gruppspel

Gruppspel, also known as group stage or group play, is a common format used in various sports, particularly in team-based competitions. It is a preliminary round where teams are divided into groups, typically consisting of 3 to 5 teams each. Each team in a group plays against every other team in the same group, resulting in a round-robin format. The number of matches each team plays is equal to the number of teams in their group minus one.

The primary objectives of the group stage are to determine the teams that will advance to the next round, typically a knockout stage, and to establish the overall ranking of the competition. The criteria for advancement and ranking can vary depending on the specific rules of the competition. Commonly, points are awarded for wins and draws, with losses resulting in zero points. In some cases, additional criteria such as goal difference or goals scored may be used to break ties.

Gruppspel is used in a wide range of sports, including football (soccer), basketball, ice hockey, and volleyball. It is particularly prevalent in international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship in football, as well as the Olympic Games in various sports. The group stage allows for a comprehensive evaluation of each team's performance and helps to create a balanced and competitive structure for the tournament.