In a regular season football match, a player might hold back on a questionable slide tackle. They might ease up going into a 50-50 tackle. They might try and conserve their energy in spots. It’s a long season. Injuries need to be prevented. A tie will do just fine.
There is no such effort at caution or conservation in tournament football. It’s pedal to the metal for ninety minutes, because anything less, and you’re done; doomed to spend the cold winter with lots of time on your hands. Wondering what you could have done differently; what you should have done differently.