Welcome to the second edition of the Panos Rankings. At this point every team has played one game, and with possibly the exception of the Germans, every team has had their problems or difficulties. I will touch on all of these in my 'State of Play' feature that should be posted later tonight. In the meantime to the rankings:
1. Brazil (1) - Last Match (2-1 North Korea)
The favorites won their first game, albeit they had their struggles against a determined North Korean side.
2. Germany (6) - Last Match (4-0 Australia)
The Germans played the most complete game so far in the tournament demolishing the Socceroos 4-0.
3. Netherlands (3) - Last Match (2-0 Denmark)
Another struggle for one of the favorites, but thankfully to an own goal, the Oranje were able to break down the Danes and secure the three points.
4. Argentina (4) - Last Match (1-0 Nigeria)
Lionel Messi missed an exorbitant amount of chances against Nigeria, once he starts connecting the rest of the world should watch out.
5. Chile (11) - Last Match (1-0 Honduras)
In a tourney devout of attacking play, thank the Chileans who attacked in numbers during their first match against Honduras.
6. Ghana (17) - Last Match (1-0 Serbia)
Even though they Serbs were poor in their match against Ghana, a victory is a victory and Ghana are in good shape to advance to the Round of 16.
7. Slovenia (20) - Last Match (1-0 Algeria)
The Slovenians are in good shape after their victory over Algeria; however, their next match against the Americans decides who will advance to the next round.
8. England (5) - Last Match (1-1 USA)
Other than the 'Hand of Clod' England most probably would of cruised in their match against the USA.
9. Switzerland (24) - Last Match (1-0 Spain)
The Swiss defended bravely in their upset victory over Spain and have thrown Group H into a loop with their performance.
10. Spain (2) - Last Match (0-1 Switzerland)
Spain controlled all the play but could not break down the Swiss defense. Torres was clearly rusty but his introduction into the game injected some life in a lifeless attack.
11. South Korea (25) - Last Match (2-0 Greece)
South Korea used their speed and organization to dissect a weak Greece squad and could of scored 3 or 4 in their first match.
12. Japan (28) - Last Match (1-0 Cameroon)
Perhaps their coach was onto something when he declared that Japan would make the semi-finals. Honda scored the winner in their match versus Cameroon.
13. Portugal (8) - Last Match (0-0 Ivory Coast)
Cristiano Ronaldo almost scored the goal of the tournament with his thunderbolt from outside the box, but the Portuguese had to settle for a draw against the Ivory Coast.
14. Ivory Coast (14) - Last Match (0-0 Portugal)
With the exception of Brazil, the Ivory Coast are the only team to not move up or down in the rankings and with their next match against Brazil here is hoping that Drogba is fit to play a full 90.
15. Italy (7) - Last Match (1-1 Paraguay)
Italy are severely lacking creative players and it showed in their lack of offensive firepower during their match with Paraguay and coupled with Buffon's herniated desk the Italians might find themselves in trouble.
16. Mexico (13) - Last Match (1-1 South Africa)
The Mexicans looked good in their match against South Africa and could of folded when they conceded the opening goal but they battled hard and deserved their equalizer.
17. USA (15) - Last Match (1-1 England)
The Americans will view their tie against England as a victory and now face must wins against Algeria and Slovenia.
18. France (9) - Last Match (0-0 Uruguay)
Les Blues generated very little from an offensive standpoint and Anelka was especially poor, perhaps Thierry Henry will save France if he is allowed off the bench.
19. Paraguay (22) - Last Match (1-1 Italy)
Paraguay carried the play against Italy, but near the end began to fade and stamina and endurance could be an issue moving forward.
20. Slovakia (19) - Last Match (1-1 New Zealand)
The Slovaks should of defeated the Kiwis and will regret the dropped two points; this could potentially lead to Slovakia not qualifying for the Round of 16.
21. Uruguay (18) - Last Match (0-0 France)
Diego Forlan needs to step up and score goals for Uruguay against South Africa and Mexico for them to have a chance to advance.
22. South Africa (25) - Last Match (1-1 Mexico)
So far the opening goal for South Africa was the moment of the tournament and the celebrations that followed afterwards were well deserved for the Bafana Bafana; the question is if they can keep it up?
23. New Zealand (31) - Last Match (1-1 Slovakia)
Congratulations to the Kiwis for fighting till the end and scoring the dramatic tying goal in the 93rd minute, enjoy the point because it might their last.
24. Nigeria (23) - Last Match (0-1 Argentina)
Nigeria should thank goalkeeper Enyeama's performance for keeping the score close against Argentina. However, the Nigerians appeared to be dangerous and should do well in their remaining matches.
25. Cameroon (12) - Last Match (0-1 Japan)
Cameroon can only fault themselves for their performance against Japan, and need Samuel E'too to play as a striker and not a winger to advance.
26. Serbia (10) - Last Match (0-1 Ghana)
So much for the darkhorse favorite Serbia, as they really played without heart and courage against Ghana and will find it difficult to advance considering Germany's form.
27. Denmark (16) - Last Match (0-2 Netherlands)
The Danes were undone by an own goal and lacked any flair from their strikers or wingers.
28. North Korea (32) - Last Match (1-2 Brazil)
Maybe Brazil was half asleep for the match, but give credit where its due the North Koreans defended admirably and became football darlings for about 90 minutes before we all realized who their leader is.
29. Greece (21) - Last Match (0-2 South Korea)
The Greeks were more interested in fighting amongst themselves than caring about winning a soccer match and were thoroughly outclassed on the pitch by South Korea.
30. Honduras (29) - Last Match (0-1 Chile)
Honduras took the game to Chile and both teams gave us an attacking game of football that was filled with chances, however their play in the final third was lacking.
31. Algeria (30) - Last Match (0-1 Slovenia)
Algeria played hard against Slovenia, but were beaten by a weak goal and will have their hands full against a determined English squad.
32. Australia (26) - Last Match (0-4 Germany)
Thoroughly outclassed by Germany and now lacking their best player, Tim Cahill, due to a red card suspension, things are only going to get tougher for the Aussies.
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