Permutations: how teams can qualify from Group A
Sunday, June 21, 2015
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Group A will be played to a thrilling finale on Tuesday with all four teams in contention to reach the semis. UEFA.com does the maths to see exactly who needs what.
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Although Germany are setting the pace, all four teams can still progress going into final set of Group A matches at 20.45CET on Tuesday. UEFA.com explains what each of the four hopefuls must do to make the knockout phase.
As it is not possible for three teams to finish level on points, straight head-to-head will come into effect if there are two teams level at the conclusion of Group A followed by overall goal difference and then higher number of goals scored.
The permutations below are for information only and the official calculations will be made by UEFA after the games finish according to articles 8.05 and 8.06 of the Regulations of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2013-2015.
Fixtures: Czech Republic (3 points) v Germany (4); Denmark (3) v Serbia (1)
• Germany (+3 goal difference) will be through with a draw irrespective of what happens in the other game. If they win, they are guaranteed top spot and to face the runners-up from Group B in the second semi-final on Saturday. If they lose, they will still progress if the other match finishes in a draw courtesy of their superior head-to-head record against Denmark. If they lose and Serbia win, then group goal difference will come into play as the two sides drew their opening fixture. If Germany lose and Denmark win then they are out.
• Czech Republic (+3) will be through with a win and out if they lose. A draw will be enough if Serbia win the other match, but not if it finishes in a draw as Denmark beat the Czechs in their opening game.
• Denmark (-2) will be through with a win. A draw would also be enough providing Czech Republic do not beat Germany. Lose and they are out.
• Serbia (-4) need a win against Denmark to keep their semi-final hopes alive. If they win and Germany do likewise then they will be through; should they win and the Czech Republic win too, then Serbia would finish level on four points with Germany. In this scenario, overall goal difference would come into play as the teams drew their opening game.
Note: The four semi-finalists at the U21 EURO will automatically qualify for the Olympics as Europe's representatives. Should England reach the last four, they will not take part in next summer's tournament. Instead, the two third-placed teams in the Czech Republic will contest a play-off on 28 June to take their place.
A more detailed breakdown of the permutations can be found here.