Ninety minutes from the end of the group stage, it is already possible to begin to draw a first assessment of the Europeans and, above all, project yourself to eighths. Not only will take part in these top 2 of all groupsbut also the 4 best thirds. How are these established? And how is the situation in this special ranking? Let’s get things in order.
CRITERIA – Out of 24 participants, 8 will pack their bags: they will be there 6 quarters more 2 third parties that won’t make the cut. What are the criteria? In order of evaluation, these elements are taken into consideration:
greatest number of points obtained in the group stage;
best goal difference in the group stage;
greatest number of goals scored in the group stage;
greatest number of victories in the group stage;
better conduct fair play of the group (each warning: one point; each expulsion for double yellow card or direct expulsion: three points);
best position in general ranking of the European qualifiers (or draw if Germany were involved).
THE RANKING – To date, the classification of the best thirds says:
Netherlands 4 (4:4)
Slovenia 3 (2:2) Slovakia 3 (2:2)*
Hungary 3 (2:5)
Croatia 2 (3:6)
Czech Republic 1 (2:3)*
*they still have to play their last match.
Holland and Slovenia are already certain to pass.
