European Championship Official under Scrutiny Amidst Potential Scandal Erupting
looks like a heated contest is brewing up at the European Football Championship, doesn't it? Romania and Slovakia have a trick up their sleeves to secure their spots in the Round of 16, seemingly reminiscent of the "Disgrace of Gijon," where Germany took part. Referee Daniel Siebert might find himself in a tough spot.
The tension raises fears that we might witness a repeat of Gijon, this time in Frankfurt. Given Siebert's role, he may be forced to watch impotently as Slovakia and Romania connive to outmaneuver their competition, possibly the Belgians or Ukrainians, for a spot in the Round of 16. This unsettling scenario is possible due to the combination of the tournament's format and its novelty. Consequently, all eyes will be on the last game day of Group E on Wednesday.
If Slovakia and Romania (6 p.m., ARD, MagentaTV, and ntv.de-Liveticker) agree on a draw, both underdogs will make it to the knockout stage. The simultaneous game between Ukraine and Belgium in Stuttgart (RTL, MagentaTV, and ntv.de-Liveticker) will then undoubtedly produce a big loser. The statement of the Romanian coach Edward Iordanescu ("The moment of truth is approaching - we can make history") takes on a whole new meaning in this context.
The culprits
This situation is due to two reasons. Firstly: All four teams currently have three points each - a first in EM history. Teams are only separated by goal difference, with Ukraine having the poorest (-2). Secondly: Through the final and intermediate standings in the other groups, it's already clear that four points are enough to make it as one of the four best third-placed teams into the Round of 16.
This brings back memories of the 1982 World Cup in Spain. The match between Germany and Austria on June 25 - barely a day before 42 years ago - went down in football infamy as the "Gijon Shame." Since the early German 1:0 goal by Horst Hrubesch (11') was enough for both teams to advance, all aggressive play was abandoned. The unappealing play went on at the expense of the Algerians.
UEFA under fire for the format
If Slovakia and Romania decide to play defensively from the start, the Ukrainians could suffer. They would then be eliminated as group losers with a good point score against Belgium - a record: No team has ever been eliminated in the knockout phase of a tournament with 24 participants with just four points. And, to make matters worse: With three points, one is guaranteed to be among the four best third-placed teams at the ongoing EM.
If, in the end, a bland taste remains, the European Football Union (UEFA) will have to deal with uncomfortable questions. The association has been under fire regarding the format since the expansion of participant teams in 2016.
Siebert might inadvertently become the center of criticism after his second EM appearance. The 40-year-old Berliner and his team of fourth official Felix Zwayer and video assistant Bastian Dankert have no desire to be associated with another football scandal, but they have no control over it.
