is it time to scrap the second round?

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abcd

02-07-2014

Absolute waste of time. All the group winners progressed. No upsets.
Maybe they could introduce 2 legged quarter finals to the winners of each group, much better than pointless second round games

snukr

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by abcd:
“Absolute waste of time. All the group winners progressed. No upsets.
Maybe they could introduce 2 legged quarter finals to the winners of each group, much better than pointless second round games”

That would create lots of pointless first round games.

celesti

02-07-2014

Some teams winning matches isn't a reason to change the structure of the competition, no.

nevada

02-07-2014

I don't agree with the OP suggestion.
However the stats of Group winners making the QFs have shown an increasing trend in recent years.

1998 6
2002 4
2006 6
2010 7
2014 8

Pavster

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by celesti:
“Some teams winning matches isn't a reason to change the structure of the competition, no.”

This.

Nearly every game has been close.

2 went to penalties
Another 3 (from memory) went to ET
Late goals in Netherlands game to win in normal time

It's hardly been a walk in the park for the group winners.

soulboy77

02-07-2014

As the previous poster has alluded to, this is the first ever time all group winners have won their subsequent knockout round game. Many of the games have been close run things with winning goals coming near the end, in extra time or pens.

Goodwin

02-07-2014

As pointed out it would render the group stages almost meaningless if only one team per group progressed. May as well cut it down to 16 countries in that case.

mimik1uk

02-07-2014

so because for the first time ever all group winners won their last 16 tie all of a sudden the last 16 isn't needed ?

Wouter

02-07-2014

Let's also not forget that there were a few surprise group winners.

Hogs Head

02-07-2014

I wonder if a second placed team (in the group) has ever won the World Cup?

Goodwin

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by Hogs Head:
“I wonder if a second placed team (in the group) has ever won the World Cup?”

Italy finished 2nd in the initial round of group games in 1982 when they won it. There was then a 2nd phase of group games which they topped then the semi's and final. 24 teams back then.

Hogs Head

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by Goodwin:
“Italy finished 2nd in the initial round of group games in 1982 when they won it. There was then a 2nd phase of group games which they topped then the semi's and final. 24 teams back then.”

Interesting! Thanks for your reply!

johnF1971

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by Hogs Head:
“I wonder if a second placed team (in the group) has ever won the World Cup?”

Italy in 1982 I think.

In 1990 Argentina finished 3rd in their group and still made it to the final.

Lofty Forehead

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by Hogs Head:
“I wonder if a second placed team (in the group) has ever won the World Cup?”

West Germany in 1954 & 1974,
Argentina in 1978.
Italy in 1982.

Sattrega

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by Hogs Head:
“I wonder if a second placed team (in the group) has ever won the World Cup?”

Argentina in 1978 finished 2nd in their group behind Italy.

West Germany in 1974 finished 2nd in their group behind East Germany.

West Germany in 1954 finished 2nd in their group behind Hungary, although the format was slightly different.

Goodwin

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by johnF1971:
“Italy in 1982 I think.

In 1990 Argentina finished 3rd in their group and still made it to the final.”

Well remembered re Argentina. Yes they were one of the 4 best 3rd placed teams out of a group of 6. Confusing eh! I preferred the 1982 format for a 24 team tournament.

Goodwin

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by Sattrega:
“Argentina in 1978 finished 2nd in their group behind Italy.

West Germany in 1974 finished 2nd in their group behind East Germany.

West Germany in 1954 finished 2nd in their group behind Hungary, although the format was slightly different.”

Thanks...I guessed there were other instances too but couldn't be bothered to look it up

Sattrega

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by Goodwin:
“Well remembered re Argentina. Yes they were one of the 4 best 3rd placed teams out of a group of 6. Confusing eh! I preferred the 1982 format for a 24 team tournament.”

I'm assuming that UEFA will be using the 1986/1990 World Cup format for the 2016 European Championships in France now that has become a 24 team tournament?

Mark F

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by Wouter:
“Let's also not forget that there were a few surprise group winners.”

More so teams in 2nd place (I know you mean Costa Rica) with sides like USA/Algeria and Greece getting through..

Netherlands were 2 minutes away from going out and Brazil almost went so its not like the group winners had it easy.

abcd

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by Wouter:
“Let's also not forget that there were a few surprise group winners.”

That wipes out the theory that there would be unimportant games.
Maybe to spice it up bit teams who finish bottom of the group should be barred from the next world cup

Goodwin

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by Sattrega:
“I'm assuming that UEFA will be using the 1986/1990 World Cup format for the 2016 European Championships in France now that has become a 24 team tournament?”

Yes I believe so.

Peter Venkman

02-07-2014

Biggest overreaction in this World Cup forum to date.

Can't see this one being beaten yet.

LostFool

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by Sattrega:
“I'm assuming that UEFA will be using the 1986/1990 World Cup format for the 2016 European Championships in France now that has become a 24 team tournament?”

Full schedule here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2016#Schedule

6 groups of 4 teams
Winners, runners up and 4 best 3rd place teams through the 2nd round.

gemma-the-husky

02-07-2014

They should put all 32 teams through to the play off rounds.

That would keep english interest for amother game!

Sattrega

02-07-2014

Originally Posted by LostFool:
“Full schedule here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2016#Schedule

6 groups of 4 teams
Winners, runners up and 4 best 3rd place teams through the 2nd round.”

Much appreciated.

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