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IPL 2026: Bowling unit will need tactical tinkering despite Praful, Sakib brilliance, says SRH coach Vettori  Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain announced themselves in emphatic fashion on their Sunrisers Hyderabad debuts, picking up four wickets each against Rajasthan Royals and easing long-standing concerns around the team’s bowling.Praful made an immediate impact with a searing opening spell, the 24-year-old dismantling the top order with three wickets in a single over. Sakib matched him with a composed, disciplined effort, ensuring the pressure never relented. Together, they provided the sharpness with the ball that Sunrisers had long been searching for.Head coach Daniel Vettori, while encouraged by the performance against the Royals, suggested that adjustments could still be made based on how conditions play out.“We’re playing on the same wicket as the last game. We’re anticipating it to be slightly different and that means we may have to make some tactical changes,” he said.Vettori also downplayed concerns over modest returns from openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.“Every opening partnership aims to be ultra-aggressive, but it’s unrealistic to expect that to come off every time. We want to stick with that approach because when those two fire, we usually win,” he said.ALSO READ | Prabhsimran Singh’s promise edges towards fulfilment at Punjab Kings“We’ve got a strong batting line-up behind them, and they’ve stepped up when the opening stand hasn’t delivered. But when it clicks, it’s one of the best partnerships in the competition. Other teams play in a similar way, so we know how important it is and want them to keep that freedom.”He also confirmed that Pat Cummins could make his first appearance of the season for SRH against the Rajasthan Royals on April 25.Published on Apr 17, 2026  #IPL #Bowling #unit #tactical #tinkering #Praful #Sakib #brilliance #SRH #coach #Vettori

IPL 2026: Bowling unit will need tactical tinkering despite Praful, Sakib brilliance, says SRH coach Vettori

Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain announced themselves in emphatic fashion on their Sunrisers Hyderabad debuts, picking up four wickets each against Rajasthan Royals and easing long-standing concerns around the team’s bowling.

Praful made an immediate impact with a searing opening spell, the 24-year-old dismantling the top order with three wickets in a single over. Sakib matched him with a composed, disciplined effort, ensuring the pressure never relented. Together, they provided the sharpness with the ball that Sunrisers had long been searching for.

Head coach Daniel Vettori, while encouraged by the performance against the Royals, suggested that adjustments could still be made based on how conditions play out.

“We’re playing on the same wicket as the last game. We’re anticipating it to be slightly different and that means we may have to make some tactical changes,” he said.

Vettori also downplayed concerns over modest returns from openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.

“Every opening partnership aims to be ultra-aggressive, but it’s unrealistic to expect that to come off every time. We want to stick with that approach because when those two fire, we usually win,” he said.

ALSO READ | Prabhsimran Singh’s promise edges towards fulfilment at Punjab Kings

“We’ve got a strong batting line-up behind them, and they’ve stepped up when the opening stand hasn’t delivered. But when it clicks, it’s one of the best partnerships in the competition. Other teams play in a similar way, so we know how important it is and want them to keep that freedom.”

He also confirmed that Pat Cummins could make his first appearance of the season for SRH against the Rajasthan Royals on April 25.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #Bowling #unit #tactical #tinkering #Praful #Sakib #brilliance #SRH #coach #Vettori

Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain announced themselves in emphatic fashion on their Sunrisers Hyderabad debuts, picking up four wickets each against Rajasthan Royals and easing long-standing concerns around the team’s bowling.

Praful made an immediate impact with a searing opening spell, the 24-year-old dismantling the top order with three wickets in a single over. Sakib matched him with a composed, disciplined effort, ensuring the pressure never relented. Together, they provided the sharpness with the ball that Sunrisers had long been searching for.

Head coach Daniel Vettori, while encouraged by the performance against the Royals, suggested that adjustments could still be made based on how conditions play out.

“We’re playing on the same wicket as the last game. We’re anticipating it to be slightly different and that means we may have to make some tactical changes,” he said.

Vettori also downplayed concerns over modest returns from openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.

“Every opening partnership aims to be ultra-aggressive, but it’s unrealistic to expect that to come off every time. We want to stick with that approach because when those two fire, we usually win,” he said.

ALSO READ | Prabhsimran Singh’s promise edges towards fulfilment at Punjab Kings

“We’ve got a strong batting line-up behind them, and they’ve stepped up when the opening stand hasn’t delivered. But when it clicks, it’s one of the best partnerships in the competition. Other teams play in a similar way, so we know how important it is and want them to keep that freedom.”

He also confirmed that Pat Cummins could make his first appearance of the season for SRH against the Rajasthan Royals on April 25.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

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#IPL #Bowling #unit #tactical #tinkering #Praful #Sakib #brilliance #SRH #coach #Vettori

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Deadspin | Report: Mats Sundin discussing role with Maple Leafs <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/21935024.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/21935024.jpg" alt="NHL: Global Series-Toronto Maple Leafs at Minnesota Wild" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Nov 19, 2023; Stockholm, SWE; Mats Sundin during a Global Series NHL hockey game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Minnesota Wild at Avicii Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Mats Sundin, the all-time leading scorer for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is interviewing with the club for a job in the front office, The Athletic reported Friday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Per the report, Sundin was in Toronto on Friday to talk with team owners “about a potential role in the new setup,” with no specific job being mentioned as of now.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Maple Leafs fired general manager Brad Treliving on March 30, and they haven’t had a president of hockey operations since Brendan Shanahan was fired in May 2025.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Sundin, 55, was the No. 1 overall pick of the Quebec Nordiques in 1989 and was traded to Toronto on June 28, 1994, in a multi-player, multi-draft pick deal.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>He remained with the Maple Leafs through the 2007-08 season, then appeared in 41 games with the Vancouver Canucks the following season. He announced his retirement on Sept. 30, 2009.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>In the ensuing years, he moved with his family to his native Sweden but has started to become more involved with the Maple Leafs. He was part of the Toronto contingent at the NHL’s Global Series Games in Stockholm in November 2023.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>“Toronto’s management and coaches have taken me in, and it has been incredibly nice,” Sundin said during that event, per The Athletic. “Toronto has meant so incredibly much to my career; I was there for 13 years and the captain. Toronto is my second home; we live in Stockholm, but when I come there, it’s like coming home.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>He is the franchise’s leader in points (987), power-play goals (124) and game-winning goals (79). Auston Matthews overtook Sundin for the team leadership in goals this season with 428, eight more than Sundin.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012, Sundin finished with 1,349 points (564 goals, 785 assists) in 1,346 games.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Should Sundin rise to a position of power within the Maple Leafs, he would not be the first franchise legend to assume a decision-making role with a former team.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Steve Yzerman has done it with the Detroit Red Wings, and Matt Ryan (NFL), Buster Posey (MLB), and Joe Dumars, Danny Ainge and the late Jerry West (NBA) are among the players who have run their ex-teams, either now or in the past.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Report #Mats #Sundin #discussing #role #Maple #Leafs

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Deadspin | Stars D Nils Lundkvist signs 2-year, $3.5M extension <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28144371.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28144371.jpg" alt="NHL: Winnipeg Jets at Dallas Stars" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Feb 2, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist (5) celebrates after he scores a goal against Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist signed a two-year, $3.5 million contract extension, the team announced Friday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The deal runs through 2027-28 and adds to a big week for the 25-year-old Swede, who announced the birth of his first child — a son — on Tuesday and whose team opens the playoffs on Saturday at home against the Minnesota Wild.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-3"> <p>“We’re excited to lock up Nils for two more years,” general manager Jim Nill said in a news release. “He is a highly skilled defenseman with excellent mobility and vision. His ability to move the puck and create offense makes him a valuable piece for our team moving forward.”</p> </section> <section id="section-4"> <p>Lundkvist recorded 11 points (three goals, eight assists) and a plus-12 rating in 52 games this season. He has 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists) in 235 career games with the New York Rangers (2021-22) and Stars.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The Rangers selected him in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Stars #Nils #Lundkvist #signs #2year #3.5M #extension

On Thursday night, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.

Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.

Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.

Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.

What are the Group E standings?

Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Germany20092+76
Ivory Coast1012203
Ecuador01101-11
Curaçao01117-61

What are the next Group E matches?

Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1
Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0

Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group E?

Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.

However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.

On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.

Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.

But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.

This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.

#World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain">World Cup 2026: How Germany clinched Group E and what scenarios remain  On Thursday night, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.What are the Group E standings?Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsGermany20092+76Ivory Coast1012203Ecuador01101-11Curaçao01117-61What are the next Group E matches?Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.What are the current scenarios for Group E?Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.  #World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain

first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.

Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.

Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.

Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.

What are the Group E standings?

Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Germany20092+76
Ivory Coast1012203
Ecuador01101-11
Curaçao01117-61

What are the next Group E matches?

Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1
Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0

Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group E?

Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.

However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.

On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.

Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.

But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.

This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.

#World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain">World Cup 2026: How Germany clinched Group E and what scenarios remain

On Thursday night, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.

Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.

Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.

Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.

What are the Group E standings?

Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Germany20092+76
Ivory Coast1012203
Ecuador01101-11
Curaçao01117-61

What are the next Group E matches?

Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1
Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0

Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group E?

Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.

However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.

On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.

Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.

But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.

This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.

#World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain

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