When the World Cup was converted into a 32 team affair in France '98, the great English football writer Brian Glanville - while lamenting the resultant dilution of the strength of the entrants - did at least note that the number 32 had a kind of 'mathematical logic' when compared with 24.
From an Ireland point of a view, the great advantage of a 24-team tournament is that it makes it rather difficult to get knocked out in the first round. If you can avoid finishing bottom of your group, then you've a great chance.
After 36 group matches, only eight of the 24 teams will be eliminated. Naturally, the top two in each group will go through the second phase as will, and this is where the generosity really kicks in, the four best performing third place teams. Only two unlucky third placers will be sent packing.
And Ireland have fond memories of 24-team affairs. Italia 90 had 24 finalists, while USA '94 was the last 24-team tournament for which we eligible to compete.
On neither occasion did Ireland avail of a best third place spot, though in the case of Italia 90, this was only thanks to the hand of Monique. Ireland and Holland, who signed an armistice in the last twenty minutes when both realised they were going through, finished with identical records. The drawing of lots went our way and we got Romania, while Holland had to face West Germany in a tense spitting match game in the San Siro.
Ireland were part of another very odd group in USA 94, in which every team finished on four points. Not only that but everyone had an even goal difference, with Ireland pushing eventual finalists Italy into third spot by virtue of the head to head record.
Of course, if the class of 2016 turn out to be no better than the brave boys of 2012, then no competition format, however, generous, will enable us to get past the first round.
