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

10. Mexico

A convincing defeat to Sweden has tempered expectations slightly but Mexico showed enough in their opening two games to suggest they can be a real threat. They beat Germany 1-0 but should have scored four or five while Hirving Lozano on the left has been one of the players of the tournament so far.

11. France

They remain unbeaten but, save Germany, there is no team to have disappointed more. Tactical upheaval and painfully ponderous performances suggest Didier Deschamps is still working out how to make the most of his talented squad. Is Nabil Fekir the answer? Out wide or up front? France have more questions than answers.

12. Russia

A blistering start, a strong middle and a discouraging end. After thrilling wins over Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Russia were dealt something of a reality check by Uruguay. But the hosts have proven their doubters wrong and shown they will be no pushovers, particularly in Moscow, where they play Spain next.

13. Switzerland

Controversy and the threat of suspensions could have diverted focus but Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri escaped punishment for their politically charged celebrations against Serbia, and their goals carried Switzerland through. They did just enough but, in truth, not much more.

14. Denmark

Denmark held France to a goalless draw and Christian Eriksen is continuing to show himself as one of the finest playmakers in the world. Those are the positives. But there was also a turgid draw against Australia and a win over Peru that might well have been different had their opponents scored a penalty.

15. Japan

Japan took four points and their only win came against Colombia, who played with 10 men for 87 minutes. They then scraped through ahead of Senegal on fair play points. Perhaps it would be harsh to say Japan were lucky but a shaky defence can only last so long against better opponents.

16. Argentina

Four minutes away from going out and seemingly saddled with a coach without authority, Argentina’s progress could hardly have been bumpier. They ran out of ideas against Iceland, were outplayed by Croatia and survived only thanks to a last-gasp win over Nigeria. They are through though, and they still have Lionel Messi.