most of the second places in the group are pretty weak as well

Iceland
Wales
Slovakia
Poland
Switzerland
Romania
Russia
Croatia
Albania

In the past only half of those would have been able to qualify through the play-offs and the overall standard would have kept really high.

Now all of those have gone through, plus another five teams who finished third.

The Euros used to have its own character, and was intense and highly competitive from the start - even for the top teams. Now in the finals even third place from most groups will make it to the knockout phase - so the top teams won't really have a serious test until the QFs. It's just like a watered down version of the world cup.

Posted By: Mecagoenti, Nov 16, 21:08:42