Italy's Qualification

[daniel_owen_uk]

Ok bit confusing but how stupid is this Euro 2004 rule thing.

If Denmark & Sweden draw 2-2 (or more ie 3-3, 4-4 etc), then Italy are out. Even if Denmark, Sweden & Italy all have 5 points, even if Italy tank bulgaria 10, 20, 30-0 it doesn't matter.

Just plain crazy if you ask me.

[tiggerai]

NOOOOOOO I hope denmark or sweden lose.

I've got Italy in the sweepstake. :S

[Stoo]

yup, because both sewden and denmark have scored more goals than italy, and then there's other stuff that comes into account like bookings etc

[Swafe]

cmon draw

[Big RICHARD]

yup, because both sewden and denmark have scored more goals than italy, and then there's other stuff that comes into account like bookings etc

But if Italy were to win 25-0 then surely they could go through?

[Stoo]

I'm not sure how accurate the original statement is..

[Stoo]

Nothing less than a handsome victory at the Estádio Afonso D. Henriques will suffice for Giovanni Trapattoni's side, and even at that, they will need a favour from either Denmark or Sweden in the other fixture if they are progress to the quarter-finals. A win for Italy, plus a decisive outcome in the Scandinavian derby, would secure second place for the Azzurri, as would a goalless encounter; but a high-scoring draw at the Estádio do Bessa in Porto would send Italy out on goal difference.

It's because Italy have only drawn their matches (2 points) while both Sweden and Denmark have won matches (1 and a draw each on 4 points).
So they need to win their match (5 points - 1 win 2 draws) and need either sweden or denmark to lose (That way they'd take 2nd place with 5 points and the other side would still only have 4).

Simple...

[Big RICHARD]

Sweden draw with denmark. Italy win 3000-0, they have the same points and a greater goal difference, they go through....

[Stoo]

well, that's an exaggeration, they would go through..

A win for Italy, plus a decisive outcome in the Scandinavian derby, would secure second place for the Azzurri, as would a goalless encounter; but a high-scoring draw at the Estádio do Bessa in Porto would send Italy out on goal difference.

Unless there's something else that counts more than goal difference..

[Aaron]

Sweden draw with denmark. Italy win 3000-0, they have the same points and a greater goal difference, they go through....

When tied, it's goal difference/goals scored between the teams on the same number of points that's taken into consideration first, I believe.

So it doesn't matter how many goals you score against Bulgaria, it's how many goals you score against the other two teams.

[Stoo]

That would explain it

[Mr Flibbles]

I want them to draw....Keeps the Villa flag flying high

[TiG]

Stoo,

I think its that the 2-2 all draw would likely put Italy out because they would have to win by at least 3 goals against Bulgaria.

Afaik, the order of things to take into account are...

Points, so no decision there, all on same points. If Italy Win.
score against each other, No winner there either as all Draws between them.
Think then its goals scored, so a 2-2 draw with Denmark/Sweden would mean that if Italy scored 4, then i'd say that it would be Italy that went through.

Unless there is some other stupid UEFA rule that i've forgotten, and if its Yellow cards its blooming stupid...

TiG

[Stoo]

Italy's currently 1-0 down ..

[Swafe]

LOL pwned

[Stoo]

1-1.. Getting there..