While securing a top-two finish in their groups guarantees passage to the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16, the drama doesn’t end there. The four best third-placed teams also earn a coveted spot in the knockout stage, adding another layer of excitement and complexity to the tournament. This article breaks down how these crucial third-place slots are determined and who were the lucky teams to advance in EURO 2024.
How UEFA EURO 2024 Decides the Best Third-Place Teams
The process for selecting the best third-placed teams is based on a clear set of criteria, ensuring fairness and sporting merit. When multiple third-placed teams are vying for those final spots, UEFA applies the following ranking system, in order of priority:
a. Points: The most fundamental factor is the number of points accumulated in the group stage. More points mean a higher chance of qualifying.
b. Goal Difference: If teams are level on points, goal difference becomes the tie-breaker. A superior goal difference reflects stronger performance across the group matches.
c. Goals Scored: If goal difference is also identical, the team with more goals scored gets the nod. This rewards attacking play.
d. Wins: The number of wins achieved in the group stage is the next criterion. More wins indicate consistent performance.
e. Disciplinary Points: Fair play is also considered. A lower disciplinary points total, based on yellow and red cards received, acts as a tie-breaker. (Red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellows = 3 points).
f. European Qualifiers Ranking or Drawing of Lots: Finally, if all the above criteria are equal, the teams are ranked based on their position in the overall European Qualifiers rankings. In the unique case where Germany, as the host nation, is involved in the comparison, the final decision is made by drawing of lots.
Euro 2024 third place teams standings table showing teams ranked by points, goal difference, goals scored and wins, highlighting the four best teams that qualified for the round of 16.
Once the top four third-placed teams are confirmed, their paths in the round of 16 are determined according to a pre-set allocation system, ensuring a balanced and exciting knockout stage. The specific pairings are revealed only after all group stage matches are concluded and the third-place qualifiers are known.
EURO 2024 Round of 16 Ties Featuring Third-Place Qualifiers
The EURO 2024 round of 16 draw saw these matchups come to fruition involving the best third-placed teams:
Sunday 30 June
- England vs Slovakia (Gelsenkirchen, 18:00 CET)
- Spain vs Georgia (Cologne, 21:00 CET)
Monday 1 July
- Portugal vs Slovenia (Frankfurt, 21:00 CET)
Tuesday 2 July
- Romania vs Netherlands (Munich, 18:00 CET)
These fixtures promised thrilling encounters as the third-place qualifiers aimed to prove their mettle against group winners and runners-up in the quest for EURO 2024 glory.
UEFA Euro 2024 regulations excerpt explaining the criteria for ranking the best third-placed teams from group stage for round of 16 qualification.
Historical Context: Third-Placed Teams in Previous Euros
The inclusion of third-placed teams in the knockout stage isn’t a new phenomenon, having been introduced at UEFA EURO 2016. Interestingly, Portugal, who qualified as one of the best third-placed teams at EURO 2016, went on to win the entire tournament, demonstrating that this route can indeed lead to ultimate success.
At EURO 2020, Portugal again finished third but were eliminated in the round of 16, while other third-placed qualifiers like Czechia, Switzerland, and Ukraine advanced to the quarter-finals. This highlights the unpredictable nature of tournament football and the potential for third-placed teams to make a significant impact.
In conclusion, the EURO 2024 format ensures that the journey doesn’t end for competitive third-placed teams. By understanding the qualification criteria and looking at past examples, fans can appreciate the strategic importance of every group stage match and the exciting opportunities that await the best third-placed teams in the knockout rounds.
