Is anybody going to watch the 3rd place game?

Unfortunately, I won't have the privilege of watching this game, since I'm going to be in transit all day. I've often wondered though whether a game like this is needed? The reasons for having this game seem trivial. These include:

1) giving an opportunity for a player who lost in the semi a chance to win the golden boot (Klose will win it this year)
2) giving a team a chance to rise in the FIFA rankings (since performance in tournaments like these are what make up a major portion of the rankings)
3) giving lesser teams that lose in the semis (Turkey/Korea Rep. during the last tournament) a chance to enjoy the spotlight
4) gives some nations bragging rights (Sweden, Croatia and Turkey in the last 3 World Cups can solely claim they finished in 3rd place at the World Cup)
5) it is a World Cup tradition

However, given the nature of football in present times, doesn't the 3rd place game cause more harm than good? Many of the top flight players who lost in the semis may be too demoralized and fatigued to play this game, thus the quality suffers and the risk of injury is augmented. In a season that is already congested with fixtures, is a "friendly" game like this really necessary? The reward may not be as great to the top flight players to warrant this game.

Of course, I may be wrong. For teams like Portugal and Germany, this game could be a source of pride, and as we witnessed at the last World Cup, the game could be thrilling in its own right. However, I'll admit, this probably won't be a game that I'll be following, whether in transit or not.

I think the only 3rd place game I've ever watched was in 1986. I didn't really have a choice, I was 8 and my grandpa was watching it. I don't think I'm going to watch this one either. Both teams already get the bronze medals, don't they? The whole idea is silly, watching two teams that are completely deflated because they lost the biggest game of their lives just 3 days ago.

I'll probably watch.

I will watch it too.

Quality football game on tv on Saturday Night.

I`d be crazy not watch.

I will watch the 3rd place game like I have watched every other game from Germany (and a dozen of other games) - at the Public Viewing of our town cheering my lungs out together with 10k fellow Germans to support a great team.

If your team is in the game you HAVE to watch and hope.

If not, it's the second-last game of the World Cup. Then a 4 year wait awaits. I'll be watching. Go Deutschland.

I will definately be watching this game.

I'll watch because I have a man crush on Lahm.

Wait, that didn't sound good, did it?

Sounds better, than downloading Spice Girls songs to show the sentimental side in you.:lol: Well, scores are scores, even if it is a garbage goal.
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I'll watch. Most of the other stuff on German TV is pretty much equal to crap, anyways.

Definately, hope it is a good game.

I find the third place game to be pointless, but I'll watch it hoping Portugal puts on a decent performance and stays on there feet

The third place game should actually be better than the final since both teams will really be going for it and we should see some sparkling attacking football.

The final on the other hand is probably gonna be a 1-0 tactical borefest with the winner coming off a set piece.

I'll probably watch

Since I'm a Germany fan, I'll be watching for sure. Even if I wasn't though, I would probably watch. I want to soak up every last second of the atmosphere and magic of the World Cup before I start dreaming of 2010.

Watching for sure.

Both teams already get the bronze medals, don't they?

No. There wouldn't be much in playing the game if both teams got the medals. Only the winner will get the bronze.

Ill watch it hoping that it will be a great game because there's nothing to lose for either team. More often than not, the final itself is a huge disappointment because there's so much on the line.

I'll watch it. It will be an interesting match that will decide the 3rd place team and a duel between 2 good teams who played very well durong this WC. In other words a quality match between 2 great teams.

I've watched practically every match so far, and there's nothing to lose for the teams(the prize money from FIFA is equal for both), so I'll definitely see it. I'm sure the Germans will want a good finale for the home folks, and the Portuguese will want some redemption for coming up short in the attack end.

...I'll watch it hoping Portugal puts on a decent performance and stays on there feet
Good luck with that.

I'll watch if I can.

I'll watch. Germany wants to give the home crowd a good showing and Portugal can play wonderful football if they are in the mood.