World Cup power rankings - every country rated 1-16

By Steven Oldham

The group stages are over. There is no football on tomorrow. It's the perfect opportunity to look back on the opening 48 games of the tournament and where they leave each country in the rankings.

1 NETHERLANDS
(P3, W3, D0, L0, F10, A3, GD +6)
9 POINTS

Louis Van Gaal's team have arguably been the most impressive team so far in Brazil, recording three straight victories in what looked a very tough group. Their demolition of Spain set them up for qualification and they kept their heads in the group decider against Chile to top the group and avoid hosts Brazil in the second round. Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie look to be in the form of their lives.



Robin van Persie (@foreverutd)

2 COLOMBIA
(P3, W3, D0, L0, F9, A2)
9 POINTS

Colombia could be the ultimate surprise package of this World Cup. They have made light work of an open group and reinforced their status as dark horses. Often overlooked in favour of their more illustrious continental neighbours, Colombia have so far outperformed Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Dangerous for any opponent and they will not be daunted by facing Uruguay in the round of sixteen, especially with Luis Suarez now banned.

3 ARGENTINA
(P3, W3, D0, L0, F6, A3, GD +3)
9 POINTS

Argentina have gained a 100% record in their group without ever really hitting top gear and without Lionel Messi in the team they might have struggled to put their opponents to the sword. Nevertheless they topped the group with little trouble, but looked potentially vulnerable defensively against Nigeria, and they struggled to break down Iran in a game many thought they would win by a cricket score.

4 BELGIUM
(P3, W3, D0, L0, F4, A1, GD +3)

The Belgians are similar to Argentina in progressing comfortably without fully turning up as of yet. Widely tipped to do well before the tournament began, they have shown flashes of brilliance, but look solid rather than spectacular so far. Defensively they shared the best record with Costa Rica, but given the riches they possess in attack, four goals is a disappointing return and they will be looking to Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku to improve if they are live up to their challengers billing.

5 FRANCE
(P3, W2, D1, L0, F8, A2, GD +6)
7 POINTS

Didier Deschamps' team have more than exorcised the demons of South Africa four years ago with their performances so far. Most impressive was their 5-2 mauling of Switzerland which in effect won them the group. France are either brilliant or terrible at tournaments, never in between, and they have produced some silky football in Brazil so far this summer. They will be confident of making the last eight.

6= BRAZIL
(P3, W2, D1, L0, F7, A2, GD+5)
7 POINTS

The hosts have not yet reached their brilliant best, and yet Brazil never looked as if they would fail to top the group. This is not a vintage Brazilian team though and they are too over reliant on Neymar to produce the goods. Frustrated by Mexico, given more than a helping hand against Croatia, they only really found their swagger against Cameroon who were already out. They have also been handed a tough second round tie against Chile. Could they go out in the second round?

6= GERMANY
(P3, W2, D1, L0, F7, A2, GD+5)
7 POINTS

Joachim Low's men put their best performance in against Portugal in their opening game, with Thomas Muller hitting a hat trick that looked ominous for the other countries at this year's World Cup. They haven't been as impressive since and Ghana nearly gave them a shock result before a point was recovered. They have been handed a kind looking draw against Algeria but need to be wary of the North Africans' pace on the break.

8= COSTA RICA
(P3,W2, D1, L0, F4, A1, GD +3)
7 POINTS

Nobody gave Costa Rica a chance when they were drawn alongside Uruguay, Italy and England in Group D last year. Excellent performances from the likes of Joel Campbell and Oscar Duarte have given everybody large helpings of humble pie as the Central Americans topped the group with relative ease. Solid defensively and dangerous on the break, they could go even further - their second round clash with Greece could've been much worse.

Oscar Duarte (@FUTBOL_RVTE)

8= MEXICO
(P3,W2, D1, L0, F4, A1, GD +3)
7 POINTS

Mexico were the only team to take points off Brazil in Group A and kept them at bay to record a clean sheet and looked impressive. Had the refereeing been up to scratch in their opener against Cameroon they may well have topped the group, with two perfectly good goals scratched off before they eventually won 1-0. They showed in their decisive game against Croatia they can perform under pressure and while they may struggle against the Netherlands, it's a far cry from the traumas of qualification where they very nearly missed out on a playoff place to minnows Panama.

10 CHILE
(P3, W2, D0, L1, F5, A3, GD +2)
6 POINTS

Before the tournament began, Chile were a team many people thought could push the European teams close, but it was always imagined the Netherlands may be the fall guys. Chile have helped end an era of Spanish domination of world football and at the same time announced themselves as potential major players in this World Cup. Their all-out attacking style sometimes leaves them vunerable at the back, but they will not be overwhelmed by facing Brazil in round two, whose defence looks suspect too often.

11 SWITZERLAND
(P3, W2, D0, L1, F7, A6, GD +1)
6 POINTS

Switzerland did well to recover from their 5-2 defeat to France to convincingly beat Honduras to secure their passage to the last 16. They showed great spirit to keep fighting to the end against Ecuador to score what proved to be a vital winner in the 93rd minute, and along with France they helped Europe fight a mini comeback against the native South Americans - Ecuador were the only team from the continent to be knocked out at this stage. Bayern Munich midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri's hat trick against Honduaras will have caught the eye of Argentina's backline.


12 URUGUAY
(P3, W2, D0, L1, F4, A4, GD 0)
6 POINTS

Oscar Tabarez's team will now have to contest what's left of their World Cup without Luis Suarez after his latest inexcusable bite saw him banned for four months by FIFA. They will definitely miss the Liverpool player and continental rivals Colombia will head into the match as favourites. The Uruguayans did well to recover from a truly dismal start against Costa Rica, but deserved to have men sent off against both England and Italy, which could have made the final standings in Group D much different.

13 ALGERIA
(P3, W1, D1, L1, F6, A5, GD +1)
4 POINTS

Another surprise qualifier for the second round, there is no denying Algeria deserve to make it. They gave the first indication that Belgium may not be the world beaters everyone believed they were in their opening match, and played some brilliant flowing football to dismantle a shell shocked South Korea side to secure their best ever World Cup result. They've now made more history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time and will have gained many neutral fans' support for their impressive style of play.

14 USA
(P3, W1, D1, L1, F4, A4, GD 0)
4 POINTS

Jurgen Klinsmann's side progressing is a literal middle finger to those berating his decision not to include Landon Donovan in his squad. Given slim to no hope of escaping this group, they set their stall out early on by beating Ghana, and narrowly missed out on securing a famous win over Portugal by letting in a 95th minute equaliser. Germany helped them progress by tonking the Portuguese in the first game, but the US put themselves in contention and now look forward to the knockout stages for the third time in four tournaments.

15 NIGERIA
(P3, W1, D1, L1, F3, A3, GD 0)
4 POINTS

The reigning African champions duly became the first team from their continent to book their place in the round of sixteen. They improved as the group stage progressed, and will be disappointed by their failure to beat Iran in their opener. They overcame dangerous debutants Bosnia Herzegovina however, and put their best performance in against Argentina despite losing. They looked dangerous going forward and while they are unlikely to get the better of France, qualification for the knockouts is progress for a country that has failed to do since 1998.

16 GREECE
(P3, W1, D1, L1, F2, A4, GD -2)
4 POINTS

Greece's surprise love affair with major tournaments continues. Well beaten by Colombia in their opener it looked bad for the Greeks, with many predicting three defeats in as many games. They shared a draw with a desperately disappointing Japanese side who failed to live up to their obvious potential this year. Their win over Cote D'Ivoire in the final round of group games was both brilliant and cruel, for Greece had looked anything but a last sixteen side before they went through.

Check back later for the rankings of the sides already going home.  

World Cup 2014: Can Japan surprise in Group C?

By Steven Oldham

After Colombia's impressive win over Greece today their status as group favourites seems well earned, and a victory for either team in the upcoming game between Japan and Cote D'Ivoire could be key in deciding who makes the last 16.

Greece did themselves no favours today and look too limited going forwards to make the knockout rounds. Japan could take advantage of this and make the round of sixteen.

Ivory Coast's much-mentioned golden generation are now aging and their time to shine looks to have passed. They still have immense individual talent, but on too many occasions now at continental and global level they have failed to deliver. If they can finally get it together, they can qualify from what is a very open group.

Japan were the first Asian nation to qualify for Brazil, immediately gaining an advantage over continental rivals South Korea and Australia.

Last year in the Confederations Cup, Japan finished bottom of their group with no points.  However, that only tells half the story. Well beaten by Brazil, they came very close to upsetting Italy and gained much praise for their attacking style of play before going down 4-3. Not many teams put 3 past the Italians and they were unlucky to lose.

In Shinji Okazaki they have an in form striker who topped the scoring charts in the Asian qualifying section. He also hit 15 goals for Mainz this season in the Bundesliga. He has the potential to be the breakout star of this World Cup.

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kawaga meanwhile will benefit from playing both regularly and in the right position.  A player gifted with great vision, pace and accuracy, frustrated by his lack of progress at club level he will be determined to shine at this World Cup.  

Can Shinji Kagawa take Japan to the last 16? (@ManUtdGram)

Defensively, they do still have room for improvement, but with the likes of Okazaki, Kagawa and AC Milan striker Keisuke Honda in their ranks there is always the potential for goals, notice the plural.

They come into the tournament in form, having won four friendlies in a row, including a 3-1 win over Costa Rica who impressively defeated Uruguay earlier tonight. They have also defeated 2012 African Cup of Nations champions Zambia, New Zealand and Cyprus this year.

If Japan can defeat or hold a physical Ivory Coast side, they give themselves every chance of making the knockout stages for a third time. 

More World Cup content:

World Cup match report: Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica

World Cup 2014: Chile looking to put the heat on Spain and The Netherlands

World Cup 2014: Could Croatia be a dark horse?

World Cup: Spain 1-5 Netherlands: Robben and RVP run riot as Spanish capitulate

World Cup match report: Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica

Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica

                                      Cavani, 24 (p)             Campbell (54)
                                                                        Duarte (57)
                                                                        Urena (84) 



 

By Steven Oldham

Marcos Urena scored with his first touch as Costa Rica sealed a famous surprise victory over Uruguay in Fortaleza.

The Central Americans dominated the second half and grew in confidence despite going in at the break a goal behind.

Edinson Cavani converted a first half penalty for Uruguay, but that was as good as it got for Oscar Tabarez's team.

Arsenal striker Joel Campbell scored the equaliser from a sublime Cristian Gamboa cross, and within three minutes they were ahead.

Oscar Duarte's brave header put them in the lead despite the real chance of getting kicked in the head by Christian Stuani's desperate attempt to clear the ball.


Oscar Duarte risked injury to score for Costa Rica (@Futbol_RVTE)


Urena had only been on the pitch for a minute before scoring the goal that cemented Costa Rica's grip on the game after replacing Bryan Ruiz.

Maxi Pereira saw red - the first of this World Cup - for a vicious kick at Campbell in extra time and is now suspended for their next match against England on Thursday.  The referee had no hesitation in showing the Benfica man a straight red card.

Maxi Pereira kicks out at Joel Campbell (@Tholal)

 

It all looked much different before the break. Uruguay were in control without ever stepping out of third gear. They were awarded a penalty after Diego Lugano was hauled down in the box by Junior Diaz.  Paris Saint Germain forward Cavani converted the spot kick strongly to the bottom right corner. Keylor Navas went the right way but the shot had too much pace for him to reach it in time.

 

The Uruguayans also had the ball in the net on 16 minutes, but Diego Godin's conversion of a Lugano cross was disallowed due to the Atletico Madrid centre back being marginally offside.

 

Costa Rica wanted a penalty of their own earlier in the half after Lugano handled the ball in his area, but the referee had already blown for a foul on the defender by Oscar Duarte.

Navas kept his side in the game a minute before half time, saving a dipping Diego Forlan shot one handed.

 
Costa Rica had never beaten Uruguay before tonight, but have now stirred up Group D and handed a first defeat to a South American nation on the continent at this World Cup.

  

Diego Lugano is fouled (@goleadainfo)



World Cup 2014: Chile looking to put the heat on Spain and The Netherlands

By Steven Oldham

Friday's rerun of the 2010 Final between Spain and The Netherlands is the headline game in Group B but there is a real chance Chile could spoil the European nations' chances of making the knockout rounds.

Jorge Sampaoli's team head into a South American World Cup with high hopes of making the last 16, and it is not beyond them that they can do it.

Their biggest threat is Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez who racked up an impressive career best 19 goals in just 34 games this season in La Liga.  England fans will need no introduction to the in-form striker; he scored both goals in his country's 2-0 victory at Wembley last year.

He also hit four goals for Chile on the way to Brazil, including in the 2-1 victory over Ecuador in the final round of qualifying games that sealed their place at the World Cup.  Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal managed five goals and will be a threat to opposition defences.



Alexis Sanchez (Kevin Quigley)


An all or nothing approach to qualification took Chile to an impressive nine wins, the same as CONMEBOL group winners Argentina and runners up Colombia. Six defeats though meant they qualified as the third best team.

A win against Australia in their opening game is critical to Chile's chances. It is the best way for them to build momentum for the tougher games ahead.

This World Cup could bear similarities to last time in South Africa for Chile. Again drawn alongside Spain in the group stages, if they do proceed to the last 16 as runners up, they will again be likely to meet Brazil.  They lost 3-0 four years ago and avoiding a similar scoreline on Brazilian soil may prove difficult.

Their attacking style will gain them many neutral fans and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top when they meet a similarly-minded Netherlands team, who hit 34 goals in qualifying. The Dutch have laboured to friendly victories over Wales and Ghana, following a draw with Ecuador and defeat to France in their pre-tournament preparations. They blitzed their qualifying group, winning all but one of their games, but there was no teams in their group who could seriously contend with them.

Spain will rightly begin as favourites but Chile could prove a real thorn in any opponent's side on their day.

World Cup 2014: Could Croatia be a dark horse?

World Cup 2014: Could Croatia be a dark horse?

By Steven Oldham

The 2014 Fifa World Cup finally gets underway tomorrow with hosts Brazil taking on Croatia in Sao Paulo.

Brazil are one of the favourites to win the World Cup, and home advantage gives them an extra boost before a ball is kicked in search of a unrivalled sixth victory at the tournament.

However,in every group there is at least one team waiting to show the favourites there are 32 countries at the tournament, all who have earned their place at the top table.

This is the first of a mini series profiling the dark horses in each group.

Group A - Croatia

The manner in which Croatia deal with their game against Brazil tomorrow could be key to their whole tournament.  They are expected to lose, but if they put in a spirited performance it should boost them ahead of winnable games against Cameroon and Mexico. 

Mexico toiled to qualification, needing a favour from the USA to eliminate lowly Panama in the last game of their section, before saving face and comfortably beating New Zealand in the intercontinental playoff. Cameroon, meanwhile, had a less troubled path to Brazil, but remain weighed down with their unenviable record at the finals, only making it out of the group stages once in six attempts to date.

While unlikely to match their brilliant third place at France 98, the Croats will be quietly confident of making the knockout stages.  Key striker Mario Mandzukic will be available for their last two group games; he is banned for the opener after being sent off in their play-off match against Iceland.  He scored four goals in the qualifiers and hit an impressive 18 goals in 30 matches for Bayern Munich this season, but coach Niko Kovac will hope his desire to leave Bayern over the summer will not distract him from the matter in hand in Brazil.

Mario Mandzukic (fifazine.com)

In theory, other household names such as Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Eduardo should be at the peak of their careers.  Modric has had one of his best ever seasons with Real Madrid and will be looking to replicate his Champions League form on the biggest stage of all.

Brazil 2014 is likely to captain Darijo Srna's international swansong and they will want to leave their mark on a tournament. Fittingly, the Shakhtar Donetsk defender scored the goal that sealed his country's qualification to Brazil against Iceland in Zagreb last November.

They will be disappointed to have finished a distant second in their qualifying group to Belgium, but heartened by pre-tournament victories over Australia and Mali.  There were worries in qualification: double defeat to Scotland, and two of their three defeats came at home, with their lengthy unbeaten home run now in danger of being forgotten.

Should they make it through to the round of sixteen, it is likely they could come up against Spain.  The World and European champions will expect to top their group, and in reality, Croatia are in a three way fight for second behind Brazil.  If their big players perform however there's no reason they can't produce a shock. Brazil and Spain are not invincible. Their attitude and application in their games against Mexico and Cameroon could prove to be the difference maker in their progress this summer.