Russia 2018 world cup where ranking never worked

You're referring to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the ranking system didn't quite work as expected!

In the group stage, teams were ranked based on the following criteria:

  1. Points (3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss)
  2. Goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded)
  3. Goals scored
  4. Head-to-head results (if two or more teams were tied on points, goal difference, and goals scored)

However, in some cases, the ranking system didn't quite work as intended, leading to some unexpected outcomes. Here are a few examples:

  1. Spain vs. Portugal: In Group B, Spain and Portugal were tied on points, goal difference, and goals scored. The head-to-head result was also tied, with each team winning one match and drawing the other. In this case, the ranking system failed to separate the two teams, and they were both eliminated from the tournament.
  2. Japan vs. Senegal: In Group H, Japan and Senegal were tied on points, goal difference, and goals scored. The head-to-head result was also tied, with each team winning one match and drawing the other. In this case, the ranking system again failed to separate the two teams, and they were both eliminated from the tournament.
  3. Belgium vs. England: In Group G, Belgium and England were tied on points, goal difference, and goals scored. The head-to-head result was also tied, with each team winning one match and drawing the other. In this case, the ranking system failed to separate the two teams, and they both advanced to the knockout stage.

These examples highlight the limitations of the ranking system and the potential for unexpected outcomes. In some cases, the system can lead to teams being eliminated or advancing based on arbitrary criteria, rather than their actual performance on the field.

It's worth noting that the ranking system has been modified since the 2018 World Cup to address some of these issues. For example, the introduction of a "fair play" ranking system, which takes into account the number of yellow and red cards received by each team, has helped to reduce the impact of arbitrary criteria on the outcome of matches.