World Cup: Power Rankings after the Round of 16

Last Result: Won on Penalties vs. Spain

Last Semifinal Appearance: 1966 (As Soviet Union)

Next Match: SAT vs. Croatia (Sochi)

We start with Russia in the top eight and teams that are still alive. Russia played defensively all game and beat Spain the only way they could, through a penalty shootout. This is great for the Russian fans that their side is still in this World Cup. Can they go further? Who knows. I don’t know if they can park the bus and shock the world by lifting the World Cup trophy.

Last Result: Won on Penalties vs. Colombia

Last Semifinal Appearance: 1990

Next Match: SAT vs. Sweden (Samara)

England won a shootout. They are in the quarterfinals with only one ‘legit’ goal from open play. They can’t ride Harry Kane penalties to the final. The Three Lions must find a way to score in open play if they want to be a legitimate contender. Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling haven’t provided enough while Harry Maguire and John Stones have been tremendous in the backline. Football could come home, but not the way they are playing right now.

Last Result: Won on Penalties vs. Denmark

Last Semifinal Appearance: 1998

Next Match: SAT vs. Russia (Sochi)

Croatia surprised me against Denmark. I felt they would have done more in their Round of 16 encounter. They did not. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic were close to being taken out of the game, something Russia must do if they want to beat them on Saturday. The best performers in the group stage were not the strongest performers in the Round of 16. A lot of work to do before the quarterfinals.

Last Result: W 1-0 vs. Switzerland

Last Semifinal Appearance: 1994

Next Match: SAT vs. England (Samara)

The most organized, disciplined, and quiet team at the World Cup. Sweden continued to surprise and they are on a classic path of winning a tournament. In 2004, we saw Greece win three 1-0 games and defend their way to a shock European championship. In 2010, Spain won the World Cup by winning their four knockout matches 1-0. Sweden could do that in Russia. They are a top-five team right now.

Last Result: W 2-1 vs. Portugal

Last Semifinal Appearance: 2010

Next Match: FRI vs. France (Novgorod)

Uruguay was great against Portugal. Their defense was unstoppable once again and the Suarez-Cavani strike partnership is the most in-sync at the World Cup. Without Cavani, I don’t feel Uruguay has much of a chance at beating France. With Cavani, they can break down the French backline and score some goals. La Celeste could be on another great World Cup run.

Last Result: W 3-2 vs. Japan

Last Semifinal Appearance: 1986

Next Match: FRI vs. Brazil (Kazan)

Belgium went down 2-0 against a team they would usually beat 3-0. They came back to beat the Japanese and move on to the quarterfinals. The big, gaping hole in Roberto Martinez’s side is the flanks. The flanks were exposed by Japan and even Tunisia as Yannick Carrasco and Thomas Meunier really don’t play defense. Against Brazil, you can’t afford to have the flanks that open. Martinez should switch to a classic four at the back for tomorrow.

Last Result: W 4-3 vs. France

Last Semifinal Appearance: 2006

Next Match: FRI vs. Uruguay (Novgorod)

France played the way we wanted to see them play. Kylian Mbappe was uncontainable and N’Golo Kante was getting every 50/50 ball in midfield and in his defensive area. They don’t top Brazil now due to some defensive inconsistencies. The midfield and forwards are on the same wavelength and France is in a great position to win the World Cup.

Last Result: W 2-0 vs. Mexico

Last Semifinal Appearance: 2014

Next Match: FRI vs. Belgium (Kazan)

Brazil is now the best team at the World Cup. Three 2-0 wins are exactly what can put you at the top of the list. Their defense has been so consistent while Neymar and Willian and Coutinho are running the offense like the best Brazilian teams of the past. Brazil will be missing Casemiro in the quarterfinals but will still be the favorites to beat Belgium and to win the World Cup. Tomorrow will be a great day of football.

Next: 3 Group Stage performers that could improve EPL clubs