With one more game under everyone’s belt, we already have some teams moving on and some heading home. Here’s how the power rankings shake out after the second round of games.
1. France – Great performance against the Swiss, but took its foot off the gas late in the game.
2. Netherlands – Had a bit of trouble with Australia and maybe Spain wasn’t as good as we thought.
3. Germany – Defence is an issue, but have to admire resolve to fight back for draw.
4. Colombia – More strong defending and excellent on the counter-attack.
5. Chile – Needs to beat Netherlands to avoid a tough matchup with Brazil.
6. Costa Rica – The shock team of the tournament escapes a formidable group.
7. Italy – Faltered in the heat against the upstart Costa Rican side.
8. Belgium – For a team this talented, you have to wonder about ineffectiveness so far.
9. Argentina – Of the teams with six points, have looked the worst.
10. Brazil – Hosts seem to be feeling the pressure, failing to break down Mexicans.
11. Ivory Coast – Only seem to score with Drogba on the pitch, yet won’t start him.
12. Mexico – Settled for long shots – and a draw – against a vulnerable Brazilian side.
13. Uruguay – All it needed was Suarez, apparently. Still must beat Italy to go through.
14. USA – Gutted by an injury-time goal, but looked solid throughout.
15. Ghana – Played the Germans tough and dominated much of the USA game.
16. Croatia – It’s pretty easy to look good against a 10-man team that clearly isn’t trying.
17. Algeria – One of the surprise teams of the tournament, except if you listened to Kurt Larson.
18. Switzerland – France made its defence look like Swiss cheese.
19. Ecuador – Enner Valencia’s name could be on some transfer wishlists after his brace.
20. Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo comes through with key cross in clutch to keep hopes alive.
21. Australia – At least it put up a good fight before its inevitable elimination.
22. Russia – Are going to have to find some goals – and fast – if Capello’s side wants to advance.
23. England – We suspect that Suarez won’t be getting a warm reception back in Liverpool.
24. Spain – Tiki-taka? More like tiki-taxi to the airport.
25. Nigeria – The Super Eagles picked up a big win, looking to enter the final 16 for the first time.
26. Bosnia & Herzegovina – Botched offside call essentially ended debutants’ tournament.
27. Japan – Had its chances against 10-man Greece, but couldn’t finish.
28. Iran – Deserved a point for its solid, but boring, performance against Argentina.
29. South Korea – Defence was torn apart by the Fennec Foxes.
30. Honduras – Better performance than in the first game, but still not enough.
31. Greece – Defended well with 10 men, but offence is non-existent.
32. Cameroon – Only fight that it showed against Croatia was amongst its own players.