World Cup Power Rankings: Some big names tumble, here come the Socceroos
Another round of World Cup matches down means another batch of updates to the all important Power Rankings, and as we approach crunch time in the group stages a clearer picture is starting to take shape.
Some big names sit on the brink of an embarrassing exit, while the traditional fairy tale stories are reflected in some once-unfancied sides flying up the table.
And as for the Aussies? There is life in the Socceroos' legs yet, with hopes of progression still alive and reflected in a timely boost in the rankings.
A reshuffle at the top
Brazil holds its position at the top of the rankings, but only just. It's awfully difficult to split the top four still, and even though the Brazilians haven't been quite at their best, they've been good enough to cling on to top spot a little while longer.
Spain moves up as its qualification looks more secure — La Furia Roja were pretty excellent against Portugal in truth, and then ground down a stubborn Iranian bus in a way many of their rivals have failed to this tournament — which drops the already-through but slightly underwhelming French down a couple.
Belgium moves into the top three having completely dismantled Tunisia and Panama, while it's Croatia and England asking the most pressing questions outside that top four. Both have been rewarded with moves up, but will face their real tests in the knockout rounds.
The sliders and the bolters
Hear that? That's another Mexican earthquake breaking out as El Tri fly up the Power Rankings on the back of two impressive wins and an ensured place in the round of 16.
Making way for the barnstorming Mexicans are the likes of Uruguay — safely through but in seriously underwhelming fashion — and Germany and Argentina, whose qualification is far from secure thanks to a poor start in Russia.
There's also a boost for Switzerland, who backed up an impressive draw against Brazil with a spirited win over Serbia.
Here come the Socceroos
This is as high as Australia has been since the launch of these rankings, and with good reason.
Australia's performances have warranted more than the one point it has so far, but with a spot in the last 16 still up for grabs and with the team confident and in pretty solid form, the Socceroos have earned a promotion.
Even should the Socceroos fall short of their goal of making it out of the group, you'd have to say they'll have been one of the most impressive fallen sides — but we all want more than that, right?
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ABC .net
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