Group D: What does each team need to qualify for the round of 16 of the World Cup?
France’s Group D victory over Denmark today means they have safely qualified for the round of 16. Where does that leave Australia, Denmark, and Tunisia?
After France’s 2-1 victory over Denmark on Saturday, they have sealed their qualification to the round of 16. Here are the current standings in Group D:
| Group D Teams | GP | Wins | Ties | Losses | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 2 - Australia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 3 |
| 3 - Denmark | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 - Tunisia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
Group D remaining games:
Both remaining games will be played on Wednesday, November 30 at 10 a.m. ET. Denmark plays Australia at Al Janoub Stadium and Tunisia plays France at Education City Stadium.
What does each Group D team need to qualify for the round of 16?
France
France is at the top of Group D with three points and have already qualified for the round of 16. They will remain at the top of the group with a win or even a tie against Tunisia or, regardless of their result against Tunisia, if Australia lose to Denmark. However, if France lose and Australia win, the top spot would be decided on the goal difference. Australia would have to beat a goal difference of six goals though, so it’s unlikely they will beat France for the top spot at this point.
Australia
Australia is now in second in Group D, and there they will remain as long as they can beat Denmark. A draw with Denmark would also see them move on to the round of 16 as long as Tunisia loses to or draws with France. To fall to third, they would have to draw with Denmark and Tunisia would have to beat France on goal difference. However, if Australia loses to Denmark, they will not qualify.
Denmark
Denmark has to win against Australia in order to qualify for the round of 16 and need Tunisia to either lose or draw. If Denmark and Tunisia both win, second place would be decided on the goal differential and goals scored. If it is the same bomber, the second place would be determined by fair play points.
Tunisia
Tunisia has to beat France and have Australia and Denmark tie. If Australia beats Denmark, there is no way Tunisia could qualify. If Denmark wins, Tunisia could be placed second by the method mentioned above.