World Cup Matchweek 1 power rankings: African nations disappoint, Iceland shine
The Middling
19. Australia
The Socceroos came up against one of the pre-tournament favourites France in their first match.
They didn’t perform badly, either, and perhaps feel they should have gotten more out of the game.
Technology ruled the Saturday lunchtime encounter – France had the penalty leading up to their opener decided by VAR, and their eventual winner confirmed by goal-line technology.
Otherwise the French were flat, and Australia’s organisation almost saw them over the line.
They can take confidence into a crucial clash with Denmark, especially with Aaron Mooy’s danger from set pieces Australia’s likely route to goal.
18. France
Les Bleus are one of the lowest ranked sides in this list to actually get off to a winning start, which speaks volumes about their display.
Expected to control against Australia, France did the exact opposite and made things very difficult for themselves at times.
A fearsome-looking front three were often timid, and only N’Golo Kante and match-winner Paul Pogba could potentially be looked upon as high performers for the French.
Should Deschamps’ side go deep into the competition, they need more than this for sure.
17. Peru
They were unlucky, weren’t they?
Peru probably played the best football for a losing side. But attractive play won’t get you through the World Cup, as proved on Saturday evening.
When Christian Cueva blazed a penalty high over the crossbar it didn’t look to be their day.
And despite the number of chances Peru created, none of them crossed the line and their 40,000-strong following were left disappointed at the final whistle.
With an even tougher challenge against France to come, the South Americans – who have waited 36 years for this opportunity – simply have to get points.
16. Serbia
In their first World Cup since 2010, Serbia got off to a winning start thanks to a sumptuous Kolarov set piece.
Their encouraging lineup, including striker Aleksandar Mitrovic who heavily aided Fulham in their promotion charge to the Premier League, were functional at best. Kolarov’s fine effort was a diamond in the rough, for sure.
Serbia look strong ahead of their all-European clash with Switzerland, and the win boosts their chances of continuing their venture beyond the group stages.
15. Denmark
Denmark showed a very gritty side of their game to clinch a narrow win over Peru.
Christian Eriksen often found it difficult to get into the game, however the few Danish flashes came through him. That included their solitary goal, when the Spurs wide man teed up Yussuf Poulsen to slot beyond Pedro Gallese.
By no means pretty from Denmark, but they got the job done.
14. Sweden
A narrow 1-0 win over South Korea, helped by a correct VAR decision, takes Sweden into the top two of Group F and puts Germany in real danger.
Their second half penalty separated them and a lacklustre South Korea, and though Korean chances came few and far between the Swedes managed the game impressively.
They take on the Germans before finishing up against Mexico, and they stand in good stead ahead of those fixtures.
13. England
What a close call for England.
They showed all the things the supporters craved, but only in the first fifteen minutes.
Harry Kane’s early goal provided the optimism, however the Three Lions failed to build and it quickly became the drab, possession-dominated encounter England feared.
They will need more against Belgium and in the knockout phase, should they progress through the group.
12. Uruguay
Uruguay won their match but not with the comfort they might have hoped.
Luis Suarez had a rare off day, and only towards the end did we see the best of Edinson Cavani. He smashed the inside of the post with a free kick, but ultimately defender Jose Gimenez snatched the points for the South Americans.
They can secure their place in the knockouts against Saudi Arabia in their next game, and they should aim for a more convincing victory.
Defensively Uruguay looked sound, Diego Godin especially, however with two of the most lethal strikers in the world perhaps a little more firepower can be expected.