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| Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: gergasp
Date: 15-07-2011, 14:00 | 10 Greece 30.500 11 Turkey 929.850 12 Denmark 24.625 13 Belgium 22.500 14 Switzerland 21.700 15 Austria 19.950 16 Scotland 18.391 I Think thise year the battle for 12th/13th spot will involve only Danemark, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Scotland. With two confrontation between Swiss and Belgian Clubs (Standard-Zurich and probably Young Boys-Westerlo) ath third round of EL and CL the battle could be decided quite quickly. The country who wins both of the games takes a strong advantage for the 13th place. Austria being a strong outsider. I Think Danemark will keep their 12th spot. Gergasp. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 15-07-2011, 16:26 | Denmark only has to look at Belgium and the Swiss. Austria is just to far behind to get 12th spot. Highest attainable for them and Scotland is 13th. We have to wait until after the play offs to say a bit more about who is going to take 12th spot. My expectations for Belgian teams are, 4 teams in europa league, none in CL. 1 team will be eliminated in QR4 ( Westerlo) I would be disappointed if less than 4 teams make it through. Any danish people here who could shed an objective light on the situation for Danish teams? |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: ragstar
Date: 15-07-2011, 18:24 | Hello Zender, I am Dane and new to the forum, but can try to fill you in on the Danish teams this year. Like Belgium we have 5 teams participating, FC Copenhagen, Odense BK, Brøndby, FC Midtjylland and FCN. The general assessment by most of us Danish fans is that we will believe we can keep the 12th spot this year, but due to a few overperformances last few years I believe our real level is somewhere in the range of 13-16th. FC Copenhagen got a decent draw today for CL Q3 taking on Shamrock Rovers and, though Copenhagen is rebuilding half their team this summer we believe they will qualify for the CL group stages. Odense is going to need a lot of luck against Pana. Even though they most likely will loose, they are still seeded for the EL-play off and we expect them to reach the group stage like last year. Both OB and FC Copenhagen will be seeded 3rd in the groups should they make it through,so might be able to get some further points. Now the trouble begins, for Brøndby seeded for the EL Q3, but not the playoffs. They drew Austrian Ried, and based on the form Brøndby is in at the moment its pretty much a 50/50 match for them. Should they go through they will be unseeded in the play-offs and most likely be eliminated. The same goes for FC Midtjylland who drew Victoria from Portugal today for EL Q3. They have a chance since the Portugueese league does not begin until late August,but no one expects them to go through. FCN the cup-winners begin in EL Q4 and will be unseeded so it really depends on the draw. Based on that I believe realistically we will have FC Copenhagen in the CL group stages and Odense in EL group stages. The last 3 will have to get whatever points they can before elimination. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 16-07-2011, 02:54 Edited by: zender at: 16-07-2011, 02:57 | Thanks for the information Ragstar. Genk has the most chance for Belgium to reach the CL but it needs to pass the next round and then avoid Kopenhaven and the other major team there to have a decent chance to get in. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: kurt
Date: 21-07-2011, 23:19 | already scottish team out,perfect |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: FDC
Date: 22-07-2011, 09:06 | No need to look at Scotland anymore, certainly not long term. Losing 10.250 next year, they'll be around pos. 30 |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: putje
Date: 23-07-2011, 18:59 | My calculations predict a close battle between Danmark and Belgium. At the moment I have 0.22 points difference between the 2. (pints 11-12) 5 year ranking 10 Greece (8.4 ) 37.9 11 Turkey (5.3) 34.25 12 Denmark (4.8) 29.22 13 Belgium (6.7) 29 14 Scotland (8 ) 26.39 15 Switzerland (3.9) 24.7 16 Austria (4.625) 23.825 17 Israel (6.375) 22.375 I have 3 teams from Belgium in EL groups, all 3 passing to springtime. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: ragstar
Date: 24-07-2011, 11:14 | Hey Putje. That is some interesting calculations. Do you have some more detailed information about how you got the results? Personally I agree it will be close between Belgium and Denmark, but only given 3 Belgium teams go through to the EL group stages and qualify. I think quite a few people taken this for given and I would not necessarily believe that case. Hence a coefficient of 6.7 is likely, but not certain at all. Similarly, a Danish coefficient of 4.8 seem realistic, but it could easily end up in the region of 3.5-4.0 if the results do not come out favorable for Odense or Copenhagen. The most interesting fact is the Scottish Coefficient of 8. Do you believe Rangers and Celtic will go far? With Dundee United already out it seems difficult. I am much more positive for the Swiss teams, but then again maybe I am wrong. Cheers Rag |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: bbi
Date: 26-07-2011, 09:47 | Denmark is favorite. I expect the 2 points from Belgium to be enough in "normal" circumstances. The 2 should have similar results. Austria and Switzerland need something extraordinary to get in to the fight while Scotland needs a miracle. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 26-07-2011, 10:12 | I recon it is going to be close, 2 points seem a lot but in a system where a win delivers you 0.400, a lot can happen. But I agree with bbi, a lot will depend on details and performance of the teams. After this round we will be a little wiser on what to expect for the coming European season. I hope that genk will get a solid victory against Partizan at home. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: maluyaca
Date: 26-07-2011, 10:29 | I think it's too soon to make a prediction, you must wait the draw of the 4rd qualifying round too make a good prediction. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: gergasp
Date: 26-07-2011, 11:54 | I agree it's too soon to make predictions, but I think the next qualification round is already very important for Switzerland and Belgium. Indeed, there are two confrontation between Swiss and Belgian Clubs (Standard-Zurich and Young Boys-Westerlo) at third round of EL and CL. Winning or losing the two qualifications can make a difference yet (altough only one of these qualification round will be a sudden death game, the loser of standard-zurich going to 4th QR europa league). |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: putje
Date: 26-07-2011, 21:06 Edited by: putje at: 26-07-2011, 21:09 | @Mulyaca, I admid it is soon to make solid predictions. But this site is al about rankings and my 'systhem' is 100% working on the rankings. I don't believe the figures I gave will work out (nevertheless I hope so). I prefer the word 'previsions' than 'predictions'. Since i have those figures up to the entry table of the season 2018-19, these figures end of season are not so science fiction. @ ragstar, It's all about the ranking/seeding. Top seeds are supposed to win home and away, while buttom seeds only win their home game. Top non seeds win their home game and so on. Ricardo has a similar point of view, but he uses a 2 trap systhem, I use 5 traps. For Glasgow Rangers I have 4 wins in QChL (top seed) + 4 bonus entering the ChL group + 3 home wins in ChL gr + 4 points in EL Round 3+4 = 18 points. Celtic are just top seed in PO EL (=>2 wins), 4 victories in EL group + 1 draw in spring = 11 points. +1 win for Dundee and another for Hearts results in a total of 7,75. I repeat. I know this won't happen, but ranking wise, it isn't illogic. I admid that in my hand made excel there will be some mistakes, but you see the idea. edit: Rangers are 0-1 down after 18 min. That's why football is so fun. Everything changes every minute. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: kurt
Date: 29-07-2011, 00:50 | relative good week for belgium scotland doing bad and for denmark probably 2 teams out in europe league ik think denmark will fall down and Belium or Switzerland will be 12th |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 29-07-2011, 01:52 | Denmark scored 0.400 2D,1W,1L Belgium scored 0.500 1D,2W,1L Swiss scored 0.400 2D,1W,0L Austria scored 0.600 2D,2W,0L Belgium is ready to lose its first team as expected. Hopefully can Genk place themselves for the next round after their 2-1 win over Partizan. Then they would be assured of EL football, if not I fear the worst for them. I am also quite confident that Standard will solidify their 4th round ticket against Zurich. Denmark is in for a tough return ride, it looks like it's all up to Kobenhavn again with a bit of help from OB. Swiss and Austria are going strong and looking dangerous. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Philipp
Date: 29-07-2011, 10:50 | Austria scored 0,750 this week. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Apoxie
Date: 29-07-2011, 11:12 Edited by: Apoxie at: 29-07-2011, 11:14 | Im pretty sure Rangers wont go further in the CL. This will move Rosenborg into the seeded part of the draw, helping FCK to avoid them. This leads me to say that im pretty sure FCK will reach the group stage of the CL, OB will reach the group stage of EL (losing in this or the next round in CL) and the other 3 danish teams will lose in the round they enter the qualification. This leaves Denmark with only FCK and OB in the 2 group stages. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: ragstar
Date: 29-07-2011, 14:30 | Apoxie I believe this has already been pointed out in this thread. The real question for Belgium is if Genk can deal with Partizan next week. Should they be eliminated they will be unseeded for the EL play-off and could cost Belgium that extra team in the group-stages, which could really make them dominant in the rankings. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: kurt
Date: 29-07-2011, 14:36 | genk -partizan will be the keymatch,if genk wins then belgium will be 12th, i am certain of it, belgium is the only county that is in top 15 every year for at least 10 years switszerland,scotland,austria, denmark cannot say that and these are countries that are in and out for the top 15 ranking belgium is a country that is 100 % top 15 ranking |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 29-07-2011, 16:41 | Thanks Philip, in my haste I forgot that Austria has only 4 teams |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: putje
Date: 02-08-2011, 23:21 | After tonights suprise win of Odense over Panatinaikos, my previsions turn in the favourite of ...... Belgium. Odense got tonight one point more than expected, but wil get nothing as bottum team in CHL Q4, while they would get 1.5 point as middle seed in EL Q4. Both Pana and Odense were and stay predicted as group players in the Euroleague. On the other side, these figures moves Standard from the prdicted 0 points in Q4 (9th team on the seeding list) to a 0.5 point (8th on the list). I don't expect it at all, buth right now the logic of the rankings give the 12th place at year end to Belgium. Wait and see what tomorrow will bring. An elimination of Standard could even widen the gap. They too would get more in ELQ4 than in CHL Q4. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 03-08-2011, 01:13 | A great result for the Danes. WTG boys, you really showed those Greeks. Love it when the underdog makes it. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: putje
Date: 03-08-2011, 23:50 | Great evening for Belgium too. Genk for shure in group stage + 3 seeded teams in PO EL. 4 teams in groupstage is now logic, and therefor Belgium become imo favorit for 12th place. Genk - Kopenhagen could be an inportant draw. Unlikky though for Belgium. I have the feeling the Danish Champion is the only team to be more than 60% favorite against Genk. Champions League could come 12 month earlyer than expected to Belgium. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 04-08-2011, 01:06 | So glad that Genk made it with their very young squad, although they had the football Gods on their side tonight. I agree with putje that everything is open for them in the last round as long as they don't draw against Kobenhavn. I hope for a draw against BATE or APOEL. Either way it's good for Belgium to have Genk in Europe for sure and let them shore up their ranks with some more players, they are stretched to thin with few options to changes game style as showed today against Partizan. Congrats to Zurich, If you can't put Zurich aside in a 2 legged match. Then you simply don't belong in CL. 4 teams in Europe should be the result now but watch out in football though. Had quite a few upsets already with Genk(CL) and Malmo, hope there will be more today in the Europa league. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: ragstar
Date: 04-08-2011, 09:16 | Watched the last bit of Partizan - Genk as was impressed with the Genk team, did not think they were that good. Obviously, as An Odense-fan, Genk progressing was bad news. I hope Copenhagen gets a trip to Plzen next round, Malmø would love the chance to kick out Copenhagen  By the way I know its logic to assume the seeded teams to progress from the EL play-off, but if you take a look, the difference in quality between the seeded and unseeded teams for that round have been diminishing markedly, the few years, there are plenty of nasty opponents for belgium teams, I wouldnt be too confident until the draw is done. In Any case Standard needs to up their game this season. Anderlecht I believe will make it through against most and Brugge seem it great form. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Overgame
Date: 04-08-2011, 09:41 | A bit off-topic, but there are 2 main reason why 40% of the unseeded can qualify now, and not before : 1) Split of the qRounds in CL. The 10 teams in the NC section would be seeded in the champions section. 2) Less teams per round. When there are 80 teams, some unseeded are really too weak to have a single chance against any seeded, and some seeded are too strong to be out. With only 20 teams, the difference is a lot lower. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: gergasp
Date: 04-08-2011, 10:30 | Most points are won in group stage. And the fact is that Switzerland and Danemark are garanteed to hace at least 2 teams in a GS while belgium only one. 4th EL QR will be very important for all the countries but Belgium can now feel Switzerland is coming while Danemark still holds ot's advantage. Not a good week for belgian teams until now (a draw and a loss). |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: BBP
Date: 04-08-2011, 12:07 | Games to watch today: AUSTRIA: Brøndby - RIED (0-2) AUSTRIA WIEN - Olimpija Ljubljana (1-1) Senica - SALZBURG (0-1) SWITZERLAND: Westerlo - YOUNG BOYS (1-3) THUN - Palermo (2-2) DENMARK: Vitória Guimarães - MIDTJYLLAND (0-0) BRONDBY - Ried (0-2) BELGIUM: WESTERLO - Young Boys (1-3) Qarabağ - CLUB BRUGGE (1-4) |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: JPV
Date: 04-08-2011, 13:32 | "Most points are won in group stage. And the fact is that Switzerland and Danemark are garanteed to hace at least 2 teams in a GS while belgium only one." yep, if you only base yourself on guarantees, you're right. But they aren't guaranteed any points either... (except bonus points). Belgium is (almost) guaranteed Pot 2 for each of the 3 likely participants of EL. Other countries have lower pots for CL & EL. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 04-08-2011, 13:54 | It seems that the Swiss are doing awesome now, but take away the bonus points from CL and you will see that they have been performing on the same level as the Danes and the Belgians. On the comment that Belgium has had a horrible week, I disagree big time. Genk securing a GS spot is great, they can do some great things in EL ( don't be fooled by their coefficient of 8) and they still have a 50 50 chance of CL ( unless they draw Kobenhavn) Also if the big three from Belgium make it through the next round, you can't forget that they all will be dropped in Pot 2 of the draw another advantage. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: kurt
Date: 04-08-2011, 15:18 | It is not sure they that club brugge will be in pot2. If rubin kazan beats seeded team then brugge is in pot 3 but there can be also other surprises. If there are 4 teams in the groups stage. This is possible with a good draw for all the clubs then i am sure Belgium will be on spot 12. That are 24 matches that the belgian clubs can gain some points. And with seeded in pot 2, there will be a few clubs of the 4 clubs survive the groups. Let's hope a good draw. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: BBP
Date: 04-08-2011, 15:52 Edited by: BBP at: 04-08-2011, 15:56 | @Kurt: "It is not sure they that club brugge will be in pot2. If rubin kazan beats seeded team then brugge is in pot 3 but there can be also other surprises." You're wrong, Rubin is already seeded above Bruges in EL pot 2, even if they lose. The situation for Bruges is as follows: They drop one place for these outcomes: Udinese, Zurich or Odense qualify for CL GS. (very unlikely) Kobenhavn fails to reach CL GS. They win one place for these outcomes: Each of 21 clubs seeded above Bruges, and participating in EL Play offs, who fail to qualify for EL GS. In total they can't drop one place, but that will certainly not happen. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: BBP
Date: 04-08-2011, 16:00 | And if you look, Anderlecht needs to gain three spots to be in pot 1. Same criteria as for Bruges, except that they will gain a spot if one of the 14 higher seeded clubs in EL PO fail to qualify. Looks hard, but you never know. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: JPV
Date: 05-08-2011, 09:07 | FC Midtjylland Den Vitória Guimarães Por 0-0 1-2 DENMARK FC Nordsjælland Den 7.110 (out in ELQ4)=> 1.800 Country points & 1 team in CL Pot 3 & 1 team in EL Pot 3 BELGIUM Anderlecht Bel 42.400 (EL pot 2)SWITZERLAND Young Boys Sui 14.980 (out in ELQ4)AUSTRIA FC Salzburg Aut 22.140 (EL pot 3)My conclusion: according to the rankings, Switzerland won't be a real contender. Denmark has got a lead, but if Belgium performs as it should be according to rankings, they will be favourite to beat Denmark. If Belgium underperforms, they will face Austria for spot 13... btw: if everything stays as it should be according to rankings (better ranked wins at home, draws away), these points will be gained in the group phases: Belgium: 24 points (7+7+7+3) + 3 teams qualified for EL 1/16 (30.000) Denmark: 10 points (5+5) + 1 team qualified for EL 1/16 (29.625) Austria: 11 points (5+3+3) + 1 team qualified for EL 1/16 (26.575) Switzerland: 8 points (5+3) + 1 team qualified for EL 1/16 (25.400) But then, there are surprises & difficult/easy draws... |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Overgame
Date: 05-08-2011, 09:49 | This round is the BIG round for Belgium. 3 seeded teams, all in pot 2 in EL : if they can pass this round, they'll take a serious option. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: JPV
Date: 05-08-2011, 14:46 | DENMARK FC Nordsjælland (DEN) - Sporting (POR) FC København (DEN) - Plzen (CZE) OB Odense - Villarreal (ESP) BELGIUM Bursaspor (TUR) - Anderlecht (BEL) Standard Liège (BEL) - Helsingborg (SWE) Zestafoni (GEO) - Club Brugge (BEL) Maccabi Haifa (ISR) - Racing Genk (BEL) SWITZERLAND Braga (POR) - Young Boys (SUI) FC Sion (SUI) - Celtic (SCO) FC Thun (SUI) - Stoke City (ENG) Bayern (GER) - FC Zürich (SUI) FC Basel (SUI) AUSTRIA Omonia (CYP) - FC Salzburg (AUT) Gaz Metan (ROM) - Austria Wien (AUT) PSV Eindhoven (NET) - SV Ried (AUT) BATE Borisov - Sturm Graz (AUT) |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Hansen
Date: 05-08-2011, 18:00 | Being form Denmark, I concur with the previous notion that the country ranking will be driven by FC København as usual with the odd side that may chip in (e.g. Aalborg or Odense), and this year we can hope for Odense to continue to perform well. FC København is rebuilding this year but expectations are high nonetheless. Nothing to be expected from FC Nordsjælland, and though it was painful to watch the elimination of FC Midtjylland and Brøndby in particular, it was not a big surprise. The Danish league is really very "Scottish" with FC København in a league of their own. I'm pretty worried about the current performances of Belgian and Austrian teams, and I really think that Denmark might even drop to the 14th place. Isn't it in reality the 13th place that is the important one, since the title holder almost always will qualify for the CL group stage by the national league? |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: flob
Date: 06-08-2011, 00:22 | "Isn't it in reality the 13th place that is the important one, since the title holder almost always will qualify for the CL group stage by the national league?" Exactly, 12th 100%, 13th I would say 90% |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 06-08-2011, 01:50 | Although 13th is important, 12th is more because of it's prestige. 13th still gives the feeling that you are in the CL because of another team performing well. 12th makes you feel that you have really earned it. It's not really about the spot that much, linking these nations together give you a competition in a competition and groups people together, making it more interesting. If in the future Greece or Turkey are to drop closer, I am sure it will be called battle for 11th or 10th with as extra bonus 12th and 13th. The Swiss unseeded teams got a tough draw today with Brage, Celtic and Stoke. It will be hard for them to pass the round but this is still football. The Belgian side should be able to progress with 3 teams, Bursaspor will be tougher but if you really start from your own strength it shouldn't stop you. (Just out of curiousness what would happen if Uefa bans Bursaspor, will Anderlecht get the points in this case or not) The Danes should progress with 2 teams in the GS and the Austrians had a fairly luck draw but will most likely lose Ried against PSV. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: kurt
Date: 06-08-2011, 07:13 | if, big if ,but if all 4 belgian teams survive this round and go to the groups then Belgium will be 100 % certain on spot 13. 24 matches is a lot of chances for gaining points. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: kurt
Date: 19-08-2011, 00:03 | relative good week for belgium unseeded genk lost 2-1 away brugge was bad 3-3 away anderlecht won 1-2 away standard home victory 1-0 so, anderlecht,club brugge will winn at home, hopefully genk will win 1-0 and go to champions league,otherwise europa league if standard manage to survive at helsingborg, 4 teams in the groups, belgium will be 12th, 100 % certain |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: putje
Date: 21-08-2011, 23:15 | My previsions are showing the same result as my post on 23/7. Denmark 28.925 Belgium 28.7 Scotland 25.14 Swiss 24.7 Austria 24.45. Next weeks games could change a lot, but then again,... . It would nearly make no difference for Kopenhagen if they start in CHL Pot3 or EL Pot2. If the real batlle is the one for rank 13, I think it is over now. Even if the Swiss would pass 4 teams to the group stages, I don't expect them to win +13 games in groupstage. The 25p I foresee for Belgium might be optimistic too, but if Genk can get the bonus of the ChL, the buffer to Swiss must be sufficient. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: JPV
Date: 22-08-2011, 21:06 | this week will be the most important week for a lot of countries below top 6. each year, after this week, my interest in rankings drop a little (also because it changes slower). Let the games begin, tomorrow |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 23-08-2011, 23:58 | Genk made it to the CL, what amazing night here. definitely worth staying up for until near morning. Now waiting for Thursday to come. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Ricardo
Date: 24-08-2011, 12:26 | With only last nights results counting in Q4 and for the others that the seeded teams will continue (so incl. FCKopenhavn), I got currently Belgium as 12th! After todays and Thursdays results all could be different again of course, but for now I got Belgium on 30.500 and Denmark on 29.925 |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: BBP
Date: 25-08-2011, 15:10 Edited by: BBP at: 25-08-2011, 15:37 | Current situation for 12th: Denmark: -Kobenhavn in ELGS, (pot 1 when two surprises in top 13 top-ranked teams, otherwise pot 2) -Odense in ELGS, (pot 3 when one surprise in top 30 top-ranked teams, otherwise pot 4) -Nordsjælland drawed 0-0 at home against Sporting Lis., very likely out, otherwise pot 4. Belgium: -Genk in CLGS, pot 4 -Standard won 1-0 at home against Helsingborg (if they qualify, pot 2, pot 1 if there are 11 surprises in top 20 top-ranked teams, will not happen) -Anderlecht, won 1-2 at Bursaspor (if they qualify pot 1 if there are 4 surprises in top 14 top-ranked teams, otherwise pot 2) -Bruges: played 3-3 at Zestafoni (if they qualify pot 2 if there is one surprise in top 21 top ranked teams, otherwise pot 3) List of top ranked teams and their return games: (Top ranked teams in bold, first leg between brackets) 1) Sevilla - Hannover (1-2) 2) AS Roma - Bratislava (0-1) 3) Tottenham - Heart of Midlothian (5-0) 4) PSV - Ried (0-0) 5) Vitória Guimarães - Atletico Madrid (0-2) 6) Sporting Lisbon - Nordsjælland (0-0) 7) Young Boys - Braga (0-0) 8) Schalke 04 - Helsinki (0-2) 9) Dinamo Kiev - Litex Lovech (2-1) 10) Panathinaikos - Maccabi Tel Aviv (0-3) 11) Rangers - Maribor (1-2) 12) Spartak Moscow - Legia Warsaw (2-2) 13) PSG - Differdange (4-0) 14) AZ - Aalesund (1-2) 15) Anderlecht - Bursaspor (2-1) 16) Dnipro - Fulham (0-3) 17) Sion - Celtic (0-0) 18) Alania - Besiktas (0-3) 19) Hapoel Tel Aviv - Ekranas (0-1) 20) Sochaux - Metalist Kharkiv (0-0) 21) Helsingborg - Standard (0-1) Atfter a short look at this list, Bruges looks certain of pot 2 if they qualify, Anderlecht and certainly Kobenhavn have a decent chance of pot 1, will be exciting to watch. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Bjemmer
Date: 25-08-2011, 16:00 | tonight could be the beginning of a huge year for Belgium. I saw it coming 2 years ago when we made 8,7 I knew it was going to be a good year, because 3 top teams were in good form. I made a lot of post back then as well Tonight we have a big chance of doing even better than 2 years ago. There is a realistic opportunity to have 4 teams in european groupstages. I think that would make an end to this battle for 12th. Also Belgium could be looking up because it is very likely that turkey will have only 2 teams left was well.. This would mean that Belgium could do better than Turkey for the 3th year in a row, but we are still far behind for now. But if the evolution continues, Belgium certainly has a chance to take 11th from Turkey for a year, maybe more, depending on how turkish teams deal with the corruption.. :p I think we certainly belong on the 12th spot.. If our 5 best teams would go into europe each year, there would be no doubt. But that's mostly not the case. Thats why this year could be great, Belgium got 4 out of it's 5 big clubs into europe. greetings |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: BBP
Date: 25-08-2011, 19:06 Edited by: BBP at: 25-08-2011, 19:07 | We have our first surprise of the day, Spartak Moscow, seeded higher than Bruges and Anderlecht lost to Legia. Bruges definitely to pot 2 if they qualify, Anderlecht needs only three surprises for pot 1, Kobenhavn only 1. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Othello
Date: 25-08-2011, 19:35 | Before this turns entirely Belgium - then the surprise loss of Spartak lifts Odense into pot 3 ! And that this makes FC København certain of pot 1. The last two seasons Panathinaikos have handed out one favour after another to Danish football - and they will not stop tonight As for Turkey dropping on longer term. Probably true and Greece could be doing the same. I can?t see how the Greeks can avoid that the poor Greek economy will have an effect on level of play. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: BBP
Date: 25-08-2011, 21:40 | -Scotland wipe out in the make? No team is qualifying at this moment. -All Belgian teams in a good position. -Still two surprises needed for Anderlecht pot 1, at this moment sevilla en rangers out.. Roma en AZ still are close.. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: BBP
Date: 25-08-2011, 22:26 Edited by: BBP at: 25-08-2011, 22:27 | -Scotland wiped out.. Celtic and Rangers out, very sad for Scotisch football. -All Belgian teams qualify, Anderlecht was close but they made it. First time in history four belgian teams to Europe GS. -Roma is minutes away from getting eliminated, therefore giving Anderlecht a pot one seeding. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Overgame
Date: 25-08-2011, 22:51 | "-All Belgian teams qualify, Anderlecht was close but they made it. First time in history four belgian teams to Europe GS." Sorry, but check 2004/2005  |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: BBP
Date: 25-08-2011, 22:58 | Correct, let's say first time four decent teams..:-) |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Witkop1983
Date: 25-08-2011, 23:31 | Cyprus is closing in. maybe not for 12/13 but certainly in the battle for 15 (well, not this season but certainly in the fight for next season) |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Lorric
Date: 25-08-2011, 23:36 Edited by: Lorric at: 25-08-2011, 23:53 | I don't know what is going on in Cyprus, but the league just gets stronger every year. Only a few years ago Cypriot teams where whipping boys. Does anyone know what has brought on the change? Nowadays it's regular qualification for their champion to the Champions League. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Ricardo
Date: 26-08-2011, 09:25 | IF higher ranked teams win at home and draw away, then at the end Belgium will have 31.600 points and be on spot 12. 13th Denmark will have 29.725 11th Turkey will have 34.075 |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: gergasp
Date: 26-08-2011, 14:34 | Standard de Liège - FC Kopenhague will be an intersting and important duel in the figt for 12the between Belgium and Danemark. I think Belgium will still be 13th at the end of thise year, but close to DK. Switzerland doesn't make a chance anymore in my view. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Bjemmer
Date: 26-08-2011, 15:50 | Belgium is less than a point behind on Denmark and has 4 teams in european groupstages unlike 2 teams from denmark. I dont see how you still think that Belgium won't take 12th at the end of the year :p |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: gergasp
Date: 26-08-2011, 16:24 | Genk will do 0/18 in CL, don't count them as a team... So actually Belgium has 3 teams. Anderlecht isn't good now so their matches against lokomotiv and AEK will be difficult. Bruges has Braga in their group, former finalist, and Birmingham. I don't know Birmingham, but it's an english team so they have to be good. Finally Standard will compete with Kopenhague and Hannover... I don't know Hanover but Kopenhague seems to be the best team. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 26-08-2011, 17:21 Edited by: zender at: 26-08-2011, 17:25 | I am with Bjemmer on this. Have you seen in which group Odense is? Kobenhavn is not itself as well this season. They are going to have little belgian and German piranha's coming after them now that they are showing weakness. Birmingham relegated last season out of the Premier League. They are going to miss the weekly high leveled games. I don't think Genk will go out with a 0 0 6 in the Champions League. anderlecht, bruges and standard are growing each week to better cohesion. I am expecting at least 2 of them to get through. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Overgame
Date: 26-08-2011, 23:24 | OMFG HOLY HELL We got a Danish predicting like Retroactive :p Coppenhagen is now favourite, Plzen was one the best team in Europe :p The 3 teams from Belgium have decent groups, and they should score enough points to pass Denmark after what, 2 weeks ? Genk 0-0-6 ? Of course, let's make that kind of prediction before the first game, Valencia is the new Barcelona and Leverkusen the new Manchester United |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Bjemmer
Date: 27-08-2011, 10:24 | I think it sucks that turkish points are only devided by 4 this year.. :p they could have (and still might) make a terrible year ! this would give us chances to close in on them as well :p Maybe now I'm looking to far into the future, but this would be the third year we do better than Turkey, we could be dreaming of 11th, not that it really matters but it's nice for prestige. The real importance is to get a big lead on 13th this year. We should make a lot of points now we can :p It could make us certain of 12th for the next years to come! |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: BBP
Date: 27-08-2011, 11:23 | Overgame said: "OMFG HOLY HELL We got a Danish predicting like Retroactive :p Coppenhagen is now favourite, Plzen was one the best team in Europe :p" I was thinking the same, but keeping my mouth shut.. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: kurt
Date: 27-08-2011, 14:19 | denmark odense in hard group and kopenhagen in group with standard denmark is over and out belgium on spot 12 for many years 4 teams now in the groups, certainly 2 will survive for denmark maximum one team for swiss maximum one team for austria maximum one team |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: gergasp
Date: 29-08-2011, 15:26 | Sorry if you misunderstood me but I'm belgian :-). From what I see in the belgian competition neither Anderlecht Bruges, Genk or Standard (wich is my supported team) are playing at their true level... They all lose points against small teams (St-truiden, OHL, GBA, Mons,...) and had difficulties to get through an easy draw (Helsinborg, Bursaspor and the georgian team aren't that good). I think they won't get a lot of points if they don't improve their game. And from what I saw last year Kopenhague seems to be better than the actual standard, but in football everything changes quite fast. So we'll have to wait, but I'm not as confident as you are for securing the 12th spot (13th should be ok, switzerland is too far away with some difficult games to come too). |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Othello
Date: 29-08-2011, 15:58 | Why do I get the feeling that I am looking at a Belgian Malko-clone which guarantees Belgium 12th spot for many years and ruling Denmark over & out ? I agree Belgium are now favourites for 12th, but without even a single kick having been played in group stage it is still far too early to close this battle. FC Copenhagen have a new coach and many new players. It is impossible to tell how they will perform internationally during the next 3? months. And Odense is in a funny group where they could surprise and get loads of points - or do the opposite. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Overgame
Date: 29-08-2011, 22:20 | Othello : I agree, both are boring. The first one tells us "Belgium teams are weak, none will pas the groups and Genk will do a 0/0/6" while the second one is sure to have at least 2 teams in january. Belgium has the cards to pass Denmark, 5 points with 2 more teams shouldn't be impossible. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Metallica
Date: 29-08-2011, 23:37 | "Finally Standard will compete with Kopenhague and Hannover... I don't know Hanover but Kopenhague seems to be the best team." @gergasp I'm afraid that will be forced to break Vorskla your love triangle I can not figure out how you can have us (Ukraine) underestimate .... Ukrainian Premier League stability is one of 10 the most powerful of the world championships, which can not be said of Belgium or Denmark. In Ukraine, the results of the draw received with great optimism and believe Vorskla has a good chance to withdraw from the group |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: badgerboy
Date: 30-08-2011, 19:28 | Metallica wrote: "I can not figure out how you can have us (Ukraine) underestimate .... Ukrainian Premier League stability is one of 10 the most powerful of the world championships, which can not be said of Belgium or Denmark. In Ukraine, the results of the draw received with great optimism and believe Vorskla has a good chance to withdraw from the group" I think when people look at the Ukrainian League they see the top two teams far above everybody else and then Metalist (& perhaps Dnipro) far above the rest again. The recent domestic league tables - from memory at least - would seem to bear that out. So a bit like Karpaty last year - all be it they had a very difficult group - Poltava certainly don't seem as daunting as any of Ukraine's "big 4" might be when you consider that they are up against the best Danish team, a big 5 team that already eliminated a potential tournament favorite & one of the top Belgian clubs with a good recent European record. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Metallica
Date: 30-08-2011, 20:13 | badgerboy in the last 1-2 years, the middle peasants Ukrainian league very much caught up to the big 4 ... which is reflected in the increased transfer fee throughout the league, with 400mln at the end of 2009, up to 560mln August 29, 2011. now Shakhtar or Dynamo on one leg just does not beat, no more matches through- |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Overgame
Date: 30-08-2011, 21:24 | Well, if there is one thing I learned in many years of sports, that's to NEVER underestimate an opponent. Yes, Vorskla Poltava should be the weakest team of the group, but SHOULD BE and not WILL BE. The games have to be played, and I can understand why they think "Great Group ! We can qualify" : Coppenhagen is probably one of the weakest pot A team with Anderlecht and Standard isn't really a big team. And that's why I won't start with any" Belgium will be 12th for sure". Yes, I think that Belgium will end 12th : as I already said, 2 more teams, only 5 more points needed and 3 of them were seeded while Denmark has a difficult group for Odense and Coppenhagen doesn't seem really good, and is in a group with Standard. But, again, a game isn't over before the end. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: kurt
Date: 03-09-2011, 13:26 | probably sion out good for belgium and denmark the group of celtic is very hard now topseed celtic is now from pot 4 in that group |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: BBP
Date: 04-09-2011, 10:00 | Interesting development... But if Celtic qualified regularly, they would be seeded in pot 2, and are by that not the top seed. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: JPV
Date: 13-09-2011, 10:06 | This weeks games: Austria Wien (Aut) - Metalist Kharkiv (Ukr) Sturm Graz (Aut) - Lokomotiv Moscow (Rus) Paris Saint-Germain (Fra) - FC Salzburg (Aut) Racing Genk (Bel) - Valencia (Esp) Club Brugge (Bel) - NK Maribor (Slo) Anderlecht (Bel) - AEK Athens (Gre) Hannover 96 (Ger) - Standard Liège (Bel) FC København (Den) - Vorskla Poltava (Ukr) Wisla Kraków (Pol) - OB Odense (Den) Atlético Madrid (Esp) - Celtic (Sco) FC Basel (Sui) - Otelul Galati (Rom) FC Zürich (Sui) - Sporting CP Lisbon (Por) |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Overgame
Date: 13-09-2011, 22:38 | Nice O-O-6 for Genk .... Oh wait, they got a first point |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: gderoo
Date: 13-09-2011, 22:43 Edited by: gderoo at: 13-09-2011, 22:44 | All points Genk make I consider as bonus on the belgian coefficient  |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 14-09-2011, 09:28 | Genk has met their first target already in the CL. Not getting a 0 0 6. Now some pressure will drop of them and they can focus more freely on trying to get the third spot which will be quite a feat if they pull it off. Can't wait until Thursday for the Europa League to kick off. Always plenty of games and plenty of emotions then. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Bjemmer
Date: 15-09-2011, 23:29 | Belgium already shows on the first matchday that they will be on 12th at the end of this season. + 1.2 this weak ==> a total of 4,1 this year i'm curious where this will end, could be a great year for Belgian football, especially when you look at our top teams growing towards their best forms. I think they could all 3 pass EL groupstages. Genk can try to be third, of course they aint favorites but played a very decent game against a strong valencia. they might suprise and become third, you never know I agree that all points genk can take are just a bonus. Even without genk points we will still have a fantastic year like 2 years ago :p i'm looking forward to the next games ! |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Lorric
Date: 15-09-2011, 23:39 Edited by: Lorric at: 15-09-2011, 23:43 | Whoa there Bjemmer. The two Danish teams won too. Belgium are heavy favourites, but it's not over till it's over. Denmark still holds a 0.325 lead. In theory, Belgian teams could lose all their remaining games. Or they could all go out and the Danes advance. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Kerberos
Date: 15-09-2011, 23:40 | Belgium ripping points ATM. Luckily for denmark, 13. spot will also provide a CHL GS spot(90% sure) But 2 nice wins, and 0,800 points for denmark. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Othello
Date: 15-09-2011, 23:45 | And with 2 wins Denmark show that the no. 12 spot will not be handed over without a fight. And if FC København beats Standard in next round then.... |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 16-09-2011, 02:12 | After game day 1 it is fair to say that the Swiss and Austrians got a severe blow, I don't see them as in the running for 12th or 13th spot anymore. A difference of 3 points with only 2 teams left, will prove to be too much. The Austrians still have 3 out of 4 teams but are almost 4 points behind. The Danes are reluctant to give up the 12th spot but will they be able to withstand the Belgian pressure? The Danes have got 10 guaranteed games left to do so. The Belgians have got 20 guaranteed games left to catch up. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: gergasp
Date: 16-09-2011, 08:56 | I agree the battle is now between Belgium an Danemark, and Belgium has an advantage in this battle. It's now almost sure Belgium and DK will have a team in CL group for the next two years and that's good news for belgian football. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: JPV
Date: 26-09-2011, 20:37 | Tuesday: Manchester United (Eng) - FC Basel (Sui) Wednesday: Bayer Leverkusen (Ger) - Racing Genk (Bel) Thursday: AEK Athens (Gre) - Sturm Graz (Aut) Malmö FF (Swe) - Austria Wien (Aut) Sporting Braga (Por) - Club Brugge (Bel) Lokomotiv Moscow (Rus) - Anderlecht (Bel) Standard Liège (Bel) - FC København (Den) OB Odense (Den) - Fulham FC (Eng) FC Vaslui (Rom) - FC Zürich (Sui) FC Salzburg (Aut) - Slovan Bratislava (Svk) |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 27-09-2011, 03:12 | An interesting week for the Belgians to see what they are really worth. With Braga - Bruges and Locomotiv Moscow - Anderlecht, you have got 2 games of teams in the winning mood playing against each other. Genk has to go to Leverkuzen, who are having a bit of a rough time at the moment. is it possible for Genk to grab something?? Who knows. Standard plays at home against Copenhagen. Copenhagen seem to have found their rhythm and Standard is still looking for it. It would be very promising if we could grab ourselves a decent amount of points this week, with emphasis on IF. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: JPV
Date: 27-09-2011, 22:02 | We only "need" 2 points this week, if you take the standard rule most people use here. A Standard & Anderlecht draw, Bruges & Genk loss would be normal. Switzerland needs 1 point, Denmark 2, Austria 3. Logically, this would lead to: 12 Denmark 26.925 => 27.325 13 Belgium 26.400 => 26.800 14 Switzerland 23.400 => 23.600 15 Austria 22.575 => 23.325 Let's see if logic rules the world... |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 28-09-2011, 02:33 | Basel already managed to defy logic with their draw. Go logic defying Swiss team. All Belgian teams could win against their opponents, especially after their recent good performances but they could just as well lose. I am going for 4 points this week. (also next week I am coming back to Belgium for a holiday, will manage to watch a European game as well.) |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Bjemmer
Date: 29-09-2011, 19:55 | nice win for Anderlecht ! I'm hoping other teams follow that example :p |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Pelotas
Date: 29-09-2011, 20:58 | ...and Brugge won too at Braga. what's happening lol |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: JPV
Date: 29-09-2011, 21:10 | If Standard & Kobenhavn draw, Belgium moves to 12th spot. If Standard loses, Kobenhavn gives Denmark a narrow lead (27,325 to 27,200). 3 options: Standard wins => BELGIUM 27.600, DENMARK 26.925 Standard draws => BELGIUM 27.400, DENMARK 27.125 Standard loses => BELGIUM 27.200, DENMARK 27.325 |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Bjemmer
Date: 29-09-2011, 22:21 | to bad standard is not same team like 2 years ago.. their gameplay is horrible, always long balls, i hate it.. This game is worth 0.8 coeff points and our weakest team has to play it.. :p but i'm still convinced we will end up on 12th anyway |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Pelotas
Date: 29-09-2011, 22:40 | ...the magic continues. 15 mins to go and Standard is 2-0 up |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: BBP
Date: 29-09-2011, 22:43 | 3-0! Let's enjoy this moment, Belgium cruising... Denmark can eat dust. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: yveske123
Date: 29-09-2011, 23:22 | It seems that the battle for 12th is already over. It's a serious advantage to belgian clubs, having 4 teams still in competition, against 2 danish teams. They can simply manage to preserve their bonus. I don't expect any surprises of the danish or swiss anymore to get back for 12th this season. Great day for belgian ranking (+1.200). Next competition day with a win and a draw for danish teams is not enough. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Lorric
Date: 29-09-2011, 23:36 | Awww. I thought England would be hauling in the biggest points gain today with 4 victories (+1.000). No fair! As for the battle for 12th, it's not over, but by any realistic expectation it is. Belgium you would think can look to trying to cut the considerable gap to the teams above now. 5.100 to Greece in 11th and 9.115 to 9th place. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Overgame
Date: 29-09-2011, 23:59 | Austria with +1.5 ? |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Lorric
Date: 30-09-2011, 00:02 Edited by: Lorric at: 30-09-2011, 00:03 | Ha ha. Well done, Overgame. It shows the impact countries with few teams starting but stringing good results together can quickly make. And Austria is probably the prime example of recent times. On a points surge. I wonder if there's any chance they could seize 13th? |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: yveske123
Date: 30-09-2011, 00:05 | Indeed... Don't forget Austria for challenge. They only drop 3.200 next year. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Lorric
Date: 30-09-2011, 00:07 Edited by: Lorric at: 30-09-2011, 00:08 | Skip forward a couple of years and Austria are 11th. Cyprus interesting too, may well have a team on the non-champions path in a couple of years. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: zender
Date: 30-09-2011, 03:34 | It seems that the Belgians won the day yesterday with 2 teams having to play their most difficult game of the group stages. I am especially pleased with Bruges, The way they were playing was very enjoyable to watch. Now the job is trying to close as much as we can with the Greeks and Turks, they will make a fine target next season. Do any of you guys know a place where you can watch little compilations of the recent gamesdays played in Europa League and Champions League? |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: JPV
Date: 30-09-2011, 11:56 | points to be earned "according to logics" (which don't exist :p) up to the end of the group phase."done" "to go" TOTAL |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Ricardo
Date: 30-09-2011, 15:06 | @JPV, If you would add the number of teams that will still be playing in the KO round according to this logic, the list is perfect |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: limburger
Date: 01-10-2011, 11:19 | Excellent week for belgium (and austria). Next objectif place 10 , its very much possible since turkey and greece loose 5.250 and 3.000 points more then belgium next year. Infact we are already past turkey if the european football season would stop now. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Overgame
Date: 01-10-2011, 12:14 | For JPV : don't forget that Turkey has 4 team and not 5. I guess that since the Turkish FA accepted to excluded Fenerbahce, UEFA decided to not punish the rest. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Lorric
Date: 01-10-2011, 13:26 | That would be 34.325 for Turkey then by those figures. |
| Re: Battle for 12th/13th | |
| Author: Bjemmer
Date: 01-10-2011, 20:13 | All Belgian clubs in Europa League have played their most difficult (away) game. and still they are all on top of their groups. sta 4/6 and 6/6 bru 6/6 This is even better than expected and might be the result of a better competition on a higher level. (Playoffs and only 16 teams). Clubs play more games at a higher level and are better prepared for european games. I think they can all end up winning their group now. this gives them even more perspectives in the next rounds. It will also be interesting to see what genk can do at home against leverkusen ! battle for 3th aint over in that group. This year will be important to close the gab on Turkey and Greece, like other people were saying, they lose a lot more points than belgium, next year the battle for 10th can begin ! :p maybe 10,11,12 doesn't change much but it gives more certainty to stay into top 12, can anyone tell me if there are any ohter advantages I don't know about? It's really nice to see this positive evolution in belgian club football :p just like the national team (they haven't lost a match over a year ! ) 2 years ago, before the fantastic 8,7 year, things were not looking good at all, sports journalists said that we would drop out of top 15 and lose a european spot, lucky it turned out otherwise and we played a great year, I'm hoping this year gets even better I.m.o. The main reason why belgium wins this battle is because we have 4 teams at a decent level for europa leage while denmark has only 2 at max. Both countries have 5 participating clubs but that's to much for Denmark, they don't have 5 top teams. 5 teams is perfect for Belgium. in theory they could have Anderlecht, Brugge, Genk, Standard and Gent next year. This would be huge for coefficients. But mostly the Belgian cup causes a weaker team to play european, I'm hoping maybe next year we could send our 5 best clubs One thing i'm wondering, is it really a good thing that belgium champion goes straight in the groupstages? because they miss out on 4 qualifying games which gave genk some points too.. but ok maybe its better to be certain of groupstages than gain a few points in qualifiers? To finish I want to say that Anderlecht and Club Brugge have currently one of the best teams I saw in the last 10 years, they could end up really far into the EL, Anderlecht hasnt had this much amazing offensive players in a long time! the only problem could be the defence. For the first time our teams got stronger after a transfer period instead of weaker... only standard lost a lot of quality but thats always the case with them. after a while other players pop up out of nowhere |