In the first round of the FIFA World Cup, there are groups of 4 teams, which play each other in order to qualify to the second round. It is generally said that if a team wins its two first matches, it is assured its qualification. Is this true?

Some notes for non-soccer fans... The two top teams (points-wise, or after tie-breaking rules are applied) in each group qualify for the next round. Each team plays the three others. A win gives three points; a draw, one, and a loss, zero.

(In reply to solution by Robby Goetschalckx)

You have B losing to D and D losing to B.

Actually, B beats D and then A,B, and D have 6 points.

Edited on July 24, 2006, 10:04 am

Posted by Joe on 2006-07-24 09:57:17