Saturday, June 23, 2018

World Cup Math

In 4-team groups, there are 6 matches and a maximum of 18 points, with a minimum of 12 points, that can be earned.

It's impossible for two teams in the same group to each finish with 9 points each. (In 2002, Brazil won all three group matches and all four knockout matches to win the Cup.)

It is possible for three teams to finish with 6 points each, which means a team could get first place with 6 points while another team gets eliminated with 6 points. (In 1994, there were two instances where three teams finished with 6 points each, but because there were only 24 teams with 16 advancing, all teams with 6 points advanced.)

It is possible for three teams to finish with 5 points each, if three teams win one game and draw the other two. This has not happened as far as I know.


It is possible for all four teams to finish with 4 points each, if each team gets exactly 1 win, 1 draw and 1 tie. This happened in 1994. It was the only time every team had the same points and same goal difference.

It is possible for all four teams to finish with 3 points each, by tying each game. This has never happened.





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