World Cup 2018 power rankings: Brazil reign while Sweden still edge England

With all the last-16 ties played we rank the teams who made it to the knockout stages of the World Cup, with Sweden and England rising while Spain plummet nine places to 16th

It looks like Brazil’s World Cup to lose now. They reduced Mexico to huff and puff, defending more astutely than anyone left in the tournament while moving through the attacking gears when required. Willian, Philippe Coutinho and Thiago Silva have all made decisive contributions in different ways and – if we discount the theatrics – the penny seems to have dropped for Neymar that efficiency can be appealing, too. Belgium are a big hurdle to clear but Brazil simply look a level above.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/2zaaSX0