Ninety minutes from the end of the group stage, it is already possible to begin to take stock of the European Championships and, above all, to project ourselves into the round of 16. Not only the top 2 of all groups will take part in these, but also the 4 best third places. How are these established? And how is the situation in this special ranking? Let’s get things in order. THE CRITERIA – Out of 24 participants, 8 will pack their bags: it will be the 6 fourth-placed ones plus 2 third-placed ones who will not make the cut. What are the criteria? In order of evaluation, these elements are taken into consideration:
highest number of points obtained in the group stage; best goal difference in the group stage; highest number of goals scored in the group stage; highest number of wins in the group stage; best fair play conduct in the group (each warning: one point; each expulsion for double yellow card or direct expulsion: three points); best position in the overall ranking of the European qualifiers (or draw if Germany were involved). THE RANKING – To date, the ranking of the best third parties says: Holland 4 (4:4) Slovenia 3 (2:2) Slovakia 3 (2:2)* Hungary 3 (2:5) Croatia 2 (3:6) Republic Czech 1 (2:3)* *have yet to play their last match. Holland and Slovenia are already certain to pass.
