The dignity of third place

It is interesting to see how the third place match was played at this World Cup. It is normal to see third-place play-off games with little spice, when the players do not seem keen to be there, but, in this case, Croatia fought hard to show they are still on the world stage, and Morocco were fighting to surprise their fans once again by trying to beat the 2018 World Cup runners-up.

In the end, Luka Modric's side got the better of them, as they passionately celebrated getting the bronze which, not only in this sport, but others too, is normally considered the dregs. The happiness of their job well done, which was ultimately brought about by 'defeat' but can be seen as a victory in a certain way as the culmination of a journey which shows the enormous efforts which they gave from deep down in their hearts, all from a small country with stellar footballing ability.

In Zagreb, a large welcome party for their international heroes was organised, who found themselves in the middle of a celebration thanks to their grand efforts far away from home. They did it four years ago, when they fell at the last hurdle against France. This time, it was the semi-finals, and against an Abiceleste side who, like the French once did, lifted the most coveted trophy of them all.

Modric, who is Croatia's main man, was overjoyed after getting third. The fact that such a leader of the sport thinks so highly of the bronze medal could be a turning point in how this prize is perceived, which, even if a lot of people are not favourable to it, still does not deserve to be put down. Several times, the work put in does not reflect results, so the Croats did not hold back from celebrating their achievement.