Calculators and cards: The qualification and disciplinary lowdown - FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP
 |
| Gettt Images |
The group stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup is well on its way to completion. While some countries need more than one result to go in their favour to avoid having to pack their bags, others have the key to reaching the Round of 16 firmly in their own hands.
Against this backdrop, FIFA.com runs through the permutations so that you know what to look out for in the crucial final group-stage fixtures.
Who goes through?
The teams finishing first and second in each group will automatically go through to the Round of 16. They will be joined by the four best third-placed teams.
The standings in each group are calculated as follows:
1. Number of points obtained in all group matches;
2. Goal difference in all group matches;
3. Goals scored in all group matches.
If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, the following tiebreakers apply:
4. Points obtained in the matches between the teams in question;
5. Goal difference in the matches between the teams in question;
6. Goals scored in the matches between the teams in question;
7. Fair Play point system in which the number of yellow and red cards are considered according to the following deductions:
- first yellow card: minus 1 point
- second yellow/indirect red card: minus 3 points
- direct red card: minus 3 points
- yellow card and direct red card: minus 4 points
8. Drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee.
Meanwhile, the four best third-placed teams will be allocated into the Round of 16 matches in accordance with article 17 of the Regulations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015:
1. Points obtained in all group matches;
2. Goal difference in all group matches;
3. Goals scored in all group matches;
4. The Fair Play points system described above
5. Drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee.
Rules regarding yellow and red cards
Players who receive two yellow cards in two different matches before the semi-finals will be automatically suspended for their team's following game.
Single yellow cards accrued will be cancelled after the quarter-finals, therefore ensuring that no players miss the Final because of receiving a caution in the semi-finals.
Players sent off, either through a straight red card or two yellow cards in the same match, will be automatically suspended for their team's next game.
In addition, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may impose further sanctions for direct red-card offences.