No 24 – Cote d’Ivoire
They lost 10-0. Yes, it was Germany, but they lost 10-0.
No 23 – Ecuador
In some ways an argument can be made that a 6-0 loss to Cameroon is worse than a 10-0 loss to Germany, but we’ll give Ecuador the benefit of the doubt for now. Four goals are a lot in soccer.
No 22 – Thailand
They looked tepid against the Tier 1.5 (1b?) Norway. Nothing jumped out us to suggest they are better than what we expected.
No 21 – Korea
Maybe the most disappointing performance of the opening round of games. After drawing the US in the pre-tournament we expected more fight against Brazil
No 20 – New Zealand
There’s just no danger there. They defended well, but it was against a Tier 2 side.
No 19 – China
See above. China’s play one reason it’s difficult to accurately handicap Canada yet.
No 18 – Cameroon
First one on the list to likely cause controversy. There is no point to a Power Ranking if you just use results and Cameroon only showed they were much better than a clearly poor side. Much to prove against top sides.
No 17 – Mexico
Against Colombia they were the favourite and needed to show more. Yes, they may have been jobbed by a call late, but they got themselves in the situation to be jobbed on merit.
No 16 – Costa Rica
Maybe the biggest jump. They didn’t get much on attack, but were impressive in team defense against a much more fancied Spain side.
No 15 – Spain
Little bit from column A; little from column B when it comes to ranking the two teams involved in a fascinating battle yesterday. Need to do more than pas the ball.
No 14 – Australia
They outplayed the Americans for long stretches, but ultimately were unable to hold off the strong athleticism. Said after they weren’t impressed with the US. Well, if that’s the case, how can you rate the team that lost 3-1 to them?
No 13 – Colombia
A wonder goal, strong team defending and what looks like upward potential. Remember they held Brazil in qualifying. England be warned.
No 12 – England
Blah. They chased the ball around for 90 minutes. Yes, it was France, but really? Really?
No 11 – Netherlands
Got the job done, but barely. If they are to be the dark horse some (*cough*) expected they will need to do more than squeak by New Zealand.
No 10 – Switzerland
A fascinating team that showed a lot against Japan. With better finishing they could have pulled an upset.
No 9 – Canada
O Canada. One goal in open play over last three games. Then again, no goals allowed over last three games at all.
No 8 – Sweden
They took advantage of terrible defending only to give it all back through some interesting choices at the back themselves. Seemed like they had more to give, but maybe the worst performance from a true contender in opening round of games.
No 7 – Nigeria
They were impressive. In attack. Still, Nigeria made a bit of a statement in how it played Sweden in opener.
No 6 – Norway
Still kind of the contender no one is talking about they were on cruise control in opener. True test is next.
No 5 – USA
The opening game win exposed all that was wrong with the Americans, and illustrated all that was right. So long as they have the individual weapons they do they can win any game they are in. But, against the best, they are no longer the clear favourite, or even the favourite at all.
No 4 – Brazil
A workmanlike clean sheet win to open the tournament. They didn’t make us sit up and take notice, but also showed nothing to suggest they shouldn’t be considered amongst the elite.
No 3 – Japan
The Swiss gave them a scare, yes, but they still control much of the play against a much tougher opponent than the other contenders faced.
No 2 – Germany
Yes, ten goals. They will need to repeat the mastery against Norway to have a chance to overtake No 1
No 1 – France
The French so thoroughly controlled the game against England – a top 10 team, it must be said – that it was difficult to fully appreciate it. They only scored one goal, but they could have played two weeks without allowing it seemed. Still our pick to be standing in confetti