World Cup: Power Rankings after two group games

The bracket release is getting closer and closer as this World Cup gets wilder and wilder. Here are the power rankings after two games for each team.

After 32 matches in Russia, we have 85 goals and not a single scoreless draw. From stoppage time winners to upsets to penalties, this World Cup has gained momentum as one of the most dramatic and close in recent memory.

Every team has played twice and the final group games are gonna have a lot at stake for almost every single team. Some teams moved up drastically while others moved down considerably. Here are the power rankings after two group games with six teams already advancing to the next round.

Note: The advancement scenarios for each team alive are the simplest ones. Others do exist.

Last Result: L 1-6 vs. England

Next Match: THU vs. Tunisia (Saransk)

Advancement Scenario: OUT of World Cup

Panama goes back to last-place in the power rankings after conceding six against England. The team played rough and their yellow card accumulation got much bigger. Despite getting crushed, Panamanian fans went nuts when Felipe Baloy scored the first ever World Cup goal for the Canal Men. A moment never to forget in World Cup history.

Last Result: L 0-1 vs. Uruguay

Next Match: MON vs. Egypt (Volgograd)

Advancement Scenario: OUT of World Cup

The Saudis played much better against Uruguay only losing 1-0. They are out of this World Cup after two losses. I’m expecting it to be three losses against Egypt tomorrow. Saudi Arabia will return for the AFC Asian Cup in January.

Last Result: L 1-2 vs. Mexico

Next Match: WED vs. Germany (Kazan)

Advancement Scenario: Win vs. Germany AND Mexico win AND superior goal difference over Germany and Sweden

South Korea takes a massive tumble to the bottom three after another unconvincing performance in Group F. Son-Heung Min’s thunderbolt in stoppage time was the only high point in the last two games for the Taeguk Warriors. They technically could still qualify for the knockout stage. It would require beating Germany and Sweden losing and some more help.

Last Result: L 2-5 vs. Belgium

Next Match: THU vs. Panama (Saransk)

Advancement Scenario: OUT of World Cup

This scoreline doesn’t tell the story of Tunisia’s loss to Belgium. Lukaku and Hazard were running all over the defense, but the attack looked much better in the first-half as Tunisia was able to find space in Belgium’s backline. Once again, Tunisia will go home after a disappointing group stage.

Last Result: L 0-1 vs. Portugal

Next Match: MON vs. Spain (Kaliningrad)

Advancement Scenario: OUT of World Cup

Morocco deserved a draw against Portugal. They attacked all game after conceding the Ronaldo header and were so close to scoring their first World Cup goal since 1998. Rui Patricio got in the way of a draw and promptly made Morocco the first team eliminated from the World Cup. Let’s see if they can spoil Spain’s party tomorrow.

Last Result: L 0-1 vs. Spain

Next Match: MON vs. Portugal (Saransk)

Advancement Scenario: WIN vs. Portugal

Iran parks the bus better than any other team at this World Cup. An unlucky deflection goal off of Diego Costa gave Spain the win. Iran was close to scoring a couple of times in an attempt to shock Spain for the draw. They had a goal that was disallowed by VAR for offside. A win against Portugal could send an Iberian side home before the Round of 16.

Last Result: T 1-1 vs. Denmark

Next Match: TUE vs. Peru (Sochi)

Advancement Scenario: WIN vs. Peru AND France win AND superior goal difference over Denmark

Of all the teams I said had no chance of advancing out of the group, Australia has surprised me the most with their performances. Australia was close to beating Denmark last Wednesday with Aaron Mooy and Daniel Arzani running around the Danish defense. The Socceroos could sneak their way to the Round of 16 out of Group C. Every Australian will be wearing a France jersey underneath the Socceroo yellow.

https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1009913581964492800

Last Result: L 0-2 vs. Brazil

Next Match: WED vs. Switzerland (Novgorod)

Advancement Scenario: OUT of World Cup

Los Ticos brought basically the same team to Russia that they did to Brazil. They got worse and are out after two games. Keylor Navas kept them in long enough and gave it everything he had against Serbia and Brazil. The attack had no invention and they looked nothing like they did in 2014. Costa Rica returns to play in the Gold Cup next summer for their seventh major tournament in SEVEN YEARS!