That’s why there is no game for third place in the women’s European Championship

The game for third place is an integral part of World Cup – the European Championship will not be held, and also in 2025.

The first semi-final at the European Women’s European Championships in Switzerland has been played: Italy England prevailed in a dramatic semi-finals after extension against Italy. Then on Wednesday the second semi -finals Germany against Spain (9 p.m., live in the first and in the live stream on sportschau.de). Both teams want to go to the final against England – and the title.

Since 1993 no game for third place in a women’s European Championship

Anyone who loses from the two on Wednesday will have to go home. Because there is no game for third place. The last time was played out at a continental championship of women in 1993 when the tournament took place in Italy. Denmark hit Germany 3-1.

There had been a game for third place at the three European Championships before (1987, 1989 and 1991). Before (1984) and in the final rounds since then, third place is no longer played at the European Championships. For the two losing teams of the semi-finals, the tournament ends after the semi-finals.

Play for third place – mode of the women’s European Championship as with men

The mode at European women’s European championships is therefore analogous to men. The last time was played out in 1980. The game for third place was abolished from the UEFA in the course of a mode change.

But why? “The game was not considered attractive and has not been part of the euro since then“The continental association had announced before the Men’s European Championships in Germany last year at the request of the dpa news agency.

In contrast, the game has always been held at the world championships of women since the first edition in 1991.

In the Nations League, third place is played

Basically, the UEFA is not a stranger to such a game in modernity: the European Football Association shows bronze medals in the Nations League.

In the first edition among women 2023/2024, Germany won third place with a victory over the Netherlands. Depending on the season, the Nations League is also part of the qualification process for the European Championship, World Cup or the Summer Olympics.