World Cup last 16: Who is the best so far?

After 15 days of triumphs, tears and controversy, the World Cup’s group stage drew to a close on Thursday.

Here, is a rating of how the 16 teams to have made it through based on their performances in Russia so far.

1. Croatia

Three wins out of three, including a thumping of Argentina, sends Croatia through top of arguably the toughest group in the draw. Fears the corruption scandal would affect the players have not materialised while Nikola Kalinic’s hint of rebellion was swiftly dealt with. Luka Modric has been arguably the player of the tournament so far.

2. Belgium

Wins over Panama and Tunisia were backed up by a victory over England and even if the latter match was played between two second-string line-ups, Belgium have hardly put a foot wrong. Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard are both firing and, after being rested against England, fresh. This team can go far.

3. Uruguay

Also through with maximum points, Uruguay’s advance through a kind Group A has gone rather unnoticed. Led by the imperious Diego Godin, they are yet to concede a goal in Russia and at the other end, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are up and running. They have three goals between them.

4. Brazil

Neymar’s histrionics have proven tedious but the striker is getting sharper with every game. As he has regained fitness, Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho have filled the void while the depth of attacking options came up trumps against Costa Rica. Marcelo’s back injury is a concern.

5. England

A young squad arrived with low expectations but a late win over Tunisia was followed by a storming 6-1 victory over Panama. Defeat to Belgium can be put down to a heavily rotated side and with Harry Kane leading the race for the Golden Boot, England are growing in confidence.

6. Sweden

Few would have expected Sweden to progress at all let alone finish top of Group F. Only Toni Kroos’ 95th-minute winner spoiled an unbeaten record and Sweden responded with an emphatic win over Mexico. What Sweden have lost in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they appear to have gained in discipline and spirit.

7. Spain

They certainly would have taken this position when Julen Lopetegui was sacked two days before the start of the tournament but Spain have been a mixed bag. In spells they were excellent against Portugal but defensive errors and the worrying form of David de Gea are both big asterisks. There is room for improvement.

8. Portugal

On the one hand, Ronaldo has four goals already and as Portugal proved two years ago, he can take a team a long way, particularly with a sound defence behind him. But when Ronaldo missed a penalty against Iran, they drew 1-1. If their star man has an off-day, what else have Portugal got?

9. Colombia

Had Carlos Sanchez not been sent off in the third minute of their opening defeat to Japan, Colombia might be among those considered dark horses in the knockout stage. James Rodriguez was superb against Poland but then forced off injured against Senegal. His absence would be a huge blow.

...[ Continue to next page ]  /  Source: gulfnews