and the Netherlands for a chance to win its first Euro trophy since 2012.

Ronaldo's influence at Euro 2016 questioned

At the same time, Briefly.co.za has reported that Cristiano Ronaldo's influence at Euro 2016 has been dismissed by his former teammate Jose Fonte.

Ronaldo historically won his first silverware with Portugal when they beat France in the 2016 final.

The skipper was withdrawn early from the game due to an injury. He joined his coach, Fernando Santos, on the touchline when the game went into extra time.

Source: TUKO.co.ke