SAINT PETERSBURG, June 29, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – After 15 days of triumphs,
tears and controversy, the World Cup’s group stage drew to a close on
Thursday.
Here, AFP Sport ranks 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.
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.