England and Belgium will take to the World Cup stage in Russia for the final time on Saturday afternoon in the cruellest game of the tournament.
The beaten semi-finalists will battle it out in St Petersburg for the honour of finishing in third place, but will there be anything other than pride at stake?
Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at previous play-off games and how the participants have fared at the next finals.
German efficiency
Posted by FIFA World Cup on Friday, July 13, 2018
False dawn?
Last night hurt and will for a while but we must take positives from the last few weeks and look forward to the future.What a great set of @England teammates and staff, it’s been a journey we can be proud of. Thank you to all the fans out here and back home for your support??? pic.twitter.com/Aw43gMvg4K
— Kieran Trippier (@trippier2) July 12, 2018
England’s performances with a young squad in Russia have given rise to optimism that they will be even better when the world’s best reconvene in 2022, but history suggests that is by no means a foregone conclusion. Six sides to have finished third – France in 1958 and 1986, Portugal in 1966, Sweden in 1994, Turkey in 2002 and Holland four years ago – have not qualified for the next finals, while fourth-placed Austria in 1934, Uruguay 20 years later, Yugoslavia in 1962, England in 1990 and the Dutch at the next finals suffered the same fate.
But the good news is…
Unlucky losers
Hoy más que nunca orgulloso de mis compañeros y de ser uruguayo!! Y gracias a todo el país por apoyarnos siempre!!! Les puedo asegurar que nuestro mayor trofeo es el respeto y cariño de ustedes!! De parte de este grupo gracias una vez más!!! pic.twitter.com/rVGAPr95ea
— Diego Godín (@diegogodin) July 6, 2018
Uruguay may have lifted the World Cup on two occasions, but their track record after only just missing out on a place in the final is less impressive. They have appeared in the third-place match on three occasions and lost each time – 3-1 to Austria in 1954, 1-0 to Germany in 1970 and 3-2 to the same opposition in 2010.
Home comforts
Form guide 2018
?? 45 ??Happy Birthday coach ! Share your B-Day wishes here ?#REDTOGETHER ??
Posted by Belgian Red Devils on Friday, July 13, 2018
