Others
So this leaves us with the “others”. These nations are present in no notable voting blocs, particularly those that have never been part of one of the four main pots: Andorra, Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia.
Lithuania and Latvia are two of the nations that have been present in an “other” pot on fewer occasions than the rest of this list. Indeed, these two have found themselves filling in in the Nordic pot when members of the core Nordic group have either pre-qualified or been pre-allocated. Interestingly, 2018 was the first year the three Baltic nations have been reunited for the first time since 2014. However, this time it was in an “other” pot instead of inside the Nordic pot. Nevertheless, a year later, Estonia has moved back to their natural home in the Nordics.
A potential group to look out for here in future years is the likes of Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland who all find themselves in the same “other” pot for the Rotterdam draw. There’s a geographical and cultural connection between Latvia and Lithuania and a migrational connection between the two Baltics, Poland and Ireland. Undoubtedly, the United Kingdom would feature alongside these nations if they had to progress through the semi-finals. Perhaps these four nations will stick together in the same pots in future years?
Another emerging group were the Central Europeans with Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Hungary all finding themselves in the second “other” pot in 2019. Nevertheless, the Rotterdam draw has decimated this potential grouping, with Austria and Switzerland moving to the Balkan pot and Hungary withdrawing from the contest.
There are so many interesting patterns to be found here, it will be impossible to cover them all. What patterns do you find interesting? Do you disagree with any country’s location for Tuesday’s semi-final allocation draw in Rotterdam? Let us know in the comments below!
