While securing a top-two finish in their respective groups at UEFA EURO 2024 guaranteed a spot in the coveted round of 16, the competition was also open to the four best third-placed teams. This created an added layer of excitement and complexity to the group stage. Let’s delve into how these third-placed teams were determined and which nations successfully navigated this path to extend their EURO 2024 journey.
To understand the process, it’s crucial to know the criteria used to rank the third-placed teams. When multiple teams finish third in their groups, a specific set of rules are applied to identify the top four. These criteria, applied in order of priority, are designed to be fair and objective:
a. Points Tally: The most fundamental factor is the number of points accumulated in the group stage matches. More points mean a higher ranking.
b. Goal Difference: If teams are level on points, the superior goal difference becomes the deciding factor. A positive goal difference is advantageous.
c. Goals Scored: If the goal difference is also identical, the team that has scored more goals across all group matches gets the higher rank.
d. Number of Wins: If the tie persists, the number of wins achieved in the group stage is considered. More wins are better.
e. Disciplinary Points: In the event of a continued deadlock, disciplinary records come into play. A lower disciplinary points total is preferred, based on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials during all group matches. The point system is as follows: red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points.
f. European Qualifiers Ranking or Drawing of Lots: Finally, if all the above criteria are still tied, the position in the overall European Qualifiers rankings is used as a tie-breaker. In the unique situation where Germany, as the host nation, is involved in the comparison, the final decision is made by drawing of lots, ensuring absolute fairness.
Once the top four third-placed teams are identified using these meticulously ordered criteria, their path in the round of 16 is determined by a pre-set allocation system outlined in Article 21.05 of the official regulations. This allocation depends on which groups the qualifying third-placed teams come from, ensuring a balanced and pre-determined knockout bracket. The exact pairings are only confirmed once all group stage matches are completed and the best third-placed teams are confirmed.
EURO 2024 third place standings team Twitter
EURO 2024 Round of 16 Matches Featuring Best Third-Placed Teams:
Following the nail-biting group stage, the EURO 2024 round of 16 matchups were set, including those involving the best third-placed teams. Here’s a reminder of those key fixtures:
Sunday, June 30
- Match 40: England vs Slovakia (Gelsenkirchen, 18:00 CET)
- Match 39: Spain vs Georgia (Cologne, 21:00 CET)
Monday, July 1
- Match 41: Portugal vs Slovenia (Frankfurt, 21:00 CET)
Tuesday, July 2
- Match 43: Romania vs Netherlands (Munich, 18:00 CET)
All times are Central European Time (CET)
EURO 2024 third place regulations
Historical Performance of Third-Placed Teams in the EURO Knockouts
The inclusion of third-placed teams in the knockout stage is not a new concept, having been introduced at UEFA EURO 2016. Interestingly, in that tournament, Portugal, after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams by virtue of goal difference, went on an unprecedented run and ultimately lifted the EURO 2016 trophy. This remarkable achievement underscores the potential impact and unpredictability that third-placed qualifiers can bring to the knockout rounds.
At EURO 2020, Portugal once again found themselves in the third-place position but were eliminated in the round of 16. However, other third-placed qualifiers in EURO 2020 demonstrated stronger performances, with Czechia, Switzerland, and Ukraine all advancing to the quarter-finals. These instances highlight that while qualifying as a third-placed team might be seen as a less conventional route, it certainly doesn’t preclude a team from making a deep and impactful run in the tournament. For EURO 2024, all eyes will be on these best third-placed teams to see if they can replicate or even surpass the successes of their predecessors and potentially become the dark horses of the knockout stage.
In conclusion, the “best 3rd place” format adds an intriguing dimension to the EURO 2024 tournament, offering a second chance for teams and often leading to captivating and unexpected narratives in the knockout phase. Football fans eagerly anticipate how these third-placed teams will fare and whether any can emulate Portugal’s EURO 2016 triumph.
