World Cup Power Rankings

One more round left to go in group play and there are only two teams that have secured advancement (Brazil, Holland) and two teams that have been eliminated (Cameroon, North Korea) so there is still plenty to play for in these last matches. The two games that the 32 teams have been illuminating, but certainly are no indication of what will happen come the knockout stage. Here is how I feel the teams stand so far heading into the climactic matches of the group stage.


1. Brazil - Some have speculated that the Brazilians scoreline wasn't dominant enough North Korea, but there is no question that the Seleçao have asserted themselves as the top dogs in this tournament. They completely controlled possession and pace against DPRK and Ivory Coast, using technical skill to break down their opponents. Brazil has brought preparation, focus, and discipline, qualities that other contenders clearly left at home.

2. Argentina - Gonzalo Higuain may be in pole position for the Golden Boot award, but this has been Lionel Messi's team. The 1-0 result against Nigeria contained a multitude of scoring chances for Argentina that were finished properly in the 4-1 victory over South Korea, many of which were set up by Messi. There are definite and valid questions regarding the back line, in particular the play of Martin Dimichelis, but it seems as if the two South American powers are on a collision course for the final, fitting considering the dominance of the continent in this World Cup.

3. Holland - This isn't your father's Oranje. Only three goals so far for the Netherlands, one of which was an own goal, but it is on the defensive end where Holland has shined bright. I don't think the match commentators have uttered Maarten Stekelenburg's name. The next match against already eliminated Cameroon should provide rest for the starters (Arjen Robben in particular) and provide a showcase for Eljero Elia, who has been a revelation off the bench. All I ask is that the Dutch bust out those kick-ass white kits.

4. Germany - I think Germany was a bit unlucky in the Serbia match, with Miroslav Klose being sent off and Lukas Podolski missing the penalty. The 4-0 drubbing of Australia has still been the finest start to finish match by any team so far and I have a feeling that Mesut Özil is just getting warmed up. It should be noted that Germany lost to Croatia in the group stage of Euro 08, but rallied back to make it to the final. I wouldn't be too concerned if I were a Mannschaft supporter.


5. Spain - Spain has been a puzzling team for me. Bob Bradley has seemed to provided the blueprint for beating Spain by shutting down the midfield passing and attacking on the counter, a strategy implemented by the Swiss in their 1-0 win. La Furia Roja rebounded nicely today in their 2-0 win over Honduras, but it seemed like they stepped off the gas in the last half hour, which could come back to haunt them in a group that will seem to come down to goal differential. The upcoming Chile game looms large.

6. Uruguay - Uruguay's ranking here might be a bit inflated due to the fact that they've played France and South Africa, two sides that are crumbling away. That being said, Diego Forlan has been dominant, establishing himself as one of the world's best players. His strike against South Africa has been one of the goals of the tournament.

7. Portugal - I am not placing too much stock in today's 7-0 thrashing of North Korea mostly because I feel like most teams in this tournament could have placed 3 or 4 in the net against the melted down second half defense of DPRK. The massive goal differential will surely secure placement in the knockout stage, but more importantly, the North Korea blowout might be the confidence booster Cristiano & Co. need as they get set to face Brazil.

8. Chile - La Roja overcame some dubious yellow cards and a packed in Swiss defense to earn a deserved three points. The showdown with Spain should be the most interesting game of the third round as Switzerland is sure to beat Honduras, but it will be the first real test of the Chilean defense.


9. USA - I may be writing this through red, white and blue tinted glasses, but other than the first half against Slovenia and the opening five minutes against England, the Americans have impressed. Remember that the U.S. would have 4 points if not for Koman Coulibaly. I am intrigued to see who will start up top and at centre back foe the Yanks following the Robbie Findley suspension and poor performance of Oguchi Onyewu. I think Gooch will end up starting, but I expect Edson Buddle and Jonathan Spector to make their tournament debuts.

10. Paraguay - Group F really is terrible, but Paraguay has performed admirably. I don't think it would be stunning to see a run to the quarterfinals for the Guaranies.

11. Mexico - It pains me to say this, but El Tri is a real dark horse to make it to the semis. Carlos Vela's injury is a real concern, but Javier Hernandez has stepped up admirably in his absence. I'm still not sure what Cuahtemoc Blanco is doing out there and Oscar Perez is a legitimate liability in goal, but the path has been cleared for Mexico to make a run.

12. Slovenia - How I hate their goal celebrations. What a bunch of ninnies. Aside from that, both goals against the U.S. were legit and I think they have a great shot at taking 3 points from England. Samir Handovic came into the tournament as an underrrated keeper, but this picture says it all about his performace in the tournament thus far.


13. Ghana - The youth of the Ghanians is starting to show. I was stunned that they didn't play more aggressively when they were up a man against Australia, especially considering their final group match is against a motivated Germand side. They must score from the run of play if they have any chance of advancing as they are the last chance Africa has to be represented in the final sixteen.

14. Serbia - I have been fairly unimpressed by Serbia after two games, especially with Nemanja Vidic and the back line. Two (basically) intentional hand balls in the box in two consecutive games is not a positive sign. As noted with Ghana, I was surprised that they didn't play more proactively once Klose was ejected, especially since this is likely to be another goal differential group.

15. Denmark - A lousy first game against the Dutch, was followed up with a fine performance against a desperate Cameroon side. Nicklas Bendtner scored a mighty fine goal, making up for the lackluster showing from Jon Dahl Tomasson. The 2-1 score line probably should have been inflated for both squads, which speaks volumes about Denmark's offensive and defensive states.

16. Switzerland - I am ready to put Switzerland up with Greece as one of the most despicable sides in football. Essentially playing a 10-1 formation and hoping for a counter attack score is bad for football and I hate to see it rewarded like the Swiss did against Spain. But as proved in the '06 World Cup, packing it in will only get an offensively mediocre team so far.


17. South Korea - South Korea has been a fun team to watch; disciplined and organized and ready to pounce on any mistakes by opponents. Back home, the fans are excited.

18. England - I think Fabio Capello is on the nose when he says that his side is facing too much pressure. After the Rob Green catastrophe, no one wanted to make a mistake against Algeria and the passivity cost the Three Lions dearly. But do you think that Brazil, Argentina, Italy and any of the other favorite aren't facing as much if not more pressure? The mental makeup of this team is in shambles and its up to its true leaders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard to step it up.

19. Italy - Speaking of a team in shambles and lacking leadership, the Azzurri clearly miss Andrea Pirlo. Luckily for the Italians, they only have to get by Slovakia to advance, but then again, we thought the same of New Zealand.

20. Japan - The Blue Samurai have punched above their weight with solid efforts against Nigeria Holland, but can they do it a third time against Denmark? It would take another Herculean effort from the backline and Keisuke Honda to do so, but I don't think Japan has it in them to advance.


21. Ivory Coast - A real disappointment, even with the injury to Drogba. No creativity, no inspiration, no zeal from any of these guys. The hiring of Sven-Goran Eriksson was a shortsighted and potentially disastrous move. The acting exhibition from Kader Keita says it all in word: pathetic.

22. Algeria - Algeria has (understandably) parked the bus for the last two games, but I expect their match against the USA to be more open, as they also need the 3 points (and positive goal differential) in order to advance. Nadir Belhadj and the rest of the defense was outstanding against England, but the offense hasn't showing anything to date, making advancement a dubious proposition.

23. New Zealand - The Kiwis!



I took great joy out of New Zealand's draw with Italy, but this is too good to last. Paraguay seems to have it together and the All White can only keep taking so many shots on goal. Still, a fine, fine performance from Ryan Nelsen, Mark Paston and the rest of the Kiwis. They have much to be proud of.

24. Australia - What a nightmare campaign for Australia. Tim Cahill unfairly and harshly getting sent off and Harry Kewell's injury and handball in the box, nothing is going right for Australia. It was nice to see them fight back from the Kewell setback and battle to the end against Ghana. But at this point the only thing that a Socceroo fan could hope for is a start to finish effort to play the spoiler against Serbia.

25. Slovakia - Probably the most snoozeworthy side in the tournament. Things pretty much ended for them after allowing the stoppage time goal to New Zealand.


26. South Africa - Ah it started so well for Bafana Bafana. I truly felt for the hosts when Itumeleng Khune, who had been great in the two matches, got sent off. But the self-destruction of the French ensure that South Africa have an excellent chance to end things on a winning note.

27. Cameroon - They had their chances against Denmark, but Cameroon has been doomed from the start. Paul Le Goen is surely ruing his decision to leave Alexandre Song out of the starting XI against Japan, although I am sure that he'll be glad to get away from this dysfunctional group.

28. France - What a disaster. From a non-footballing standpoint, France has been the most fun team to follow. You know that soccer has reached the American sporting mainstream when talk of the French circus and "Le Sulk" Anelka getting Le Sent Home, is being talked about more than the U.S. Open.

29. Honduras - Not much to say about Los Catrachos. Expectations were low for the 3rd place CONCACAF team and its safe to say that those expectations have been met.

30. Greece - Despite getting three points from the lackadaisical Super Eagles, Greece's chancing of advancing are virtually nil. They will be the lambs to Argentina's slaughter tomorrow.

31. Nigeria - Another African disappointment. Sani Kaita's foolish red card did it in for Nigeria as they are set to wrap up yet another disappointing World Cup appearance.


32. North Korea - After such a promising start, North Korea confirmed initial suspicions that they really do suck.

Most Intriguing 3rd Round Group Play Matches
Portugal v. Brazil - Can Portugal and Brazil continue their hot streaks?
Chile v. Brazil - Essentially an elimination game.
Ghana v. Germany - Was the Serbia game an aberration for the Germans?