World Cup Matchweek 1 power rankings: African nations disappoint, Iceland shine
The Superiors
11. Japan
Pretty much everyone disregarded Japan as a potential dark horse, as doubts were scribbled over them prior to the tournament.
They are gone now.
The Asians have sent a clear message to the remainder of Group H, and the entire competition, that they should not be discounted.
10. Switzerland
The Swiss did excellently to force a draw against tournament favourites Brazil.
In a game that often left much to desire from both sides, Switzerland were able to take it by the scruff of the neck and deny the Selecao chances.
Stefan Zuber’s header early in the second period clinched a stalemate for the Europeans, although it was more about the substandard Brazilians than the brilliance of Switzerland.
It is a result that could go a long way in securing their place in the knockout phase. It is the toughest one out of the way, but Switzerland need to make sure complacency doesn’t creep in now.
9. Spain
The Spaniards showed enough going forward, and in their ravishing passing style, to suggest they can win their next two games and progress beyond the group stage.
An astonishing clash with Portugal uncovered two sides of Spain. On one hand, some of the goals they scored and football they produced was magical. However, an uncharacteristically leaky defence, and a glaring error from top goalkeeper David de Gea, meant Portugal were allowed a route back into the match.
Spain should have little problem in brushing past Iran and Morocco, although failing to win against their Iberian rivals, after leading so late on, could have ramifications.
8. Portugal
Portugal were never going to be far from their Matchday 1 opponents in these rankings.
One man, Cristiano Ronaldo (who else), illuminated in a Portugal shirt, however some swift counter attacks indicated it wasn’t all about him.
It is difficult to argue against the fact that the Selecao’s chances rely on the Real Madrid man. He shone on Friday evening, and for that reason he propels the Portuguese higher in these rankings.
7. Belgium
The Belgians weren’t posed with the most difficult of tasks against minnows Panama but they did the job.
It took a while for the Europeans to warm up. When they did they were electric.
Dries Mertens’ sumptuous volley came before a fine Romelu Lukaku brace, and Roberto Martinez’s side can be satisfied with an efficient display to prepare for Tunisia and England.
6. Iran
Well played, Iran.
They headed into an arduous, almost impossible, looking Group B with nothing to lose.
Their gutsy performance against Morocco displayed that, too, and the late own goal was everything they deserved.
Morocco were narrow favourites, however Iran defied the odds to win their first World Cup match since 1998.
2014, placed in a group with Argentina and Nigeria, was a difficult tournament for Iran. They have been put in an equally tough section here, but have the early boost they craved.
5. Senegal
Finally an African team started with a flourish.
Senegal showed the dynamism and athleticism that made them one of the selections to cause a stir in Russia.
Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Mbaye Niang all possessed electric pace, and that will go a long way in helping them get deep into the tournament.
Senegal reinforced their impressive stature and were by far the best African country in the opening Matchweek.
Hopefully they can continue in a similar vein.
4. Croatia
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Zlatko Dalic’s men were classy, and as the old cliché goes, Croatia just beat what was in front of them.
Nigeria were worlds away from what we expected, and Croatia certainly did their job in punishing them.
An early own goal might have been fortuitous, but Nigeria can’t argue that they warranted anything more.
And Luka Modric added the gloss when he slotted home a spot kick.
Judging by that display, the Croatians shouldn’t be fazed by Argentina, who didn’t have the best day at the office.
Winning Group D now looks a far more realistic possibility and that should spur Croatia on.
3. Russia
What a way to start the tournament.
The way Russia prepared for the World Cup, failing to win in seven outings, suggested it would be a problematic day for them.
It was anything but.
Denis Cheryshev and Aleksandr Golovin starred on a day that belonged to the hosts. The former chalked up two exquisite goals, while the latter provided twice and notched one for himself before the end.
The Russian supporters certainly left in celebratory mood, and that is down to a completely dominant performance on the opening day.
2. Iceland
The story goes on.
Some predicted the World Cup to be a step too far for Iceland, but they frustrated Argentina and held them to a historic 1-1 draw.
Passionate defending, fans that add a fearsome aspect to games and backstories that mean you just can’t dislike them, Iceland are quickly emerging as the romantic’s harmonious footballing nation.
Nobody thought they could come close to Lionel Messi and co. but they proved the world wrong.
Reaching the quarter finals of Euro 2016 was just the beginning, it seems.
1. Mexico
By far the biggest shock of matchday one, Mexico stunned reigning champions Germany in their best national performance for a long, long time.
The Germans looked leggy, however El Tri were superb. Never afraid to attack Die Mannschaft with dynamism, Mexico brushed their underdog status aside and take control of Group F.
Striker Javier Hernandez couldn’t control his emotions at full time, and the tears of pride flowed.
Next: The 10 best players at the 2018 World Cup
Mexico have crashed out at the round of 16 stage at the last six World Cups – an incredible statistic – but this result perhaps shows they are ready to go further.