World Cup: Power Rankings after first group games

Last Result: W 2-0 vs. Nigeria

Next Game: THU vs. Argentina (Novgorod)

Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic might as well have had PlayStation controllers against Nigeria. They controlled them and the midfield for the entirety of the match. The draw between Iceland and Argentina is massive for Croatia since they are alone in pole position in Group D. All they need to do is work on the shot creation since the goals against Nigeria were an own goal and a penalty.

Last Result: D 1-1 vs. Iceland

Next Game: THU vs. Croatia (Novgorod)

Lionel Messi was extra mad after the draw with Iceland. He had 10 shots and a penalty and didn’t score. Argentina was one-dimensional and didn’t use Sergio Aguero as much as they should have. Aguero basically didn’t have any chances after he scored. Defending against Argentina is now a one-step plan, get four guys around Messi and we won’t concede more than once.

Last Result: D 3-3 vs. Spain

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

Cristiano Ronaldo was unbelievable against Spain. The hat-trick was stunning and the scenes were amazing to witness. The difference between Portugal and Argentina is the offensive tactics. Messi had ten shots while Ronaldo only had four. They didn’t need Ronaldo to touch the ball every time to create a chance. Portugal’s defense is also much better than Argentina’s.

Last Result: L 0-1 vs. Mexico

Next Game: SAT vs. Sweden (Sochi)

The world champions had no plan and looked old against Mexico. The squad decisions were questionable with Thomas Muller not playing in the false nine position. Germany committed nine men forward all game and looked lost defending Mexico’s counter-attack. The curse of the defending champions continues and if Germany loses again, they would be the third straight champions out in the group stage.

Last Result: D 1-1 vs. Switzerland

Next Game: FRI vs. Costa Rica (Saint Petersburg)

Neymar and his noodle hair got fouled more than ten times against Switzerland. Coutinho scored a classic Coutinho goal and Brazil couldn’t convert any more chances all game. Neymar was slightly hobbled in training but should be good to play against Costa Rica. They gotta win to prove they are the team we all believe them to be.

Last Result: W 3-0 vs. Panama

Next Game: SAT vs. Tunisia (Spartak – Moscow)

Belgium’s second-half was the best 45 minutes any team played so far in the World Cup. Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, and Kevin De Bruyne finally looked like they have been playing together their whole lives. They were exquisite and Belgium’s win was convincing enough to put them above Germany and Brazil in the rankings. They should beat Tunisia with the same ease on Saturday.

Last Result: 3-3 vs. Portugal

Next Game: WED vs. Iran (Kazan)

Just two days after losing their manager, Spain played a great game of football against Portugal. They held possession like the Spain of 2010 and scored like the Spain of 2008. Nacho’s goal was the best of the first round of games and Diego Costa’s brace is a relief for Spanish fans to see. They rank behind France because I feel they cannot consistently score three goals a game. Especially not in the knockout round.

Last Result: 2-1 vs. Australia

Next Game: THU vs. Peru (Ekaterinburg)

France won because of technology and take the top spot in the rankings. They did not play that well against Australia because Didier Deschamps didn’t play with the usual starting lineup. Antoine Griezmann excels more behind the striker and Giroud should start up top instead of Mbappe. The talent level for Les Bleus is the best still and they were the only favorite to win their opening game. Belgium is still a dark horse in my book.

Next: World Cup ICYMI: Lukaku and Kane braces lead to three points