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tiger2000

12-06-2016

Originally Posted by alfamale:
“ Almost guarantees every big side into Last 16”

Its all about the money, The Sponsors want the Big TV Markets in the latter stages and as you say it is almost certain under this format.

Quote:
“Anyone remember 24 team World Cup finals with this exact same format? Was it 1990 and prior?”

1974 to 1990 IIRC, but they used a Group Format in the last 16 in a couple of those I think?

Sattrega

12-06-2016

Originally Posted by alfamale:
“Anyone remember 24 team World Cup finals with this exact same format? Was it 1990 and prior?”

Originally Posted by tiger2000:
“1974 to 1990 IIRC, but they used a Group Format in the last 16 in a couple of those I think?”

1982, 1986, 1990 & 1994 used the 24 team format.

In 1982 the second round was a group stage with 4 groups of 3. The winners of each group progressed to the semi-finals.

The format we're seeing here in France was used in the other 3 World Cups. The '86 and '94 tournaments were brilliant and the format worked really well. Not so much in 1990 when it seemed to encourage more negative tactics.

carnoch04

12-06-2016

Originally Posted by alfamale:
“Yep, as much as a little concentration may be needed, it is very obvious. Although it does make a 24 team tournament look as ridiculous(because it is!). 36 of the 51 meaningful games just to lose 8 of the 24 teams. Almost guarantees every big side into Last 16.

However it then makes the knockout phase of the comp too long for me. Due to the odd slip up in the group its likely we'll be seeing say a Germany vs Italy in last 16, and then some of these one-off game seeing the lesser team that gets battered cling on and get through on pens. Obviously this is as all tournaments, but id prefer knockout rounds for 8 teams max.

Anyone remember 24 team World Cup finals with this exact same format? Was it 1990 and prior?”

The same format was used at the World Cups of 1986, 90 and 94.

carnoch04

12-06-2016

Originally Posted by tiger2000:
“Its all about the money, The Sponsors want the Big TV Markets in the latter stages and as you say it is almost certain under this format.

1974 to 1990 IIRC, but they used a Group Format in the last 16 in a couple of those I think?”

If this system had been in place in 74, 78 and 82, Scotland would have got through as they finished third in the groups each time!

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