1. Play the playoffs immediately – quarterfinals. The first places play against the second places by draw.
2. Create 2 groups. Each group will have 2 first places and 2 second places from the group stage. The 4 best teams advance to the semifinals.
If I had to choose, I'd go for the immediate playoffs!
By the way, it would be easy to award third place to the losing teams in the groups. I'm all for it!
