It was necessary to go to the end of the list of criteria to decide which node was actually threatening to come from behind

As the matches become dull and disjointed, a real mystery is hanging in the air that could have a direct impact on Portugal's path to Euro 2024, although Hungary still look the most likely opponent.

England, Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia produced poor, gasless and flameless performances. They really put everyone who saw them to sleep – this was the first time the group had finished a day without any goals.

Annoying on the pitch, driving people crazy in the stands and even at home. Connected calculators, searches on sports and UEFA websites.

Denmark and Slovenia, where the results ended like this – as they ended – were both tied on points, goal difference, goals scored, goals conceded and direct confrontations.

The criteria would then be based on red and yellow cards, but there were complications there too. Neither Denmark nor Slovenia were sent off and each received six yellow cards.

Then comes the final criterion that had to break the tie: qualification for Euro 2024.

It is interesting that even then there was a draw. The thing is, they were both in the same group and both scored 22 points in 10 games. But there had to be something to break the tie, and thanks to the first part of the drive, Denmark took the lead, having been ahead in the head-to-head.

Below are the tie-break criteria set by UEFA for the group stage:

the. The highest number of points obtained in matches played between the respective teams

B. The superior goal difference resulting from matches played between the teams in question

Th. The highest number of goals scored in matches played between the respective teams

Dr.. If, after applying criteria a) to c), the teams still maintain equality in the classification, criteria a) to c) are reapplied exclusively to the matches between the remaining teams to determine their final classification. If this procedure does not lead to a decision, criteria e) ai apply in the order given to the two or more teams still tied

that it. – The goal difference is superior in all group matches

F. The highest number of goals scored in all group matches

g. The lowest total of disciplinary points is based solely on the yellow and red cards received by players and staff in all group matches (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion due to 2 yellow cards in a match = 3 points)

H. Position in the general classification of European qualifications, or if Germany, the home association team, participates in the comparison, there will be a draw.

Returning again to the boring part of the day, I would say that the four teams in Group C were no worse than they were before. Of the six matches played, only one was not tied.