World Cup: Power Rankings after two group games

Last Result: W 2-0 vs. Iceland

Next Match: WED vs. Argentina (Saint Petersburg)

Advancement Scenario: Win/Draw vs. Argentina

Nigeria bounced back very strongly in game two by beating Iceland. Manager Gernot Rohr brought Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho into the lineup and that made all the difference. Iceland’s weakness was revealed as they could not deal with a quick counter-attack. Victor Moses improved as well and helped the Super Eagles into second-place. A win against Argentina would make this World Cup one of the most memorable for Nigeria.

Last Result: L 1-2 vs. Germany

Next Match: WED vs. Mexico (Ekaterinburg)

Advancement Scenario: Win vs. Mexico

Sweden had the game and just couldn’t finish it off. They allowed Germany to play their game after Jerome Boateng got sent off and that allowed Timo Werner to get fouled and led to Toni Kroos’ dramatic winner in the 95th minute. Sweden went from a knockout spot to being in trouble in the span of 45 minutes. They must win to make the next round and need help from South Korea.

Last Result: T 2-2 vs. Japan

Next Match: THU vs. Colombia (Samara)

Advancement Scenario: Win/Draw vs. Colombia

Senegal had the lead twice and could not close the door on Japan. Sadio Mane played a better match as the Lions of Tarenga were pressing forward all game. I feel they are the best African team at this tournament because of their consistency in defense, midfield, and up front. Their defense is better than Nigeria’s. They will play a winner take all game against Colombia on Thursday.

Last Result: W 1-0 vs. Saudi Arabia

Next Match: MON vs. Russia (Samara)

Advancement Scenario: IN Round of 16

The South Americans have not been as convincing as we thought they would be. 1-0 over Saudi Arabia is underwhelming and concerning for the Round of 16. Edinson Cavani has been unlucky and Luis Suarez is not the same striker he was four years ago. A win against Russia tomorrow will boost that confidence and I feel they match up best with Spain for the Round of 16. La Celeste is the only South American team that has clinched advancement.

Last Result: L 0-3 vs. Croatia

Next Match: TUE vs. Nigeria (Saint Petersburg)

Advancement Scenario: Win vs. Nigeria

Boy, Argentina is a mess. Messi lost the game on Thursday against Croatia before the anthem started playing. Argentina is lost and their manager and captain are at odds. The troops need to be rallied and the creativity is in need of a shock to the system. The team can’t rely on Messi to do everything. Aguero, Higuain, and Di Maria have got to step up. Argentina has good odds to advance if they win. If they don’t, this will be one of the biggest implosions in World Cup history.

Last Result: W 2-1 vs. Serbia

Next Match: WED vs. Costa Rica (Novgorod)

Advancement Scenario: Win/Draw vs. Costa Rica

The Swiss are here and can be here a while. This team is the perfect example of a unit that plays better for country than club. Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri had personal reasons to beat Serbia and they brought emotion and a grudge to the stadium. The win charges Switzerland towards the top of the group and puts their chances of advancing much higher. They just miss out on the top ten.

Last Result: W 2-1 vs. South Korea

Next Match: WED vs. Sweden (Ekaterinburg)

Advancement Scenario: Win/Draw vs. Sweden

Can’t knock down a team that has won their first two games so easily. Mexico’s counter-attack is the best in the World Cup and Hirving Lozano is making his mark for the team of the tournament. Besides his stellar skill going forward, I’ve never seen a winger run from one final third to the other to win back possession like I saw in the 2-1 win over South Korea. El Tri can win the group and finally be a quarter finalist.

Last Result: W 3-0 vs. Poland

Next Match: THU vs. Senegal (Samara)

Advancement Scenario: Win vs. Senegal

Colombia looked so good today against Poland. The midfield was excellent as James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado, and Juan Quintero had their way against the Polish defense and helped Los Cafeteros to the 3-0 win. The passing was the best we’ve seen in the tournament and Colombia are for real. All they gotta do is beat Senegal and they have a chance to make a name for themselves. This team could beat England or Belgium in the next round. Speaking of the Three Lions…