Today saw every team in the World Cup having played twice and things are shaking out pretty much as expected. As I said, there will be one major disappointment and one major surprise. It looks like the major disappointment will be Argentina. The surprise could be Senegal or Japan. Some of the remaining games will be formalities but the others will be nail biters for certain teams whose fates hang in the balance. But let’s just check in with where we are now.
Group A
- Russia
- Uruguay
- Egypt
- Saudi Arabia
Russia and Uruguay are through. No surprises here.
Group B
- Spain
- Portugal
- Iran
- Morocco
Spain and Portugal haven’t clinched going through but I think they will. Iran and Morocco haven’t really proved to be a threat. Spain and Portugal will be fun to root against in the knock out stages (because of Ramos and Ronaldo, respectively).
Group C
- France
- Denmark
- Australia
- Peru
With two wins, France is through. Even though Denmark has to face France for their last group game, I’d give them a strong chance of getting through. Australia still has a chance with a Denmark loss and if they beat Peru by more than two goals. I still want Denmark, though, just to see what kind of goals Eriksen can score.
Group D
- Croatia
- Nigeria
- Iceland
- Argentina
After the first round of games, I predicted that Argentina would go through. After their thrashing at the hands of Croatia, I’d give that about a 25% chance. Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest player in the world of his generation but his lack of success with his national team versus Ronaldo’s success with Portugal will always haunt him.
Group E
- Brazil
- Switzerland
- Serbia
- Costa Rica
Costa Rica has been eliminated. I thought they might make a run after their strong showing in 2014. I was wrong. Unsurprisingly, it looks as though Brazil and Switzerland will go through.
Group F
- Mexico
- Germany
- Sweden
- South Korea
Last time I predicted that Germany would turn it around. I was almost wrong. But as I said, Germany is Germany. I can’t believe they got that goal to beat Sweden in the ninety-fourth minute. Never count Germany out because they’re Germany. Good on Mexico to get two wins. I may not be a huge Mexico fan but Hirving Lozano’s play has one me over and I’d like to see them do well in the elimination stages.
Group G
- England
- Belgium
- Tunisia
- Panama
I’m putting England first in the standings even though they are tied in everything with Belgium. Both England and Belgium will be going through. Both had emphatic wins in their second game. Both teams’ attacks are looking really dangerous. Belgium may be stronger, though. Lukaku’s two goals were, unlike Kane’s, from open play and on purpose. But Lingard’s goal was amazing and the missed chances that dominated England’s first game were not there this time.
Group H
- Japan
- Senegal
- Colombia
- Poland
Senegal and Japan are surprises and Poland is a disappointment. Colombia, unlike Argentina, bounced back from their first game disappointment. Their 3-0 win today was a statement and I’m still hoping they’ll make it out of this group, along with Senegal (sorry, Japan).
