World Cup Blog Power Rankings

There weren’t any friendlies played this week, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any changes in our power rankings. We take into account the news coming out of all 32 countries and base our ranking on current form and how we project they will do in the World Cup. Last week’s initial rankings were determined by a panel of one, me. This week we received some reader and blogger feedback and that is reflected in the rankings. In future weeks we might even make this an online democracy where you can vote and stuff the ballot boxes with your favorite team. As always, your feedback is welcomed and does influence future rankings.

Last week’s rankings in ( )

1. Brazil – The players find time to play and make great commercials? (1)
2. Argentina – Lots of talent but will it all come together in time?(3)
3. Spain – We have to rank them high so they can fail to live up to expectations. (5)
4. Italy – Lippi sticking with Vieri, we’re not sure why. (2)
5. Portugal – Chicken soup and wine at their training table (6)
6. Netherlands – Gio Van Bronckhorst isn’t worried that the team is too young (7)
7. Czech Republic – Jan Koller likely to be ready for World Cup (9)
8. Germany – Kahn gets a black eye and it makes him look better (8)
9. England – No sex during World Cup (5)
10. Croatia – Dado Prso is apparently best thing since sliced bread (10)
11. Sweden – Players beginning to defrost now that domestic league has started (12)
12. France – Ludovic Guily making his case to be in Germany (11)
13. Mexico – Training in Acapulco where they can practice their diving (16)
14. Ukraine- Using a remix of We Will Rock You as their anthem (15)
15. Serbia & Montenegro – The backline is great. The midfield is suspect (13)
16. USA – Every time FIFA moves them up, we’ll move them down (14)
17. Switzerland – Defender Phillippe Senderos is pure class (17)
18. Paraguay – A new generation of players is ready to shine (17)
19. Cote d’Ivoire – Gamblers are picking the Elephants as a long shot favorite (24)
20. Poland – If only their defenders were as tough as their hooligans (19)
21. Japan – Zico has one eye on a job in Europe (20)
22. Ecuador – Have the oldest person in the world, 116 years old, rooting for them (25)
23. South Korea – Where are the goals going to come from? (24)
24. Iran – No bigamy scandals this week, but the preparation schedule is a mess (22)
25. Trinidad & Tobago – Moving up for no other reason then their great fans (27)
26. Australia – The ‘74 team thinks this year’s squad has a shot (26)
27. Tunisia – Denied the chance to bring in Nabil Taider to bolster midfield (21)
28. Ghana – Playing Russian club teams in preparation for Italy and Czech Rep. (28)
29. Angola – Akwa named country’s sportsman of the year (30)
30. Costa Rica – The Ticos are in trouble, but probably deserve a higher ranking (29)
31. Saudi Arabia – Makes it through the week without firing another coach (32)
32. Togo – Sparrowhawks looking increasingly like minnows (31)

April 14 Rankings

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