FIFA WORLD CUP GROUP STAGE SCENARIOS

Here we take a look at what every country needs to do to qualify in group stages and keep their dream alive in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

If two or more teams have an equal number of points, they will be divided in the order listed below:

1. Overall group goal difference
2. Overall group goals scored
3. Head to head (H2H) result
4. H2H goal difference in all matches between the teams still level
5. H2H goals scored in all matches between the teams still level
6. Fair play points
7. Drawing of lots

GROUP A

Netherland: With a win or a tie against Qatar, Netherlands will automatically qualify, a loss will also qualify them if Ecuador wins.

Ecuador: Ecuador are assured of qualifying with a victory or tie against Senegal. If they lose, they can only advance if Netherlands loses as well, in which case the goal-differ ence scenario would apply.

Senegal: With a victory vs Ecuador, Senegal will unquestionably qualify. If Netherlands loses, the goal-difference and headto-head scenarios would apply, and a draw will then be sufficient. If Netherlands loses or draws, can win the group with a victory.

Qatar: Have been eliminated.

GROUP B

Iran: Iran will win the group if they defeat the United States and will finish in the top two if England draws or loses. If Wales loses or draws, a draw will enough for Iran as well. Iran cannot continue after losing.

England: England Can only be eliminated with a heavy defeat to Wales.Unless Iran wins or the United States wins by at least four goals, a draw will be sufficient for England to finish first in the group.

United States: For the United States to succeed,they must beat Iran. Can top the group if England lose to Wales (or if England draw and USA win by four or more goals.)

Wales: Wales top the group if they defeat England by four or more goals. To finish in the top two, Wales must defeat England and hope that Iran and the United States draw. Wales must defeat England by four goals or more in order to finish ahead of USA or Iran if they win.

GROUP C

Poland: To qualify, Poland must draw with Argentina. Will win the group with a victory, or with a draw if Saudi Arabia draw/lose.

Argentina: Argentina will automatically qualify if they defeat Poland and will advance as group winners if Saudi Arabia draws or loses.Argentina presently leads Saudi Arabia by two goals in goaldifference, however if both teams win, the winner will be determined by group goal difference and goals scored.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia will automatically qualify if they defeat Mexico, and if Poland and Argentina draw, they will advance as group winners.

Mexico: Mexico needs to defeat Saudi Arabia to have a chance, and a victory of four goals or more ensures qualification.

GROUP D

France: France has already advanced to the round of 16, and they will unquestionably win their group if they defeat Tunisia or draw with them, or if Australia loses to Denmark.

Australia: If Australia defeats Denmark, they will finish in the top two places. If Tunisia loses or draws their match with France, it will also qualify with a tie. If Tunisia wins and Australia draws, Tunisia will finish second on goal differential. A loss would prevent Australia from qualifying.

Denmark: If Tunisia draws or loses, Denmark must win to finish Second. If Tunisia and Denmark tie, the second-place will be determined by goal difference.

Tunisia: If Australia and Denmark tie, Tunisia must win in order to finish second. Second place will be decided as stated above if Denmark wins. If Australia wins. Tunisia is disqualified.

GROUP E

Costa Rica’s shock 1-0 win against Japan means no country can either qualify or be eliminated.
Spain put themselves in complete control of the group if they beat Germany. All four nations would enter the final group games with three points if Germany can defeat Spain, and the European sides would be the heavy favourites to claim the top two slots.

GROUP F

Belgium With a victory over Morocco will qualify to the round of 16, winning the group if Croatia and Canada draw. Canada will be knocked out if they lose to Croatia.

GROUP G

Brazil can guarantee their spot in the round of 16 with a victory over Switzerland if Serbia wins or draws against Cameroon.
Switzerland can secure a spot in the round of 16 with a victory over Brazil if Cameroon wins or draws against Serbia.
Cameroon will be eliminated if Serbia defeats them and Brazil wins or draws.

GROUP H

If Portugal defeats Uruguay, they will win their group and go to the round of 16, even if South Korea and Ghana tie earlier in the day.
Ghana Will be knocked out if they lose to South Korea.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

RAHUL FAUJDAR  The writer is First India staffer & a professional cricketer representing several clubs in Rajasthan