Finaleronde

Finaleronde is a Dutch term meaning the final round of a competition or event. It is used in Dutch-language sports and other contests to designate the last stage in which the winner, champion, or future qualifications are decided. The finaleronde follows earlier rounds or matches and is typically marked by heightened stakes and closely contested results.

The exact format of a finaleronde varies by competition. It can be a round-robin among a subset of leading contestants, a knockout bracket that culminates in a final match, or a single decisive game. In league formats, the finaleronde may determine the champion, European or continental qualification, or relegation outcomes. In cup or knockout formats, it often coincides with the final itself or the last decisive tie of the tournament.

Tiebreakers such as points, goal difference, head-to-head results, or extra matches are commonly used if standings are close going into the finaleronde. The term is applied across sports including football, basketball, cycling, and darts, as well as in other competitive contexts where the event reaches its conclusive phase.

Etymology: finaleronde combines finale (final) and ronde (round), signaling a concluding round of play. While not every competition uses this exact label, the concept of a decisive last phase is widely understood in Dutch-speaking sports and event coverage.