The way certain counties finish makes the difference (3)
I believe the answer is:
sex
'the difference' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'the way certain counties finish' is the wordplay.
'the way' becomes 's' (Compass direction - South).
'certain counties finish' becomes 'ex' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
's'+'ex'='SEX'
'makes' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sex that I've seen before include "This symbol is epitome of glamour" , "Expert in the treatment of coital problems" , "VI (Lat.); m. or f." , "Gender" , "Hanky-panky" .)