The groups for the upcoming World Cup have been drawn, Croatia will play against England, Panama and Ghana.
For the first time in the history of the World Cup 48 national teams will performwhich is 16 more than in the previous tournament. Therefore, the total number of matches will increase from 64 to 104. The competition will last from June 11 to July 19, making it the longest so far.
There will be representation divided into 12 groups of fourwith the fact that there must be teams from three continents in the group, only European teams may be two in the same group.
Two teams advance from each group, and the third from eight groups. FIFA has introduced another phase of the competition, so for the first time in history it will be held at the World Cup to play in the round of 16 and for the first time, the national teams (that reach the semi-finals) will play as many as eight games.
That’s why the number of matches increased from 64 to 104and the tournament will last 39 days, instead of 32 as in 2014 and 2018. Clubs must release players until May 25, and those who play in the finals of continental competitions until May 30.
3 points is probably enough to pass
Analysis of a large simulation shows that Croatia – or any national team with one win and two losses – still has a very realistic chance of going through, depending on the goal difference.
According to estimates for winning 3 points:
Goal difference -1 (eg win +1, losses total −2): approx 65% chance of passing among the eight best third.
Goal difference 0 (eg win +2, losses total -2 or win 1:0 with two losses 0:1): about 87% chance of passing.
Goal difference +1: probability leaps to the eye 95% to pass.
The conclusion is clear: Even with a minimal win and two losses, moving on is very much possible – and every better goal difference further increases the odds.
These are Croatia’s opponents at the World Cup
(www.jabuka.tv │ Photo: AFP)
