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World Cup

2018 FIFA World Cup power rankings: Updates after every match

Marcos Rojo of Argentina celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi after scoring his team's second goal to beat Nigeria 2-1 and advance to the round of 16.

MOSCOW — The group stage of a World Cup always challenges so much about what we thought we knew about the best teams on earth, and so it has proven again.

Favorites were held or humbled, outsiders came from nowhere to upturn the form guide, late winners broke hearts and provided fresh hope and the landscape of many groups tilted entirely from what was expected.

After each game of the group stage we took the timely opportunity to re-rank the 32 teams in order, taking into account form, the eye test, and their chances of making some headway. We will do the same during the knockout phase, as the chase for the trophy heats up.

1. France – Must start trying again now

2. Brazil – Hitting form

3. Spain – Lucked into the dream draw

4. England – Third game means nothing

5. Belgium – Same as above

6. Croatia – Modric’s magic is the key

7. Argentina – Timely reprieve

8. Portugal – Ronaldo lacking support

9. Uruguay – Poised and dangerous

10. Denmark – Comfortably through

11. Colombia - Big revival

12. Sweden – Closed group strongly

13. Switzerland – Fierce and feisty

14. Mexico – Nervously survived

15. Russia – Tough route 

16. Japan – Can the dream continue?

ELIMINATED AFTER GROUP STAGE

17. South Korea – Nice way to finish

18. Germany – Miserable campaign

19. Senegal – Ran out of steam

20. Serbia – Uphill battle from here

21. Nigeria - Late heartbreak

22. Poland – Worst of the seeds

23. Peru – Awesome fans, pride intact

24. Iran – Courageous and entertaining

25. Morocco – Saved best for last

26. Iceland – No Cinderella this time

27. Tunisia – Too little, too late

28. Costa Rica – No repeat of 2014 heroics

29. Australia – Disappointing campaign

30. Saudi Arabia – Eliminated after two games

31. Egypt – Never showed its best

32. Panama – Not up to elite level

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