A boring final and why FIFA should keep the third place game.

Ok, I would not comment the final apart to say that it was a very boring game that showed the limitations of Spain and saw Holland becoming a second Italy (cheating, faking, and fouling). Also, a symbol of the tournament, we saw very timid refereeing that killed the game. But that has been said hundred if not thousands of times since yesterday.

I will concentrate on the other game, the one that meant nothing, the one that was the best of the tournament. Germany-Uruguay had it all. It was a celebration of offensive football, both teams going for it all the time. Until the end they tried not to be boring and pushed. After Khedira’s goal, the Germans tried to control the ball and the game but were not able because Uruguay was throwing everything that them. They managed to get a free kick on the last action of the game and Forlan almost kicked it in, he hit the bar.

So one must asks himself the question why that game was better. Why did we saw two teams going full tilt at each other when in the final they were very timid? This is simple psychology. In the third place game, each team wants to win the game. Even if the coaches make bench players play, even if it is for the Golden Pineapple and even if both team are picking up after devastating defeats. Losing the game is of little or no consequences, there is little distinction between fourth place and not getting out of the group phase. So teams want to win and go at it with all their hearths.

In the final situation, stakes are so high that players go back to their old reflexes that have been hammered into them since they began to play the game. They do not want to win, they want not to lose. This is an important distinction. A team playing to win does all the moves necessary to maximize their chance to win the game, this include moves that, if not successful may result in a goal by the opposition. A team trying not to lose is on the other hand, minimizing the risks of seeing the other team score. Also they are looking not to be criticized, so they do what it is expected of them. Compare the ways Germany played in the semi against Spain and against Uruguay and you will see what I am talking about.

The Euro has abolished the third place game and rumor has it that FIFA is considering it. My hope is that things will stay as it is for the future and allow soccer fans to see the only game in which people are playing to win of all the World Cup.