We are down to the last four teams in Russia. The quarterfinals had a blend of great goals and great drama and a lot of movement in the power rankings.
The heart-pounding of the World Cup continued with four quarterfinal match-ups that narrowed the field from six European teams and two South American sides to just four European teams. For the fourth straight time, Europe will be the home of the World Cup trophy and the kings of world football. Who is the king of the power rankings?
We rank the eight teams that played this past weekend in our final power rankings before the end of the tournament. For a full breakdown on the quarterfinal matches and predictions for the semifinals, check out the latest episode of the Top Flight’s ‘Road to Moscow’. Esteban Bailey and Gabriel Coelho share their thoughts.
Last Result: L 0-2 vs. France
World Cup Performance: 4 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss (7 goals, 3 conceded)
La Celeste was toothless without Edinson Cavani in the line-up against France. Just goes to show how crucial fitness is at the World Cup and how Luis Suarez on his own was easy to stop for Varane and Umtitti. Uruguay’s World Cup performance looks great on paper but in reality, it wasn’t exactly difficult. Nine points in the easiest group of the tournament and beating a weak Portugal side. France found their weakness and pounced.
Sad? Yes obviously...but proud and I thank God for living this experience with this family, inside and outside the pitch...proud to be Uruguayan and suffer today... pic.twitter.com/8oQG8RvHDP
— Edi Cavani Official (@ECavaniOfficial) July 6, 2018
Last Result: L 0-2 vs. England
World Cup Performance: 3 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses (6 goals, 4 conceded)
England found the way to beat Sweden. Get a lead. Once Sweden opens themselves up after going down 1-0, it was clear as day how this team just didn’t have a method of scoring the goals they needed. England opens themselves up a bit in the second-half allowing Sweden to get some good chances against Jordan Pickford. That game was the only time Sweden looked like they needed Zlatan. A great World Cup for the Scandanavians.
Commiserations, @VLindelof. A valiant display at the back for #SWE. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ny0UXdEMv6
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 7, 2018
Last Result: Lost on Pens vs. Croatia
World Cup Performance: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss (11 goals, 7 conceded)
The hosts were incredible and were so close to continuing their remarkable journey. Russia didn’t just hold Croatia’s midfield from creating a lot of chances, they also looked deadly attacking in the first-half and Denis Cheryshev’s goal just showed how great of a player he is. Mario Fernandes was class all game with the goal and his defensive ability from the right-back position. A shame to see him miss that penalty. A valiant World Cup from Russia.
115 - Mario Fernandes' goal in the 115th minute (114:11) is the latest goal Russia have ever scored in a World Cup match (including USSR). Drama. #RUS #RUSCRO #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/DBR1ohOuJp
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 7, 2018
Last Result: L 1-2 vs. Belgium
World Cup Performance: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss (8 goals, 3 conceded)
The number one team from last rankings goes down to number five after their quarterfinal loss to Belgium. The struggles at the World Cup continues for Brazil who hasn’t reached a World Cup final since 2002. Gabriel Jesus had a bad World Cup while his Premier League comrades Willian and Roberto Firmino looked much better going forward. Brazil lacked good runs in the box and defenses knew how to stop them. Just get in front of Neymar, whose World Cup will be remembered for his diving.