The third place match of this World Cup was something else. Four goals from England in the first half made it seem that we were not going to see a close game, but France had something to say about it. We saw records matched and overcome, and two key goals in the Golden Boot race. This was the highest scoring match in this edition of the tournament — surpassing Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao. Here are our Observations from the third place match:
England should have played like this against Argentina
Much has been said this week about Tuchel’s decisions
to defend for the final 20 minutes of the semifinal against Argentina with only a one-goal lead and how it came back to bite them. For the first half, England did what they wanted and got four goals out of it. It made you think about what would have happened if England would have gone for a second goal against Argentina. Also, Bukayo Saka scored a hattrick but did not even feature in the semifinal.
Obviously there are holes in this argument because there is a big difference between a third-place match and playing against the reigning champions. Moreover, France ended up storming back with three goals, but when they brought it back within a goal, England pushed forward and earned a penalty goal and then a clincher from open play. A lot of what-ifs will haunt England players and fans for a long time.
Is anyone going to catch Kylian Mbappé’s World Cup record?
A brace from Mbappé brought his goal tally to ten — matching Gerd Müller’s record for a single tournament. This not only gave him a two-goal lead in the Golden Boot race; it also put him a goal in front of Messi for the all time World Cup record. It is hard to predict what will happen over the next eight years, but at just 27 years old, Mbappé has the record for most goals — pending tomorrow’s final — in just three World Cups. Who knows what he will be able to do with two more World Cups to play.
Olise was the best player in the World Cup without a goal
Bayern Munich attacker Michael Olise could not be stopped, except when it came to scoring goals. His two assists on Saturday brought his total to seven in the World Cup — surpassing Pelé for the most assists in a single tournament. Even when he did not record an assist, he created chances and made the passes that led to an assist and goal. He was brilliant throughout and Bayern fans cannot wait to see what he does for his club to build upon his superb performance throughout the season.
Upamecano made the difference in the second half
France leaked four goals in the first half while the Bayern defender watched from the bench. Rather than going with their normal centerback duo, Didier Deschamps went with a pairing that had never played together. Upamecano’s presence in the second half allowed France some stability in the back, allowing the team to focus more in the attack. This ultimately allowed France to bring the score back within one goal, before England eventually pulled away.
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