12/21/24
February 27, 2006
How to follow soccer in Europe.: A nice three-part guide to the national league and cup competitions, UEFA competitions, as well as how to enjoy a match. Includes a comparison of American sports leagues and Euro soccer leagues. That's my PSA this week. (via coudal)
posted by worldcup2002 to soccer at 01:44 PM - 6 comments
It's a nice attempt but it is a bit outdated in certain areas. For instance: At the same time, there are two European-wide club competitions. National club champions (and select runners-up) qualify for the UEFA Champions League the next season. The Champions League plays on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and operates in four phases -- a qualification tournament, a first phase regular season (32 clubs), a second phase regular season (16 clubs), then an 8-team single-elimination playoff. The playoffs are done by playing two games and combining the aggregate scores to determine a winner. National runners-up qualify for the UEFA Cup which is a straight single-elimination tournament comprised of 128 clubs Europe wide. UEFA Cup games are often played on Thursdays. Two game playoffs are used in the later phases. This may have been the case a couple of years back, but now the Champs League only has one group stage, and the UEFA Cup has gone from being straight-knockout to starting with group stages.
posted by squealy at 08:17 AM on February 28, 2006
I can't read it right now (stupid work) but it will be read later. Thanks wc 2k2 for educating my ignorant ass.
posted by HATER 187 at 11:32 AM on February 28, 2006
That won't help any newcomer...
posted by StarFucker at 12:38 PM on February 28, 2006
What, you expect me to read it? I just post stuff.
posted by worldcup2002 at 01:46 PM on February 28, 2006
btw, thanks for the clarification, squealy. N00bs, pay attention to Mr squealy!
posted by worldcup2002 at 01:51 PM on February 28, 2006
Thanks, wc2k2! It'll come in handy the next time I try to explain the structure of the european leagues to american friends. delicioused.