Changes in the rules of the additional round of European Cup qualifiers: will the single round elimination match increase the suspense and difficulty of the match?

According to CCTV5 program list (January 9, 2024), the European Cup qualifiers have entered the final stage. In addition to the 20 teams directly qualified, there are 3 places to be created through the play offs. The play off of this European Cup is different from that of the past. It adopts the single round knockout competition system, which will undoubtedly increase the competition rate

According to CCTV5 program list (January 9, 2024), the European Cup qualifiers have entered the final stage. In addition to the 20 teams directly qualified, there are 3 places to be created through the play offs. The play off of this European Cup is different from the past. It adopts the single round elimination match system, which will undoubtedly increase the suspense and difficulty of the game, and also bring opportunities to some weak teams.

The teams participating in the play off are determined by the results of the UEFA 2022-23 season. There are 12 teams participating in the play off, which are divided into three groups, A, B and C, with four teams in each group. Each team will play the semi-finals and finals, and the winner of the final will be eligible for the European Cup. The schedule of the play off will be from March 21 to 26, 2024. Both the semi-final and the final will be in a single round system. If they are tied within 90 minutes, there will be overtime and penalty shootouts.

This change in the match system means that the teams in the play off match have no difference between home and away games, and there is no consideration of the cumulative score of the two rounds. There is only one decisive game, the winner goes in and the loser goes out. This competition system may increase the risk of some stronger teams, because they have no second chance and may be eliminated in case of accidents. For some weaker teams, it may increase their chances, because as long as they play well in a game, they may create miracles.

According to the report, the participating teams and groups of the play offs are as follows:

From the perspective of grouping, Poland and Wales in Group A are the most promising teams. They are both League A teams and have world-class players, such as Lewandowski and Bell. Finland and Estonia are the weaker teams. They are both playing in the play offs for the first time, so there is little hope.

Israel and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B are the most competitive teams. They are both the first team in the League of European Nations Group B and have good players, such as Salah and Dzeko. Ukraine and Iceland are the teams with average strength. They are both second in the B-level group of the European League of Nations. They have also had the experience of European Cup, but they have not been in good shape recently.

Georgia and Greece in Group C are the teams most likely to be attacked. They are both the first team in the League of European Nations Group C and have strong defensive abilities, such as Kawaha and Sokratis. Kazakhstan and Luxembourg are the weakest teams. They are both the second team in the League of European Nations (UEFA) C-level group. Neither of them has ever participated in the European Cup, which is very difficult.

The schedule of the play offs is as follows:

The home court of the playoff final will be determined in advance by drawing lots. If a draw is reached within 90 minutes, extra time and penalty shootouts will be played. The winner of the play off will draw lots together with other teams in the European Cup to determine the opponents in the group match. The group draw for the European Cup will be held on April 1, 2024, and the European Cup will be held from June 9 to July 9, 2024, hosted by Germany.

The change of the match system of the European Cup qualifier play off will bring more uncertainty and excitement to the game, and will also bring more opportunities to some weak teams. We are looking forward to seeing more exciting games, as well as more surprises and miracles.

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