The goals, minute by minute
- 3'Declan RiceGoal · 0-1
- 18'Ezri KonsaGoal · 0-2
- 37'Bukayo SakaGoal · 0-3
- 45'+1'Bukayo SakaGoal · 0-4
- 48'Kylian MbappéGoal · 1-4
- 54'Bradley BarcolaGoal · 2-4
- 66'Kylian MbappéGoal · 3-4
- 87'Bukayo SakaPenalty · 3-5
- 90'+6'Ousmane DembéléGoal · 4-5
- 90'+8'Jude BellinghamGoal · 4-6
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
France (0-2 to Spain) vs England (1-2 to Argentina) · the third-place play-off, in Miami
Team level
France: attacking firepower intact (Mbappé, Dembélé) and a defence only Spain managed to break. The doubt is emotional.
England: a huge Bellingham all tournament long and Kane's instinct. They left angry at how the semi slipped away.
Key factors
- Third-place play-offs tend to be open: less tactical pressure, more space.
- With Mbappé and Dembélé vs Bellingham and Kane, the attacking arsenal promises goals.
- One individual moment could settle it, or, once again, penalties.
Prediction
Result in 90': 2-2 (alternative: 2-1 France)
- France win: ~40%
- Draw: ~30%
- England win: ~30%
Third place: France (~52%)
Player to watch: Kylian Mbappé, class enough to decide it on his own.
Final verdict, Confidence: low
France is the narrowest of favourites on pedigree and attacking depth, but the third-place match
is an emotional lottery: the energy each side brings to a consolation prize matters more than the
names on the team sheet. An inspired Bellingham could flip it without trouble.