Kasper
Full Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2013
- Messages
- 3,693
- Supports
- Hansa Rostock / Bradford City
First of all, a continent that has slightly above 50 nations does not need 24 teams in the final tournament. We're getting plenty of terrible international breaks for a 1,5 years qualification phase where almost 50% of the teams end up playing anyway.
Secondly, it leads to negative draw oriented football. I know a lot of people blame the teams or the lack of quality players. But the first couple of games this Euros were fantastic, plenty of goals and good excitement. The problem is, after round 1 all the winners are incentivized to take a draw in their second game because it means going through to the KO stage already. Meanwhile all the nations that lost their first game rather take a draw to keep all options open for their last game instead of risk losing again. Now in round three we basically get a prisoners dilemma situation where multiple teams only need a draw to secure first, second or third (with a guarantee to qualify). Terrible negative brand of football is the result and I can't blame most teams because clearly it's in their best interest.
Thirdly, although a small point. The latter groups have an advantage because they have more information what will be enough to qualify as a third placed team (see today). I know it's minor in the great scheme but still an annoying side effect.
Secondly, it leads to negative draw oriented football. I know a lot of people blame the teams or the lack of quality players. But the first couple of games this Euros were fantastic, plenty of goals and good excitement. The problem is, after round 1 all the winners are incentivized to take a draw in their second game because it means going through to the KO stage already. Meanwhile all the nations that lost their first game rather take a draw to keep all options open for their last game instead of risk losing again. Now in round three we basically get a prisoners dilemma situation where multiple teams only need a draw to secure first, second or third (with a guarantee to qualify). Terrible negative brand of football is the result and I can't blame most teams because clearly it's in their best interest.
Thirdly, although a small point. The latter groups have an advantage because they have more information what will be enough to qualify as a third placed team (see today). I know it's minor in the great scheme but still an annoying side effect.