Comments on: Tie-Breakers for Football Teams Level on Points

By: Daryl

Daryl — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:42:20 +0000

Josh, read the post again.

Read the phrase “for reals” in reference to the MLS coin toss and the phrase “no, seriously” in reference to the World Cup drawing of lots.

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:40:42 +0000

Interesting that you make fun the MLS for using a coin flip, but seem to be OK with many others (including the World Cup) using a drawing of lots. They are the same thing!! But of course anything that is American must be bad.

By: olliemag

olliemag — Fri, 29 May 2009 09:30:23 +0000

Can anyone help. This Saturday 30th May, Italy series B, are Mantova safe from relegation?
If Pisa and Modena both win and Mantova lose, all three would be on 51 points. Who finishes lower and goes in the relegation play off. A mini group shows all three have 5 points and zero goal diff. Would it be Mantova on fewer mini group goals/ away goals, or would it probably be Modena on worst normal league goal difference?

By: olliemag

olliemag — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:40:15 +0000

Excellent article, crucial for betting. I agree with all stated except Turkey. Turkey is 1.Head to head points 2.head to head goal difference 3. head to head total goals.

Wikipedia gives the wrong information on Czech republic saying Goal difference. At the end of the season I believe it is head to head results that count.

By: Ian

Ian — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:10:34 +0000

I’d like to see more leagues adopt a play-off, or at least head-to-head records if points are even.

By: Daryl

Daryl — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:30:08 +0000

Much thanks Jeremy, Francesco, dylan, and Jacek.

Have updated the post with that information.

By: Daryl

Daryl — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:20:14 +0000

Drabik,

Just done a bit of reading and the Premier League only uses a playoff when the title, relegation or Euro qualification is at stake:

“If at the end of the Season either the League Champions or the Clubs to be relegated or the
question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because 2 or more
Clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the Clubs concerned shall play off
one or more deciding League Matches on neutral grounds, the format, timing and venue of
which shall be determined by the Board.”

Premier League Handbook (bottom of page 82)

By: Drabik

Drabik — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:55:24 +0000

I think a 11 vs 11 rock paper scissors would be best, and would obviously test the mental strength of players (in the same way as penalty shootouts does). So what if it doesnt have anything to do with football…

By: alessio

alessio — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:16:20 +0000

Haha penalties are a bad enough lottery, but can you imagine losing a title from a coin flip!?

By: dylan

dylan — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:59:10 +0000

The tie-breakers in Brazil’s Série A are actually:

1) number of victories
2) goal difference
3) goals scored
4) head-to-head
5) lower number of red cards
6) lower number of yellow cards
7) drawing lots

If it’s head-to-head between two clubs, their two games are treated like a cup tie, with the away goals rule. Also, the championship and the relegation spots can’t be decided by drawing lots — they would hold another game in a neutral venue.