Deschamps' last dance, Mbappe's record chase give unwanted third-place game an edge

The World Cup's third-place playoff match, often seen as a consolation prize, carries significant weight for both France and Croatia. For France, the game could mark the "last dance" for manager Didier Deschamps, whose future with the team is uncertain after a disappointing semi-final exit.

Deschamps, who led France to victory in 2018 and reached the final in 2022, might be managing his final game. This adds an emotional layer to the match, as players may seek to send him off with a win.

Meanwhile, French star Kylian Mbappé has a chance to etch his name further into the record books. He is on the verge of breaking a scoring record, and this match presents a final opportunity to achieve that milestone in the current tournament.

Despite the sting of not reaching the final, the match offers both teams a chance to salvage pride and end their World Cup campaigns on a positive note. It's an opportunity for players to showcase their talent one last time and for the teams to demonstrate their resilience.