Euro2024, the ranking of the best third-placed teams 90′ from the end of the group stage: the regulations

The picture towards the round of 16 of theEuropean it is gradually being completed. Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal they have already secured the pass for the round of 16, while in the other groups we still have to wait for the results of the last matches to decide the rankings. And an eye is also starting to fall on the best third-placed teams (4 out of 6 qualify), a ranking that could also be of interest to Italy.

Euro 2024, the criteria for the best third places

There are still 90 minutes to go that could change the script of the European Championship and many national teams are hoping to progress to the next round. In group A, Germany and Switzerland have closed the accounts (in addition to Portugal and Spain already first), while Hungary must hope that there are worse third-placed teams to reach the round of 16 of the tournament. But what are the criteria to take into consideration?

1. highest number of points obtained in the group stage;
2. best goal difference in the group stage;
3. highest number of goals scored in the group stage;
4. highest number of wins in the group stage;
5. best fair play conduct in the group (each warning: -1 point; each expulsion for double yellow card or direct expulsion: -3 points);
6. best position in the overall ranking of the European qualifiers (or draw if Germany were involved).

The best thirds for each group

At the moment it is difficult to give a stable overview, given the last day still to be played which could overturn everything in every group of the European Championship. For now, the ranking favors Austria, which has the best goal difference.

1. Austria 3 (3:2)
2. Slovakia 3 (2:2)
3. Hungary 3 (2:5)*
4. Slovenia 2 (2:2)
5. Albania 1 (3:4)
6. Czech Republic 1 (2:3)

*three games played played

But Italy could also be interested in this partial ranking.

Italy in the round of 16: the combinations

To Italy a draw is enough against Croatia (here are the probable lineups) to qualify as second in the group, regardless of Albania’s result against Spain. In case of defeat, however, at least a draw for La Roja against Sylvinho’s national team would be necessary to avoid elimination. Then from third the criteria listed above would be considered and at the moment the Azzurri have a goal difference of 0.

Italy in the round of 16:

• wins against Croatia
• draws against Croatia
• loses against Croatia and Albania does not win against Spain. But he would then have to wait for the definitive picture of the best thirds