With the second round of group stage games over, some of the contenders have sealed their place in the Round of 16 while others await their fate on the final match-days.
One, in particular, are struggling to qualify to the Round of 16. Argentina and Leo Messi, are on the verge of falling to a humiliating first-round exit after a 0-3 defeat to Luka Modric-inspired Croatia. Holders Germany resuscitated their flagging World Cup defence via a last-minute Toni Kroos free-kick whereas Brazil needed a similar rescue act from Phil Coutinho to ensure full points against Costa Rica.
Uruguay, France, Belgium and England have already qualified to the knockouts.
Uruguay (Qualified)
The spirit of Garra Charua has held them from really grabbing the World Cup by the scruff of the neck, as they laboured to a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
The link in attack looks broken, but the defence looks as sharp as ever and to re-iterate once again, the only reason they’re in the mix for the title is their backline, which is yet to concede a goal. Russia may be a different test for Diego Godin’s men though, with the hosts having scored eight goals in two games.
Going forward
Oscar Tabarez’s men need to sort out the attacking malaise, having scored only two goals in two games. Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are better than this, and it could have something to do with a young midfield coming to grips with the pressure of playing in a World Cup.
Portugal
The European champions’ campaign seems to be going along, according to script with nothing much to praise or blame.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored all four of their goals, netting an early header in a 1-0 win over Morocco. The Real Madrid superstar struggled for the rest of the match, as did his team-mates as it could so easily have been very different had Morocco taken their chances.
Going forward
Joao Mario replaced Bruno Fernandes in what appeared to an attacking change from Fernando Santos and they pressed early, but the rest of the game saw them revert to their Euro 2016 scrappy self. Santos needs to ensure that they need to ship fewer goals at the back, as they don’t look like pumping many at the other end.
Spain
La Roja weren’t close to their best against Iran, but were solid against the 8-time Asian champions, as they dominated from start to finish. Diego Costa’s goal was lucky but on the balance of play, the 1-0 win was fully deserved after the Portugal game where they will feel aggrieved that they did not win.
The interesting bit with Spain is that in spite of their solidity, they have a higher gear and they look a million miles from the team that capitulated so meekly in 2014. The transition period is well and truly over, and Costa’s form, three goals in two games, augurs well for Fernando Hierro’s men.
Going forward
Hierro made the right changes in the last game and Spain looked in control throughout. Thiago Alcantara could well be the final piece of the puzzle but the coach will have to decide quickly in order to settle on a midfield combination prior to the knockouts.
France (Qualified)
Les Bleus have been unconvincing in their two matches thus far, but Kylian Mbappe’s goal off a lucky deflection was enough to send them through to the Round of 16.
The 1998 champions won 1-0 over Peru but questions over Antoine Griezmann and his form remain. The South Americans pushed Didier Deschamps’ men all the way back into their own half as the midfield struggled to cope with pace. The selection of Blaise Matuidi was a baffling one.
Going forward
Deschamps appears lost, not able to settle on his best eleven or his tactics. He’s a former World Cup winner himself, but the coach should be doing better with the resources at his disposal. Olivier Giroud should continue after an encouraging display but who should get the nod among Mbappe, Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele?
Argentina
Struggling and seemingly out, but no one in their right mind will count out a cornered Lionel Messi. Bottom of Group D after a 3-0 loss, the last game against Nigeria will have to be won handsomely with hopes that other results go their way.
Reports of an alleged mutiny against Jorge Sampaoli surfaced, and the Argentine manager got several big calls wrong against Croatia. La Albiceleste look wretched in all departments, as a major re-haul might be impossible this close to their final group stage match.
Going forward
Pray. Their destiny is out of their hands and that goal difference of -3 is stinking up the place as well. The attack looks blunted, the midfield bereft of ideas and the defence calamitous. Messi can’t do it all by himself, maybe it’s time for Gonzalo Higuain to replace Kun Aguero up front?
Brazil
A far-from-vintage display against Costa Rica, but Tite will take the 2-0 win. Los Ticos sat deep against Brazil, frustrating them for long periods and with that heavyweight attack, they should really be bossing the tournament.
The Selecao are still top of Group E, but a determined Serbia team will come at them. They only need a draw to go through, and with a potential Round of 16 clash against Germany in the offing, a dominating performance against Serbia will be just what the doctor ordered to get them up and running.
Going forward
Coutinho has two in two but Neymar was rough-housed for the second day in a row. The rest of the attack needs to do more in order to get their star man time and space to work his magic.
Germany
Back from the dead, via an unbelievable comeback against Sweden. Down a goal and then losing Jerome Boateng to two yellow cards, they dug down deep and won it in the 95th-minute, 2-1.
Winning may be in the genes, but the displays have caused panic and worry among their loyal supporters. The defence playing a high line has caused panic among the ranks, but Joachim Low made four changes and may look to make further against South Korea.
Going forward
Sort out Thomas Muller. The Bayern star has not fired at all, and his 10 World Cup goals tell us he should be doing better. South Korea have to be beaten but the good news is that their qualification is in their hands again. With Mexico winning, they need to be mentally prepared to face Brazil in the pre-quarters.
Belgium (Qualified)
The Red Devils have qualified with ease, swatting Tunisia aside 5-2. The dark horses have scored eight in two games, as Romelu Lukaku’s four goals are the big boost that Roberto Martinez’s men were hoping for.
Eden Hazard has also looked like his sparkling best, even if Michy Batshuayi did miss a hatful of chances. Their last game against England is a good opportunity to experiment, and tinker with their starting line-up. So far, so good for Belgium.
Going forward
Conceding two goals against Tunisia will be a minor concern for Martinez. The defence boasts of star power, but the continued selection of Dedryck Boyata is a mystery, even in a three-man defence.
England (Qualified)
The Three Lions are in roaring form, with Panama convincingly beaten 6-1. Identical records with Belgium will see them duel for the top spot in Group G, but Gareth Southgate’s men will not shy away.
Harry Kane leads the Golden Boot race with five goals, and Jesse Lingard has carried his club form over to country. England have been professional thus far, and they need to keep the momentum going.
Going forward
Raheem Sterling remains a worry if any. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has done enough to deserve his spot in the starting XI. Southgate will have to choose when Dele Alli returns from injury as only Lingard and Kane can be sure of their places. Marcus Rashford will be breathing down Sterling’s neck.
