World Cup: Power Rankings after first group games

This World Cup has been crazy. The first 17 games have brought wild results and massive changes to our power rankings.

Russia has had a true football festival happening. A festival brings unexpected joy, sorrow, and moments. The 2018 World Cup has begun with great goals, VAR decisions, upsets, and no scoreless draws. The next three weeks will go by fast. I urge everyone reading this to savor every second of the tournament cause the wait is long for the next one.

For these power rankings, I will ONLY take into account each team’s first game in the tournament. That means Russia’s 3-1 win over Egypt today will not be considered for these rankings. Let’s continue with our second power rankings for the tournament.

Last Result: L 0-5 vs. Russia

Next Game: WED vs. Uruguay (Rostov)

Saudi Arabia was flat out terrible in the opener against Russia. They gave the ball away almost every time they had possession and had nothing in attack. After seeing Panama fight for one half and the Green Eagles have no fight, Saudi Arabia is my worst team in the tournament. Getting one point would be a shock.

Last Result: L 0-3 vs. Belgium

Next Game: SUN vs. England (Novgorod)

Panama had fought in the first-half. They defended Belgium with composure and held them scoreless. The second-half was when the Panama we are familiar with was revealed. Hard tackles and reckless defending. They conceded three times and received five yellow cards. They will have a challenging game against England. Still, a proud moment to be from Panama.

Last Result: L 1-2 vs. England

Next Game: FRI vs. Belgium (Spartak – Moscow)

They almost got a point against England. The key is almost. Tunisia parked the bus all game and got their goal through a penalty. Other than the penalty, Tunisia didn’t push forward for a win. They settled for the tie and lost it in stoppage time. Next up is Belgium whose attack is better than England’s.

Last Result: L 0-1 vs. Iran

Next Game: WED vs. Portugal (Luzhniki – Moscow)

Morocco’s attack was stale while their defense was so close to earning the point. An unlucky own goal led to the defeat. I moved them down three spots since these next three teams had better showings in their openers.

Last Result: L 1-2 vs. Australia

Next Game: THU vs. Denmark (Samara)

The Socceroos played surprisingly well against France. Aaron Mooy was particularly impressive and so was Mathew Ryan. If this game was played eight years ago, Australia would have won 1-0 since their penalty was an easy decision and France’s goals were given through VAR and GLT. Their performance showed that they actually could make it out of Group C.

Last Result: W 1-0 vs. Morocco

Next Game: WED vs. Spain (Kazan)

Team Melli won just their second ever World Cup game on a heartbreaking late own-goal in the 95th minute. The best team from Asian qualifying was one of two sides from the continent to win in the first round of games. They will have a hard time repeating that defensive feat from game one when they play Spain tomorrow.

Last Result: L 0-1 vs. Sweden

Next Game: SAT vs. Mexico (Rostov)

South Korea’s best player against Sweden was goalkeeper Hyun-Woo Cho. He made three saves and didn’t concede in open play. Like many other goalies, Cho only conceded from a penalty as many penalties have been awarded to start the tournament. The Taeguk Warriors need more from Son-Heung Min to have any chance of a point against a hot Mexican side.

Last Result: W 2-1 vs. Colombia

Next Game: SUN vs. Senegal (Ekaterinburg)

The Samurai Blue were gifted with the luckiest way to start a game, a man advantage and a penalty in the 5th minute. After Kagawa’s conversion from the spot, Colombia was the better side all game. A corner headed in by Yuya Osako made Japan the first Asian team to beat a South American side at the World Cup. Teams usually walk away winners with a man advantage for 87 minutes.