SOC: Belgium Proves They're Contenders
1. Belgium (1-0-0, 3 Pts): Belgium was very impressive in their Game 1 victory over Panama. I know what you're thinking, though: It was just Panama. But so what? We know how good this Belgium team can be when they're playing up to their potential and they did just that in the 3-0 victory. Romelu Lukaku scored twice within six minutes, and essentially put Panama to bed. Despite it being tied scoreless at halftime, they were able to come out of the locker rooms with more energy and propel themselves to another win. Belgium is 5-0-1 in their last six World Cup games, outscoring their opponents 9-3 in said matches. Belgium will look to stay atop Group G as they face Tunisia, who lost to England 2-1, on Saturday morning.
2. Mexico (1-0-0, 3 Pts): Mexico, arguably, had the best win of any team in the opening set of matches. It's not an easy task to take down the defending champions, and one of the favorites to win it all, but Mexico did so, defeating the Germans by a score of 1-0. Mexico was playing defense for the majority of the second half after snatching the lead in the 35th minute, from a goal by Lozano. Mexico has played pretty well as of late in the World Cup. Dating back to 2014, they're 3-1-1 in their last five matches and have doubled goals scored to that of their opponents. But can they get it going? They've already slayed the best team they'll face in Group F, as their next two matches are against South Korea and Sweden, respectively.
3. France (1-0-0, 3 Pts): France was one of my biggest disappointments in the opening round because I felt like they should have been able to win more convincingly. The best way to look at it is they were able to come away with a win, but the French must step it up if they want any chance of winning the coveted trophy. France has been dominant for much of the last five years, and it's proven as they're 4-1-1 in their last six World Cup outings, while totaling 12 goals, and only giving up four. They got a goal each from two of their best players: Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba. If those two can get it rolling them watch out. For now, though, be on the look out for this team to be upset. They'll get Peru on Thursday morning.
4. Uruguay (1-0-0, 3 Pts): Uruguay has a lot of talent up front and it was proven in their 1-0 win (or escape) against the Mo Salah-less Egypt. They didn't play to their full potential for much of the game and allowed Egypt to hang around, but finally, in the 89th minute, Uruguay took the lead for good. They held on to the one-goal victory and will move on to play Saudi Arabia in Game 2. This one should be an easy win as Saudi Arabia is widely considered as the worst team in the field, and it looked like it in a pathetic 5-0 loss to Russia. Uruguay should win and move to 2-0-0, with their only game remaining against the host country: Russia. That game could be for the top spot in the group depending on how things play out.
5. Germany (0-0-1, 0 Pts): Germany is one of the best teams in the world and just wait a couple of weeks and they'll be back to showing it, but after Game 1, the Germans were outplayed by Mexico. It's simple. They didn't have their best game and because of it, they can't be ranked at the top of our rankings. But don't get me wrong: We all fully expect Germany to win their next two matches, advance to the Knockout Stage, and make a deep run. However, their next outing against Sweden suddenly becomes a must-win. I think they'll be able to handle Sweden and keep within striking distance. Germany still has an unbelievable 6-1-1 record in their last eight World Cup matches, outscoring their opponents at an 18-5 clip.
6. Spain (0-1-0, 1 Pt): Spain didn't play their cleanest game, but if they could have just held one player back a little bit, then they'd be atop Group B. Unfortunately for the Spaniards, Ronaldo exists and he wasn't going to go down on Friday afternoon. He scored three goals, including a late free kick to tie it up, and sent both teams back with a draw. Which means Iran is currently leading the group with three points. Spain is trying to bounce back from a disappointing 2014 Cup, and they're just 1-1-2 in their last five WC matches. In those games, they've been outscored 10-7. Spain has a ton of talent, and we saw goals from Costa and Nacho, but if they're going to defeat Morocco and Iran in the next two weeks then they have to start scoring even more.
7. Portugal (0-1-0, 1 Pt): Portugal actually has a very similar storyline compared to Spain, as they both failed to reach the Knockout Stage in 2014, as the Portuguese went 1-2-1, with a 4-0 loss to Germany four years ago. And both teams have been outscored 10-7 in their last five World Cup matches. Since they're playing along with the same lines, it makes sense that the two tied 2-2 when they met on Friday. However, there is one (major) difference between the two teams: Ronaldo. Portugal has one of the best athletes of all-time, and he thrives on the big stage, as we saw against Spain. It's become apparent that Ronaldo is as consistent as they come and he's going to continue bringing it so the only question remains: Can other players step up around him?
8. Brazil (0-1-0, 1 Pt): Brazil jumped out to an early 1-0 lead over Switzerland and it looked as though they might cruise to another victory, but the Swiss battled back and were able to capitalize early in the second half, tying the game at one goal apiece. The two teams traded scoring opportunities for the remainder of the match, but neither could find the back of the net, ending the game in a draw. With the result, Brazil is now 4-2-2 in their last eight World Cup games, and have actually been outscored 15-12. According to Goal, Neymar hobbled off of the practice field on Monday, one day after suffering 10 fouls against Switzerland. Without him, this team could be in trouble. Brazil's next match is on Friday against Costa Rica.
Photo: Sport 360.
