The Bronze Medal's Golden Curse The third place play off, or "Bronze Final," has become an unwelcome fixture on the World Cup calendar.
It's a match that neither team wants to play, yet FIFA insists is necessary for its bureaucratic purposes. For England and France, Saturday's encounter in Miami will be the latest chapter in this awkward ritual.
Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, commented on Friday that playing in the tie was initially unappealing but then emphasized the opportunity it presented.