Longest Tennis Match Ever

[Bradleyguy10]

I am not in favor of the method used in the World Cup, btw, where teams tied in points and goal-differential after the pool play simply draw lots to see who advance. I am stunned that in such a huge worldwide competetion in a sport that is revered by more people than any other, that teams can be eliminated from the World Cup by drawing lots, and not by settling it on the field!

What do you mean? In the group stage the first one is obviously points, then it goes to goal differentials and then it goes to goals scored...which is why USA won their group and England didn't because we had the same amount of points and the same goal deficit of +1 but the amount of goals the USA scored was 4 compared to England's 2. If the goals are still even it goes to a comparison between the tied teams...these following rules are usually used for a 3 team tie though...from wikipedia:

1. greater number of points obtained in matches between the tied teams
2. goal difference in matches between the tied teams
3. greater number of goals scored in matches between the tied teams

Where teams are still equal, then a play-off on neutral ground, with extra time and penalties if necessary will be played if FIFA deems such a play-off able to be fitted within the coordinated international match calendar. If this is not deemed feasible, then the result will be determined by the drawing of lot.

Seems like a lot of things to happen before lots are even considered...I'm just fine with the format. If you are an upper tier team and can't beat the lower teams in your division you have no business going to the knock out round anyway...it's set up to have 2 good teams and 2 "bad" teams when they pick which teams are in which groups. As long as they keep the knock out round where there are no ties with the last 16 teams I'm happy with it.

[Da Coach]

There are no playoffs in the World Cup. If the teams have the same number of points, and the goals tiebreakers so not favor either team, then the next tiebreaker is drawing lots. Almost certainly some teams will advance by the drawing of lots, as there is a fairly high possibility of needing it to break ties.
IMO this is a ridiculous method to select one team over another. There needs to be some method of settling it on the field.-

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/worldcup2010/2010/06/20/2010-06-20_lots_of_intrigue_remains_for_us.html

This scenario existed prior to yesterday's games in Group C-

If the Americans draw on Wednesday, 0-0, with cautious Algeria, while England ties Slovenia, 2-2, then all the tiebreakers turn to mush and FIFA steps in to wreck the day. The U.S. and England would draw lots - or little soccer balls with paper in them - to determine which side merrily continues into the second round, and which goes home in despair.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-c...cc=5901&ver=us

[Bradleyguy10]

Yeah I get it but like I said it's hard to get to that point. I'm not saying it couldn't happen but to say it's a "fairly high possibility" is a little on the extreme end. And how often has the drawing lots thing happened? The answer: never. This year would be the first time it has had to happen if it does since the tie breaking rules took place in 1958. Personally I'd just have a short 20 minute pk thing between the teams, it would probably take less time and would be more fair so I know what you're saying..it's just that I'm not too worried about it.


Also to say that FIFA has no playoffs is extreme too...the whole thing is a playoff....there are matches even before the world cup that determine which 32 teams go and which don't. You have to qualify from your regional. Then if you are in the top 2 of that you get these groups and again you have to be in the top 2 of that to continue and then it's on to the knock out round. I don't know how anyone can justify saying FIFA has no playoff...it's the toughest tournament in the world to win no doubt about it.

[Future Walk-On]

it's the toughest tournament in the world to win no doubt about it.

I'll go with a Major tournament on the PGA Tour.

[Da Coach]

This article lists the longest games in the history of each sport- Bradley's 7-overtime game against Cincinnati is mentioned as the longest NCAA game.-

http://www.covers.com/articles/featureArticle.aspx?theArt=194934&t=0