Direct comparison or goal difference: what counts in the 2022 World Cup if there is a tie?

Created: 11/27/2022, 6:39 p.m

By: Alexander Kaindl

The 2022 World Cup is underway, the teams are currently fighting for a place in the round of 16.

But what happens when two teams are tied on points?

We clarify.

Doha – Germany got off to a bad start at the 2022 World Cup.

The DFB team lost 2-1 to Japan and now has their backs to the wall.

Germany conceded bankruptcy at the start of the World Cup against Japan

Particularly bitter: The German national team led 1-0 at the break and then had a number of chances for a second or third goal.

In the final phase, two Bundesliga pros punished them coldly: Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano scored late - thanks to a weak DFB defense.

There was a lot of criticism for Borussia Dortmund's defender Nico Schlotterbeck - both from teammate Ilkay Gündogan and the fans on the net.

The second group game against Spain on Sunday (8 p.m.) is now pointing the way.

Good for the Germans: Japan lost to Costa Rica at midday, so even if they lose, Sunday's elimination is not yet sealed.

Here you can find out how the DFB eleven reached the round of 16.

World Cup 2022: What happens if there is a tie in the group phase?

Ultimately, there are still a few constellations at the moment that leave one question unanswered after the third matchday in Group E: what counts if there is a tie?

Direct comparison or goal difference?

FIFA, which has recently been heavily criticized for banning the "One Love" armband, has set clear guidelines that determine the final position in the World Cup preliminary round groups.

These are as follows:

World Cup 2022: FIFA rules in the event of a tie - First goal difference and goals scored, then direct comparison

• Highest Score

• goal difference

• Goals scored

• Points from the group matches between the teams concerned

• Goal difference from matches involving the teams concerned

• Number of goals scored in matches between the teams involved

• fair play points

• Draw by FIFA

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Germany in the second World Cup game against Spain under pressure

So that means: The goal difference or the goal difference is clearly higher than the direct comparison.

For Germany, this scenario means that if you are level on points with Spain, Japan or Costa Rica on the last day of the game and are fighting for progress, you need a good goal difference to book the round of 16.

National coach Hansi Flick is already under pressure with the DFB team at the World Cup.

© Robert Michael/dpa

If Germany lose to Spain on Sunday, a win against Costa Rica could still be enough - if Spain beat Japan on the last day of the game.