The flaw in the rule makes every competitor want to lose the game
It is universally known that everyone devotes themselves hard in order to become the winner of the game. Therefore, it seems like a paradox that they try to lose the game to win. The theory is the competition is usually a series of games. Players who intend to lose for this game are trying to seek for some advantages for the next game. When it comes to soccer, it usually results in not only performing an own goal, but also trying to prevent your opponent from achieving an own goal.
Let’s say there are two groups A and B. They are trying to earn a position of the final round of a series of soccer games. The group which is eligible will be decided by the total score of the game. Also there is an interesting rule: if there is a tie in the semi-final round or for the total score, there will be an extra round for both groups and during that round, players could earn two scores when they achieve a goal. Right now there are three minutes left for the semi-final round. The score between group A and B now is 1 : 2, however, in order to earn a position in the final round, group B has to get at least 2 points(group A has two points more than group B in total, excluding the semi-final round) ahead. It is impossible to get another goal within 3 minutes. So how does group B handle this situation? It shall be easy to guess that group B will try to do an own goal to make the score tied since they might fight back in the extra round.
At first, group A is surprised by the action of group B. However, they quickly realize that they could perform the own goal, too. If they lose this game (the result pattern shall be 2 : 3), they can still be qualified for the final round. But it will be anybody’s game if they are dragged into the extra round. As a result, they could either perform an own goal or shoot the ball into their opponent’s goal. The last three minutes shall be the most hilarious three minutes in the soccer match: group A attack both goals of the soccer field aggressively while group B do their best to defend both goals. In the end, group B successfully extend the match and earn a position for the final round. However, both of the groups are mocked and booed by audiences.
This story is based on a real match in Caribbean Cup.
Source: http://www.guokr.com/article/80985/