I just heard an story on the radio about college football here in America. John Feinstein said that no team ever anywhere has ever not won a championship with despite having no losses. I'm sure that with the point system in soccer its totally feasible that a team could have ten wins and ten ties (40 points) and be nowhere near the champion of its league. In 20 games its easy to get over 40 points (13 wins, 5 losses, and 2 ties would get you to 41). Anyway I'm just wondering if anyone knows of a league in which this HAS happened. There's got to be a few times. Certainly in group play in tournaments I'm sure tons of teams have gotten 3 ties, but not progressed to the next phase. Anyone know of any examples of this? Thanks
There's a full list of teams unbeaten in a league tournament available at RSSSF - http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/unbeaten.html with the league position just before the team name. The longest tournament with an unbeaten team not winning was the 1985/86 Turkish season with Galatasaray coming second with 20 wins and 16 draws in 36 games. Besiktas won the league on goal difference but lost 2 games.
Sorry, he meant outside of college football. That was the context of his comment. I wanted to email him and tell him he was wrong. Now I have tons of examples to cite, just no way to email him. So few people understand soccer and he's not even known as a soccer hater.
Re: no loss teams NOT winning a league That is absolutely correct, but I don't know how I can change the thread title... I did somehow get the information I wanted though..
Re: no loss teams NOT winning a league Good one. If we talk about WC, we can also add: 2006 France (the final is officially a draw) Argentina (eliminated on PKs in 1/4 final) England (eliminated on PKs in 1/4 final) Switzerland (eliminated on PKs in 1/8 final) 2002 Spain (eliminated on PKs in 1/4 final) Rep. of Ireland (eliminated on PKs in 1/8 final) 1998 Italy (eliminated on PKs in 1/4 final) Belgium (3rd in the group stage, three ties) 1990 Italy (eliminated on PKs in 1/2 final, finished 3rd with the best overall record 6:1:0) 1986 Brazil (eliminated on PKs in 1/4 final) Mexico (eliminated on PKs in 1/4 final) 1982 England (2nd in 2nd group stage) Cameron (3rd in group stage, three ties) 1974 Scotland (3rd in group stage, they actually had a win and two ties) I couldn't find any before 1974.
Re: no loss teams NOT winning a league totally irrelevant but I have a friend whose last name is Sagy.