Originally posted on 06/20/2010:

unlike the qualifying rounds there is no home and home series. Mangers know the winning strategy is to get points. Since the name of the game is defense, as it is with any sport, managers set up their teams for this. In addition, unless your team is a super power in soccer, all the rest of the teams are equal.

so with teams being equal and each having the defense first thinking, it is difficult to win matches in pool play. A side note to consider also is it takes a lot of energy to win a game vs just sitting back playing defense and counter attacking when possible.

since the trick is to qualify it makes it easier to to win the last game or draw, conserve energy to win this game, and move the next round where anything can happen.