Group F is the pool of heavyweights featuring the reigning world champions France, current European champions Portugal and 2014 world champions Germany who are always there or thereabout. The three superpowers have not had things easy alongside a spirited Hungary outfit who have so far in this group stage refused be steamrolled by their illustrious opponents.
This has led to a tantalising prospect going into the final round of matches with three teams – Germany, Portugal and Hungary all having a chance of qualifying for the next round. France are through but there is still plenty to play for the world champions in terms of the group placings.
Results so far
Round 1:
Hungary 0-3 Portugal
France 1-0 Germany
Round 2:
Hungary 1-1 France
Portugal 2-4 Germany
Round 3:
Germany-Hungary
Portugal-France
Standings
Group F as it stands
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | GD | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRA (Q) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| GER | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| POR | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| HUN | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 1 |
Status of qualified teams
| Group | Winners | Runners-up | Third-placed teams(best four qualify) | Qualified(position TBD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Italy | Wales | Switzerland | |
| B | Belgium | Denmark | ||
| C | Netherlands | Austria | Ukraine | |
| D | England | Croatia | Czech Republic | |
| E | Sweden | Spain | ||
| F | France (top 3) |
Qualifications Rules
The top two teams from each group qualify for the Round of 16. The classification of teams level on points within a group will be done as per regulations of the Uefa European Championship listed here. It is worth noting that the first criteria in a case three-pronged tie is matches within those teams.
The third-placed team in all the groups also have a chance of reaching the next stage if they are among the four best third-placed teams as per the table below when group stage matches are complete.
The rules of classification for third-place teams are as follows:
1) Points
2) Goal difference
3) Goals scored
4) Wins
5) Lower disciplinary points total (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points)
6) European Qualifiers overall ranking.
Overall standings of third-placed teams
| Grp | Teamvte | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | CZE (Q) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
| A | SUI (Q) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 4 |
| F | POR | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 3 |
| C | UKR (Q) | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 3 |
| B | FIN | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 3 |
| E | SLO (E) | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7 | −5 | 3 |
Group F qualification scenarios
France: The world champions are through to the next round but their standing in the group is far from decided. A win over Portugal in the final game will guarantee top spot. A draw would mean they would need Hungary to avoid defeat against Germany to finish top. A defeat would allow Portugal to leapfrog France in the table and also leave them vulnerable to Germany overtaking them. France though would still qualify as one of the third-place teams.
Germany: Joachim Low’s men need a point to be assured of a place in the next round. However, a draw may mean they would not finish top. They could still finish second if Portugal fail to beat France. A win, however, would guarantee second place for the Germans who could even top the group if France fail to beat Portugal. A defeat by more than three goals though could spell trouble for Germany who will be eliminated if Portugal avoid defeat against France. Should they lose, Germany will want France to beat Portugal and make sure their is defeat is not 2-0 or by 3+ goals.
Portugal: The defeat to Germany has complicated matters for Portugal who need at least a point against champions France to be assured of a place in the next round. They could still qualify if they lose if Hungary fail to beat the Germans in Munich, but they can only afford a defeat by a one-goal margin. A heavy defeat against France (by 3+ goals) and Portugal’s title defence would end prematurely unless results elsewhere go in their favour. A win though would guarantee second spot for Portugal. To finish top they will need to win and hope Germany fail to beat Hungary in the other game.
UPDATE: France, Germany and Portugal progress from Group F to confirm the final 16.
(With Uefa and AFP inputs)
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