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World Cup: Check Out The Ratings Of The Last 16 Teams

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Though Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been booted out of the ongoing FIFA World Cup like 15 others, here, we present the ratings of the last 16 teams at the mundial…

Croatia

Three wins out of three, including a thumping of Argentina, sends Croatia through top of arguably the toughest group in the draw. Luka Modric has been arguably the player of the tournament so far.

Belgium

Wins over Panama and Tunisia were backed up by a victory over England. Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard are both firing, and after being rested against England, fresh.

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 with three goals between them.

Brazil

Neymar’s histrionics have proven tedious but the striker is getting sharper with every game. Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho are also in form but Marcelo’s back injury is a concern.

England

A young squad arrived with low expectations but a late win over Tunisia was followed by a storming 6-1 victory over Panama but lost to Belgium in a classification game. Harry Kane leads the race for the Golden Boot.

Sweden

Few would have expected Sweden to progress at all let alone finish top of Group F. Only Toni Kroos’ 95th-minute winner spoilt an unbeaten record and Sweden responded with an emphatic win over Mexico.

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.

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. If their star man has an off-day, what else have Portugal got?

Colombia

Colombia might be among those considered dark horses in the knockout stage but they are in the last 16. James Rodriguez was superb against Poland but then forced off injured against Senegal. His absence would be a huge blow.

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.

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.

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 shown they are no pushovers, particularly in Moscow, where they play Spain next.

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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

Credit: punchng.com

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