France’s players have made a flying start to the World Cup and are assured of their place in the second round. Photograph: Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images
world cup 2014 power rankings: france out in front after two matches
Les Bleus followed up their opening victory over Honduras by putting five past Switzerland, while Costa Rica are the surprise package. Sorry England and Spain head home
1) France
The tournament’s stand-out team. There is a youthful vibrance to France in attack, Karim Benzema is playing really well and while eyebrows were raised when Didier Deschamps made tweaks to the side that beat Honduras, Olivier Giroud and Moussa Sissoko rewarded him by scoring in the win over Switzerland. Five goals against the Swiss showcased their potential, although greater tests lie in wait.
Possession: 56.8% (9th). Passing accuracy: 87.4% (=4th). Shooting accuracy: 50% (=9th). Shots faced: 21 (=6th).
• Match report: France 5-2 Switzerland
• Match report: France 3-0 Honduras
2) Chile
A tad sloppy against Australia in their opening match, Chile’s focus never dropped in a hugely impressive victory that sent Spain on their way. Eduardo Vargas’s goal was a delight, all quick passing and imaginative movement that left the Spanish defence in a sorry spin, and how about that stabbed finish from Charles Aranguiz for the second? Spain’s executioners could go far if their defence keeps their side of the bargain.
Possession: 51% (=14th). Passing accuracy: 81.3% (20th). Shooting accuracy: 60% (=2nd). Shots faced: 29 (=19th).
•Match report: Spain 0-2 Chile
• Match report: Chile 3-1 Australia
3) Holland
After the headrush of thrashing Spain, the Dutch were posed more headaches by Australia than they would have expected. Holland were fortunate to emerge unscathed from an awkward encounter that exposed flaws in their defence and suggested they may encounter problems against deep defences. However they can always count on Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie to come up with the goods.
Possession: 42.6% (25th). Passing accuracy: 80.3% (24th). Shooting accuracy: 79.2% (1st). Shots faced: 20 (=3rd).
• Match report: Holland 3-2 Australia
• Match report: Holland 5-1 Spain
4) Germany
Blitzed Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in their opening match but Ghana showed up the defensive short-comings that have previously undermined their chances. Had to be rescued by the mercurial Miroslav Klose once again as the 36-year-old equalled the World Cup’s all-time goalscoring record. Still on course to go deep into the tournament but Joachim Löw will know he has plenty of work to do on the training pitch.
Possession: 59.4% (4th). Passing accuracy: 87.4% (=4th). Shooting accuracy: 55.6% (5th). Shots faced: 31 (=24th).
• Match report: Germany 4-0 Portugal
• Match report: Germany 2-2 Ghana
5) Colombia
Who needs Radamel Falcao? José Pékerman’s team have not been affected by the loss of their best striker to injury and on the evidence of their first two matches, Colombia should not be taken lightly. The form of the excellent James Rodríguez has been crucial. However there was a wobble when Ivory Coast threatened a late fightback, while they have been more comfortable on the counter-attack than when they have had to find a way through massed defences.
Possession: 46.3% (22nd). Passing accuracy: 81.1% (22nd). Shooting accuracy: 60% (=2nd). Shots faced: 24 (=10th).
• Match report: Colombia 2-1 Ivory Coast
• Match report: Colombia 3-0 Greece
6) Argentina
Thoroughly unconvincing so far, but they have Lionel Messi and that has been enough to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran. His breathtaking goals have rather papered over the cracks, though, and the game against Iran could easily have ended in embarrassment. Argentina seem to be lacking a spark in midfield and Sergio Agüero has been out of sorts. But they have Messi.
Possession: 66.3% (1st). Passing accuracy: 90.1% (2nd). Shooting accuracy: 22.2% (31st). Shots faced: 24 (=10th).
• Match report: Argentina 1-0 Iran
• Match report: Argentina 2-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
7) Brazil
This has not been the sparkling start Brazilians wanted. Fortunate to benefit from a number of contentious refereeing decisions in their opener against Croatia, their flaws were laid bare against Mexico, who found it relatively easy to deal with Brazil’s modest attack. The onus is on Neymar to lift a functional side who lack creativity in midfield and a top-class striker. Neither Fred nor Jô spread terror in opposition defences.
Possession: 57.2% (8th). Passing accuracy: 84.7% (13th). Shooting accuracy: 54.6% (6th). Shots faced: 24 (=10th).
• Match report: Brazil 3-1 Croatia
• Match report: Brazil 0-0 Mexico
8) Costa Rica
Hands up who saw this coming? Liars. Costa Rica have made a mockery of all the predictions that had them down as the whipping boys of Group D, following up their victory over Uruguay by magnificently upsetting the odds against Italy. The way they hounded Andrea Pirlo provides a lesson for England. Jorge Luis Pinto has created a side that is defensively side, hungry out of possession and lively going forward. Not many teams will fancy facing them.
Possession: 41.6% (27th). Passing accuracy: 77.6% (26th). Shooting accuracy: 42.9% (18th). Shots faced: 20 (=3rd).
• Match report: Italy 0-1 Costa Rica
• Match report: Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica
9) Belgium
The hipsters’ choice have been disappointingly dull so far given the attacking riches at their disposal but two wins courtesy of three goals from substitutes have already assured their progression to the second round. Will need Eden Hazard to repeat his performance in the last 15 minutes against Russia to make it further, though?
Possession: 59.4% (5th). Passing accuracy: 85.2% (=10th). Shooting accuracy: 45.4% (16th). Shots faced: 15 (1st).
• Match report: Russia 0-1 Belgium
• Match report: Algeria 1-2 Belgium
10) Mexico
A fraught qualifying campaign suggested that they would struggle. Instead they made a confident start against Cameroon and then held Brazil to a 0-0 draw. Their goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa, took the plaudits for a string of fine saves that kept the home side at bay, but the entire team played well and might have sneaked a goal on another day. Mexico, who have not conceded a goal, will believe they can reach the second round.
Possession: 54.4% (11th). Passing accuracy: 82.6% (=14th). Shooting accuracy: 30% (=29th). Shots faced: 27 (=16th).
• Match report: Brazil 0-0 Mexico
• Match report: Mexico 1-0 Cameroon
11) Italy
Solid and experienced enough to capitalise on England’s naivety, the Italians then failed to turn up against Costa Rica, slumping to a forgettable defeat. Nothing worked. Gianluigi Buffon flapped in goal, Pirlo was becalmed, Mario Balotelli’s finish was wayward and Cesare Prandelli’s substitutions failed to lift his side. They will still be confident of going through, but their hopes are in the balance.
Possession: 57.9% (6th). Passing accuracy: 91.2% (1st). Shooting accuracy: 40% (=20th). Shots faced: 29 (=19th).
•Match report: England 1-2 Italy
•Match report: Italy 0-1 Costa Rica
12) USA
Outplayed Portugal and would have sealed qualification to the last 16 had it not been for a last-minute lapse that enabled the opposition to equalise. Jürgen Klinsmann has vowed to go on the offensive against Germany on Thursday, even though his side only need a draw to progress. Win the group and USA would avoid playing Belgium.
Possession: 43.5% (23rd). Passing accuracy: 81.2% (21st). Shooting accuracy: 52.9% (7th). Shots faced: 42 (32nd).
13) Croatia
Desperately unlucky to lose to Brazilian, they responded with an emphatic thrashing of Cameroon. Mario Mandzukic had a point to prove after his return from suspension and scored twice, while Ivan Perisic was a swaggering presence. Croatia could – maybe should – have had double figures. The one worry for Niko Kovac is a skittish performance from his goalkeeper, Stipe Pletikosa, against Brazil.
Possession: 48.3% (=18th). Passing accuracy: 82.5% (16th). Shooting accuracy: 46.2% (15th). Shots faced: 31 (=24th).
• Match report: Croatia 4-0 Cameroon
14) Uruguay
The jury is out on Uruguay. Despite beating England and effectively knocking them out, this still seems like a side that has seen better days. Their defence was shown up by Costa Rica and England also created chances. Yet Edinson Cavani is always a threat and as long as Luis Suárez’s knee holds up, they can trouble anyone. At the same time, the victory over England will all have been for nothing if they cannot beat Italy.
Possession: 46.8% (21st). Passing accuracy: 72.6% (31st). Shooting accuracy: 35.7% (26th). Shots faced: 25 (=14th).
• Match report: Uruguay 2-1 England
• Match report: Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica
15) Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast can be pleased with their output so far. Didier Drogba’s introduction as a second-half substitute gave them the impetus to fight back from a goal down to beat Japan and they were unlucky not to draw with Colombia, who were troubled by the livewire Gervinho. Defensive lapses ultimately cost them but Sabri Lamouchi’s side are in a good position to progress.
Possession: 56.7% (10th). Passing accuracy: 87% (6th). Shooting accuracy: 40% (=20th). Shots faced: 18 (2nd).
• Match report: Ivory Coast 2-1 Japan
• Match report: Colombia 2-1 Ivory Coast
16) Nigeria
Recovered from an uninspiring start against Iran to record a crucial win over Bosnia courtesy of Peter Odemwingie’s goal. Looked surprisingly solid at the back, even if they did ride their luck at times. Should now progress to the second round but will need to find some more creativity to go further.
Possession: 53.6% (12th). Passing accuracy: 82.6% (=14th). Shooting accuracy: 52% (8th). Shots faced: 29 (=19th).
• Match report: Nigeria 0 Iran 0
•Match report: Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
17) Ecuador
Ecuador breathed life into their campaign with a chaotic victory against Honduras, who briefly led. They needed that after the late defeat against Switzerland. Yet it is likely that they will have to beat France in their final match. If that is to happen, Ecuador will need Enner Valencia to continue his sharp form in front of goal. He already has three goals.
Possession: 43.5% (24th). Passing accuracy: 77.3% (=27th). Shooting accuracy: 50% (=9th). Shots faced: 34 (31st).
• Match report: Ecuador 2-1 Honduras
• Match report: Switzerland 2-1 Ecuador
18) Switzerland
Well, at least they’re not dull. Switzerland were a defensive shambles against France and were fortunate only to concede five. However they gave their goal-difference a boost with two late goals and are still in a strong position on account of their late victory against Ecuador in their first match. Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side can have no excuses if they fail to beat Honduras.
Possession: 60.1% (3rd). Passing accuracy: 86% (8th). Shooting accuracy: 43.5% (17th). Shots faced: 32 (=28th).
• Match report: Switzerland 2-1 Ecuador
19) Algeria
The agony of the “Disgrace of Gijón” in 1982 may finally be put to bed if Vahid Halilhodzic’s side avoid defeat against Russia. A thrilling first-half display in the win over South Korea showed that this side is capable of scoring enough goals, although the question marks remain in defence.
Possession: 40.2% (28th). Passing accuracy: 76.4% (29th). Shooting accuracy: 37.5% (24th). Shots faced: 25 (=14th).
• Match report: Algeria 4-2 South Korea
• Match report: Algeria 1-2 Belgium
20) Portugal
On life support in the group of death. After their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Germany, Paulo Bento’s side had to avoid defeat by USA to stay in the competition. Silvestre Varela’s 95th-minute equaliser in the 2-2 draw has given Portugal a lifeline. Yet even if they beat Ghana in the final group game, a draw between USA and Germany would be enough to send both teams through.
Possession: 47.9% (20th). Passing accuracy: 88% (3rd). Shooting accuracy: 47.8% (13th). Shots faced: 28 (18th).
• Match report: Portugal 0-4 Germany
• Match report: USA 2-2 Portugal
21) Ghana
Written off by most pundits before their meeting with Germany, Kwesi Appiah’s side found their mojo in the second half and on another day could have beaten one of the tournament favourites. Their hopes of progressing, like their final group opponents, Portugal, are not in their own hands. Germany have a far better goal difference so realistically they are hoping that Jogi Löw’s side beat USA to leave the runners-up spot as a straight shootout.
Possession: 48.3% (=18th). Passing accuracy: 80.7% (23rd). Shooting accuracy: 30% (=29th). Shots faced: 20 (=3rd).
• Match report: Germany 2-2 Ghana
22) Iran
It could have been one of the great World Cup stories: Argentina 0-0 Iran. Instead one swish of Messi’s boot in injury time and Iran’s heartbroken players were slumped on the ground, their resistance finally broken by one little genius. Until then, Iran had even been hinting that they could snatch the unlikeliest of victories.
Possession: 27.4% (31st). Passing accuracy: 68.9% (31st). Shooting accuracy: 33.3% (28th). Shots faced: 31 (=24th).
•Match report: Nigeria 0 Iran 0
• Match report: Argentina 1-0 Iran
23) Russia
Fabio Capello’s side have been about as inspiring as England in South Africa four years ago. There were signs of improvement against Belgium but an ageing team have struggled to maintain the intensity for any sustained period of time. Still have a sliver of hope of qualifying with Algeria to come in their final match.
Possession: 49.5% (17th). Passing accuracy: 82% (18th). Shooting accuracy: 36.4% (25th). Shots faced: 22 (=8th).
• Match report: Russia 1-1 South Korea
• Match report: Russia 0-1 Belgium
24) South Korea
Only came alive when they were 3-0 down to Algeria and by then it was too late. An attack led by the Arsenal misfit Park Chu-young was never going to be the most terrifying but new blood is needed for next time if, as expected, their meeting with Belgium on Thursday is the last match they play in Brazil.
Possession: 51% (=14th). Passing accuracy: 82.4% (17th). Shooting accuracy: 60% (=2nd). Shots faced: 33 (30th).
• Match report: Russia 1-1 South Korea
• Match report: Algeria 4-2 South Korea
25) Greece
Could be lower, but they deserve some credit for holding out against Japan when they played the majority of the match with 10 men. What Greece lack in quality and adventure they more than make up for in organisation and bloody-mindedness. Terrible to watch, but you still wouldn’t put it past them to sneak through.
Possession: 39.2% (30th). Passing accuracy: 77.3% (=27th). Shooting accuracy: 40% (=20th). Shots faced: 31 (=24th).
• Match report: Japan 0-0 Greece
• Match report: Colombia 3-0 Greece
26) Japan
Disappointing. Unable to hold on to a lead against Ivory Coast or take one against 10-man Greece, Japan have left themselves with a lot to do. At their best, an imaginative, speedy side, but they have lacked belief at both ends.
Possession: 57.5% (7th). Passing accuracy: 85.5% (9th). Shooting accuracy: 40% (=20th). Shots faced: 30 (=22nd).
• Match report: Japan 0-0 Greece
• Match report: Ivory Coast 2-1 Japan
27) Bosnia-Herzegovina
Two defeats from their first two matches at the World Cup is a harsh return for a team that looked capable of getting through the group. Can feel hard done by not to have got the rub of the green against Nigeria yet with Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko still with a years left in their legs, they will be back.
Possession: 49.7% (16th). Passing accuracy: 85.1% (12th). Shooting accuracy: 48.2% (12th). Shots faced: 32 (=28th).
•Match report: Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Match report: Argentina 2-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
28) Australia
Australia will leave Brazil with their dignity intact. Widely expected to flop badly in a tough group, they have actually been one of the most enjoyable sides to watch. There is no shame in narrow defeats to Chile and Holland, while they will always cherish Tim Cahill’s stunning volley against the Dutch, a genuine World Cup classic. If there are any regrets, it is that having surprised their superior opponents, they were unable to capitalise when they were on top.
Possession: 42.2% (26th). Passing accuracy: 79.8% (25th). Shooting accuracy: 47.1% (14th). Shots faced: 24 (=10th).
• Match report: Australia 2-3 Holland
29) England
England usually lose to the first good team they face at a World Cup – this time, they have done it in the group stage instead of in the knockout rounds, so defeats to Italy and Uruguay were not particularly surprising. Not the best team, not the worst, just an average one that tried and failed in a tough group. There were glaring weaknesses, mainly at the back and in midfield, but this was nowhere near as embarrassing as the mess of 2010.
Possession: 51.7% (13th). Passing accuracy: 86.8% (7th). Shooting accuracy: 40.7% (19th). Shots faced: 21 (=6th).
• Match report: Uruguay 2-1 England
•Match report: England 1-2 Italy
30) Spain
Oh dear. An unmitigated disaster. Spain’s era of dominance came to a sluggish, tired end against Holland and Chile, both of whom exposed an ageing side whose race is run. Many players will retire and Vicente del Bosque could leave. Is tiki-taka dead? Maybe not, but it needs a kick up the backside.
Possession: 63.3% (2nd). Passing accuracy: 85.2% (=10th). Shooting accuracy: 50% (=9th). Shots faced: 22 (=8th).
• Match report: Spain 0-2 Chile
• Match report: Holland 5-1 Spain
31) Honduras
A thuggish disgrace against France, Honduras partially redeemed themselves with an improved performance against Ecuador.
Possession: 38.3% (31st). Passing accuracy: 74.9% (30th). Shooting accuracy: 35.3% (27th). Shots faced: 30 (=22nd).
• Match report: France 3-0 Honduras
• Match report: Ecuador 2-1 Honduras
32) Cameroon
A complete waste of time. Defeat to Mexico was followed by farce after farce against Croatia. Their defending was a joke, Alex Song was sent off for a preposterous elbow on Mandzukic and Benoît Assou-Ekotto headbutted his own team-mate, Benjamin Moukandjo. Cameroon have offered nothing beyond unintentional comedy.
Possession: 40% (29th). Passing accuracy: 81.4% (19th). Shooting accuracy: 14.3% (32nd). Shots faced: 27 (=16th).
• Match report: Mexico 1-0 Cameroon
• Match report: Croatia 4-0 Cameroon
