Today, I woke up, once again, with football in my mind. As so, I decided to surf the UEFA web site. I was surprised when I came across the news that the date for the final stage draw, of European Championship, was already settled for the 2nd of December. But not as surprised as when I saw the POTS DRAFT.
The European Cup is considered the most competitive national squads competition. Regarding this, it would be fair to believe that UEFA would produce fine rules, in order to ensure that this principle is fulfilled, in all the event editions. But going through the regulation, more than often, it is rather easy to come across confusing paragraphs and criteria. But there is more, since they are also producing odd results.
As so, it is possible to see France, runner-up in Germany 2006 and currently 7th on the FIFA Ranking, in POT 4, along side Poland (23rd), Russia (22nd) and Turkey(16th) when Romania (13th) is in POT 3, amongst Spain(4th) Germany(5th) and Portugal(8th). Also Sweden, currently 22nd, is in the same group as three other top ten squads.
This reflects the probability of having final groups formed by Italy(3rd), Spain(4th),France(7th) and The Netherlands(9th) or by Romania(13th), Poland(23rd), Sweden(24th) and Switzerland(44th).
Undoubtedly, it is more than necessary that the Organization of such event provides mechanisms towards equal treatment between new rising squads and existing giants. No one should be entitled to special treatment regarding their history in the competition. But in order to earn the right to be in the knock out stages a team should have to achieve it by own merit and not by luck or positive discrimination.
The European Cup is considered the most competitive national squads competition. Regarding this, it would be fair to believe that UEFA would produce fine rules, in order to ensure that this principle is fulfilled, in all the event editions. But going through the regulation, more than often, it is rather easy to come across confusing paragraphs and criteria. But there is more, since they are also producing odd results.
As so, it is possible to see France, runner-up in Germany 2006 and currently 7th on the FIFA Ranking, in POT 4, along side Poland (23rd), Russia (22nd) and Turkey(16th) when Romania (13th) is in POT 3, amongst Spain(4th) Germany(5th) and Portugal(8th). Also Sweden, currently 22nd, is in the same group as three other top ten squads.
This reflects the probability of having final groups formed by Italy(3rd), Spain(4th),France(7th) and The Netherlands(9th) or by Romania(13th), Poland(23rd), Sweden(24th) and Switzerland(44th).
Undoubtedly, it is more than necessary that the Organization of such event provides mechanisms towards equal treatment between new rising squads and existing giants. No one should be entitled to special treatment regarding their history in the competition. But in order to earn the right to be in the knock out stages a team should have to achieve it by own merit and not by luck or positive discrimination.
To keep the high level of the tournament and the fans stuck in their chairs, it is vital that items, such as the previous final stages results (Even from the World Cup, why not?) and the team ranking world wide, have a larger impact on the way the final draft is drawn.
Football fans enjoy watching the best of the sport and that means to see the most talented players and fine teams on the pitch, during the entire competition . Considering myself one, I believe that a world wide cup, where there are nations participating due to the fact of being in the right region of the globe, is more than enough.
Football fans enjoy watching the best of the sport and that means to see the most talented players and fine teams on the pitch, during the entire competition . Considering myself one, I believe that a world wide cup, where there are nations participating due to the fact of being in the right region of the globe, is more than enough.
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