Little of great consequence rides on World Cup third/fourth place play-offs, but they often produce decent games.
With nothing at stake, and nothing to lose, teams often throw caution to the wind, perhaps fielding a few fresh, young players and as a result, we usually get a few goals.
Hakan Sukur scored after 11 seconds in 2002 and four further goals followed as Turkey beat South Korea 3-2.
Germany scored three times in 20 minutes to beat Portugal 3-1 four years later and last time round Germany won again, beating Uruguay 3-2 as the goals flowed.
But both sides have come out and criticised the fact that a third/fourth place play-off is even being played. They may have a point.
It is not as if the top three sides automatically qualify for the next World Cup – even the runners-up will have to qualify. It’s not as if the third-placed side gains entry to the Confederations Cup either.
You have to feel for the players as well. Brazil were humiliated by Germany in their 7-1 semi-final defeat and the last thing they probably want to do is face their public again.
The Netherlands were taken all the way to penalties by Argentina, an experience which will have left them physically and emotionally drained.
If history often forgets who finishes second, then who finishes third are seldom afforded more than a footnote.
England fans remember their penalty shootout to West Germany in 1990, not the gallant 2-1 defeat to Italy in the play-off. Can you tell me who finished third in USA in 1994 without checking? Was it Croatia or the Netherlands in 1998?
Unlike other sports such as cricket and hockey, rankings are not defined exclusively by World Cup performances, so there is a very strong case for not bothering with this largely meaningless, almost non-competitive match.
So, while in any other circumstances a Brazil-Netherlands clash would be one to saviour, tonight’s isn’t one of them. Yes, there may be some goals, yes, we may be entertained, but it is little more than the supporting act for tomorrow’s main event.
No predictions from me, other than we’ll probably see at least a couple of goals.