The third place playoff game is an interesting one. Are the players, understandably disappointed to have not reached the final, really giving it their all?
Some say the players should play to the fullest of their ability and take pride in finishing third and in playing for their country. I think for many others, though, it is just a dead rubber match that is overlooked with the final game of the tournament yet to be played.
Apparently, the officials fall into a malaise as well and start performing poorly.
In the 1990 World Cup third place playoff between Italy and England, Nicola Berti had scored a perfectly legal and legitimate goal, only for the linesman to hold up his flag for offside.
Berti, justifiably incensed, waved his arms around at his moment of glory being taken away from him. Replays did indeed prove that Berti was about 3 to 4 miles onside yet the linesman still raised his flag. Worst offside decision of all time? Quite possibly.