Each team has played their first two group games of the World Cup now and we have already seen enough to know that some teams are going to be sensational at the tournament this year. Here are the World Cup Power Rankings as of 24 June:
- Belgium (up 4 places)
The Red Devils have had a great squad for a few years now and this could be the year that they justify their ‘Golden Generation’ tag. Eden Hazard is in fine form and Lukaku has already bagged four goals in two games. Dries Mertens is another player that is having a great World Cup. De Bruyne looks like he is ready to take his game up a notch too, which is a frightening thought. They have qualified for the next round with one group game to go, meaning that they can afford to rest some of their star players and have them fresh for the Round of 16.
- England (up 4 places)
Not even the most optimistic of England fans would have thought they were capable of scoring six goals in one game. Okay, Panama did not look great but that should not take anything away from a really good England performance. They ground out a win in their opening match against Tunisia and Harry Kane is leading the race for the Golden Boot with five goals in two games. They also have the option to rest some players before the next round.
- Brazil (down 2 places)
They went into the tournament as favourites but have failed to show the world that they are the best team in the tournament. After a draw against Switzerland in the first game, they were expected to turn Costa Rica over but it took last gasp goals in added time to ensure they stayed in the competition. They just do not look like the Brazil team that we are used to but there is time for them to get into their stride.
- Spain (down 2 places)
After an exciting 3-3 game against Portugal, Spain needed to get a good result against Iran but only mustered a narrow 1-0 win. Their defence looked a bit shaky to say the least when Ronaldo ran riot to grab himself a hat-trick and the Spanish team’s performances so far indicate that they will not be taking the World Cup home.
- France (down 2 places)
Whilst they have done everything that they needed to do to qualify for the round of 16, they have not been very convincing in the process. Narrow wins over Australia and Peru have caused concern for France fans who will want to see a lot more from this star-studded team.
Other teams in top 10:
- Germany
- Portugal
- Mexico
- Croatia
- Russia
The mighty have fallen:
- Argentina