Have World Cup changes damaged the final round of the group stage?

The recent World Cup has seen eight teams entering the final round of the group stage with nothing to play for, sparking a debate on whether this has reduced the tension and competitiveness of the tournament. Critics argue that this situation undermines the integrity of the competition, questioning if the changes have made the games less meaningful. However, supporters of the new format maintain that it allows for more strategic play and can lead to more exciting and unpredictable outcomes in the knockout stages. This shift highlights the ongoing discussions about balancing competitive integrity with the evolving dynamics of international football.