As we reach the last set of games in the group the Euro 2024 is officially coming to an end to decide which teams will progress to the knock-out stages as best-losers.
The top two teams in each of the six groups, and the four best third-placed teams will also progress to make up the last 16, with the remaining eight will be eliminated from the tournament.
What are the criteria for finishing as the best third-placed team?
The past two editions of the European Championship have seen 24 teams participate in the tournament format being used, four points have always been enough for a third-placed team to progress to the last 16. While three points have been enough on some occasions to guarantee a place in the next round. Two points as not enough to finish as one of the four best third-placed teams at Euro 2016 or Euro 2020.
How the four best third-placed teams are decided?
To determine the four best third-placed teams, the following criteria are applied, in the order given according to UEFA.
a. Higher number of points;
b. Superior goal difference;
c. Higher number of goals scored;
d. Higher number of wins;
e. Lower disciplinary points total based only on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials in all group matches (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points)
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Which teams can finish as the best losers at Euro 2024?
Group A:
Hungary finished with three points in Group A and they have to wait for the remaining games to see if they will qualify as one of the best losers.
Group C
Slovenia will go through if they beat England, but a draw would only be enough to guarantee second if Denmark draws as well and Slovenia possess the advantage on goals scored. If Slovenia draw against England, and Serbia fail to beat Denmark, they will knock out Croatia.
Group D:
The Netherlands finished third in this group after a shocking 3-2 defeat to Austria in the final game of the group. The result means the Dutch finished in third place in the group with 4 points with a zero goal difference.
Group E:
This group is open for any of the four teams ( Romania, Belgium, Slovakia, and Ukraine) as they can finish in any position from 1st and 3rd while the teams are in third. If all four teams finish on four points, then Ukraine would go out on goal difference. A defeat would only be good enough for third if Romania beat Slovakia.
Group F:
If Georgia and the Czech Republic win their games , this group would go down to goal difference, with the Czechs currently one ahead. If Turkey wins or draws, a Georgia win would only be enough for third. If Georgia loses but the Czech Republic loses by more they may finish third, there is a slight chance they they might qualify .
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