World Cup Power Rankings: Brazil pipped to top spot ahead of knockout phase
There are only 16 teams left in the 2018 World Cup following the conclusion of the group stage. Analysing the performances in Russia so far this summer, here are the latest WhoScored power rankings for the remaining nations:
16) Argentina - 6.63 rating
With four points and a goal difference of -2, Argentina had the worst record of those to qualify from the group stages and only progressed courtesy of an 86th minute Marcos Rojo strike against Nigeria. A conversion rate of seven per cent was also the lowest of the teams in the round of 16.
15) Japan - 6.67 rating
Perhaps the biggest surprise to have reached this phase, Japan were expected to be the weak link in Group H and while they have surpassed expectations to now, the Blue Samurai had a massive helping hand. Their only victory came against a Colombia side reduced to ten men after three minutes and a defeat to Poland in their final game has led to a meeting with Belgium.
14) Portugal - 6.70 rating
Though Portugal were just minutes away from topping Group B they also came perilously close to an exit at the hands of an Iran side that could have snatched a last gasp winner. Outplayed for large periods in their sole victory over Morocco, besides Cristiano Ronaldo the European champions were abject to say the least.
13) Switzerland - 6.72 rating
To come through a group involving Brazil and Serbia undefeated is no mean feat but Switzerland remained functional at best in Group E. They rode their luck at times too, with only four sides at the tournament conceding more shots during the group phase (48).
12) Spain - 6.76 rating
After a strong showing against Portugal from an attacking standpoint, most were expecting Spain to go on and run riot against Iran and Morocco but La Roja lost intensity as the group stages wore on. They had to come from behind at one stage or another in matches four times, with no side conceding more goals en route to the last 16 (five) and their sole victory against Iran came courtesy of a single second half strike.
11) Denmark - 6.77 rating
There’s no question that Denmark have made it this far based on their defensive solidity and a fair amount of fortune rather than any great attacking intent. The only team to progress having scored less than a goal per game, Age Hareide’s side only conceded a single goal and that was a Mile Jedinak penalty, so will prove to be a stubborn opponent for Croatia in the next round.
10) Mexico - 6.81 rating
Prior to their final group game there is no doubt Mexico were among the strongest teams at the tournament but a 3-0 defeat to Sweden will have left the fans concerned. As a result they will face favourites Brazil in the next round, and a side that conceded more shots than any other side in the group stages (58), will need to temper their expansive tactics a little to cause a shock to usurp their opening victory over Germany.
9) France - 6.82 rating
The manner in which France performed during the group stages was so typical of their progress - or lack thereof - under Didier Deschamps that one is tempted to describe it as Francey (see Spursy). For their vast array of talent les Bleus remain a side without a clear identity or style that just about gets by on flashes of individual quality. We didn’t even see much of that in the group stages, but they came through Group C relatively comfortably, conceding the fewest shots of all sides in the group stages (21).
8) Colombia - 6.84 rating
If we learned one thing about Colombia in the group stages - and to be honest it was widely known already - La Tricolor are hugely reliant on James Rodriguez. Not fit enough to start the defeat against Japan, the Bayern man was forced off in the first half of an unconvincing win over Senegal but shone as the South Americans despatched of Poland, registering two assists. His fitness will be pivotal to the round of 16 tie with England next Tuesday.
7) Russia - 6.90 rating
While there’s no denying Russia were handed an incredibly favourable draw, the cliche is that you can only beat what’s in front of you and the hosts were impressive against Saudi Arabia and Egypt, scoring eight goals. A convincing defeat to Uruguay has resulted in a meeting with Spain, however, and a huge tournament high conversion rate of 29 per cent will be simply unsustainable in the latter stages.
6) Sweden - 6.92 rating
A surprise package from the group stages, Sweden so nearly cut Germany’s hopes even shorter only for a last minute winner from Toni Kroos. Beforehand they ran out as narrow victors against South Korea before a statement win over Mexico set up a favourable round of 16 draw with Switzerland that both sides will be confident of winning. They’ve played on the counter to now, average just 38 per cent possession, and know their limitations, which made them tough to break down.
5) England - 6.92 rating
It was a bit of a mixed bag for England in the group stages in all honesty, but at their best - most notably in the first half of their opener with Tunisia - they looked a very exciting side. The circumstances surrounding their last game against Belgium make them somewhat difficult to judge with regards to facing stronger opposition, but with eight goals and 17 shots on target from three games, Southgate has reason to be pleased.
4) Croatia - 7.02 rating
One of only three sides to pick up maximum points in the group stages, Croatia did so from what was arguably the most competitive group on paper. With seven goals scored and just one conceded, Zlatko Dalic’s side are a force to be reckoned with but did concede more shots (40) than they mustered themselves (39) and their rearguard will face tougher tests.
3) Uruguay - 7.03 rating
Speaking of sides who will face tougher tests, it was job done as far as Uruguay were concerned, and with minimal fuss after a scare in their opener with Egypt. With Luis suarez and Edinson Cavani both now on the scoresheet their attacking threat should improve but defensively they were excellent, and the only side not to concede in the group stages.
2) Brazil - 7.10 rating
They may have been staring down the barrel of the gun heading towards stoppage time against Costa Rica but Brazil have improved as the tournament has gone on and started to hit their stride late on. With both the most shots attempted (57) and fewest conceded (19) in the group stages, Tite’s side might have ultimately preferred to be on the other side of the draw but have reason to be confident whomever they face.
1) Belgium - 7.21 rating
With maximum points, the most goals scored (nine) and best goal difference, Belgium didn’t disappoint in the group stages but know that the tournament starts now after a favourable start. The positives are that Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku all look sharp and a meeting with Japan up next offers a great chance to go deep in the tournament. They’ll need to improve at the back but going forwards there the best side we’ve seen in Russia so far.
