It was supposed to sex things up on the European stage.
Euro 2016 saw 24 teams competing for the first time in the international competition’s history.
More teams equals more games equals more goals, right?
Not exactly. On top of the absolute headache of qualification into the knock-out stages, which many people are still trying to work out, the new format has thrown up a different format.
With four of the third place teams in the groups being able to make it through, fans are complaining that it’s changed the complexion of the competition.
Well, that’s the clean version. Basically everyone is moaning on Facebook that it’s turned it into a boring shower of shit.
After England played out a 0-0 stalemate against a resolute Slovakian team, who had 11 men behind the ball for much of the game, the ire reached fever pitch…
4 nil-nils in last 5 nights. The new format of 16 from 24 going through having a very negative effect. Bring on the knockout stage.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 20, 2016
That was a farce of a game thanks to the new Euro 2016 format don't know why they had to change it
— Paul Ince (@PaulInce) June 20, 2016
This new format is rollocks. Slovakia haven't even tried to have a go because they'll take a point and chance going through 3rd.
— Dan Waddell (@danwaddell) June 20, 2016
This new format is a joke too. Finishing 3rd out of a 4 team group is not an achievement, and definitely should not warrant qualification..
— Matt Evans (@Matt_Evans_6) June 20, 2016
The new format of 16 going through is far too negative. Too many teams settling for the 0-0 draw 🙄
— Lewis Parish (@lewis_parish) June 20, 2016
This new format has meant a fear of losing, right? So playing for draws. Which has meant for dull football matches.
— James Dall (@JamesDall_) June 20, 2016
Uefa messing with a perfect format has predictably encouraged crap teams to be happy with playing for draws and finishing 3rd.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) June 20, 2016
Can't totally excuse #eng but UEFA's bloated format had a bearing on that game. Teams offered greater chance of reward for conservatism.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) June 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/A_W_Gordon/status/744997159158833152
This is the crappy aspect of the 24-team format and the third place possibly qualifying, teams like Slovakia have no incentive to play.
— Karl Sharro (@KarlreMarks) June 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/El_Seguidor_FCB/status/745006561597202432
