Can you lose second place in the group due to a yellow card? Of course, just ask Sloveniawho had to settle for the best third place due to one of their managers, precisely Milivoje Novakovictechnical director of the national team and former historic Cologne striker. But why was the criterion of fair play considered? The European Championship regulations speak clearly and demonstrate once again how in similar competitions even the details make the difference.
European Championship, two national teams on equal points? The criteria
Denmark and Slovenia, after their respective 0-0 draws against Serbia and England, both finished the group with three points. And what was taken into consideration to decree the order in the ranking? Here are the criteria established by the UEFA regulation:
- Points made in direct clashes
- Best difference networks in direct clashes
- Greater number of goals marked in direct clashes
- Best overall goal difference in the group
- Highest number of goals scored in the group
- Discipline (applying these penalties: -3 points for each direct expulsion, -1 for each warning, -3 for each expulsion for double yellow
- Best position in the overall ranking of the European qualifiers (or drawing of lots, in case host nation Germany is involved).
- Penalty shootout
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP, THE GROUP RANKINGS
Denmark second and Slovenia third: here’s why
Both national teams concluded group C with three points. Their direct clash ended 1-1 and they scored and conceded the same number of goals, two. At this point the next criterion is fair play, linked to warnings and expulsions. At first it seemed like it was 6-6, but UEFA clarified that it was precisely “discipline” that was considered. What did it matter then? A yellow card received by Milivoje Novakovic, technical director of the national team, in the match against the Scandinavians. What would have happened if he hadn’t been warned? Nothing would have changed in terms of ranking because the next criterion, that of Ranking, would have rewarded Denmark anyway. The former Cologne player can calm down thinking about the scoreboard: in the round of 16 Slovenia will face Austria (even if they are showing great football), while Hoijlund and his teammates will face Germany.
