World Cup Blog Power Rankings

April 28th, 2006 | by: WC Bob | View Comments

We’ve had another week with a dearth of actual matches, but that hasn’t stopped us from putting together the latest World Cup Blog 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. Some teams took a bit of a hit this week with the loss of key players to injuries. Other teams continue to be on the rise as their players regain fitness and shine for their club teams. As always, your feedback is welcomed and does influence future rankings.

Last week’s rankings in ( )

1. Brazil (1) – So good even Maradona wants to wear yellow.
2. Spain (3) – We have to rank them high so they can fail to live up to expectations.
3. Argentina (2)– Will Riquelme take the penalty kicks?
4. Italy (4) – Totti is back and looking fit.
5. Czech Republic (7) – Nedved might retire before World Cup.
6. Germany (8) – Maybe Lehmann is alright after all.
7. England (9) – Big Phil is the one, now they can concentrate on Beckham’s hair
8. Portugal (5) – Scolari news overshadows uncertain keeper situation.
9. Netherlands (6) – Makaay won’t play in Germany.
10. France (12) – Zidane to make one final stand.
11. Croatia (10) – Defender Jurica Vranješ faces injury concerns
12. Mexico (13) – Rafa Marquez first Mexican in Champions League final
13. Sweden (11) – Zlatan fighting with Juve teammates; Östlund wants to lose weight
14. Ukraine (14) – Shevchenko struggling with his form.
15. USA (16) – Where are the goals going to come from?
16. Serbia & Montenegro (15) – Where are the goals going to come from?
17. Switzerland (17) – Johann Lonfat is out with injury but the Swiss will survive.
18. Cote d’Ivoire (19) – Bakary Kone is a player to watch.
19. Poland (19) – Forward own Scotland, but will they own the world too?
20. Paraguay (18) – Chilavert doesn’t like his country’s chances
21. Iran (24) – Roster is out; Hashemian is recovering from injury.
22. Japan (21) – Zico still trying to figure out best formation for team.
23. South Korea (23) – Possible return of Lee Chun-Soo to national duties
24. Ecuador (22) – Have the power of a shayman on their side.
25. Trinidad & Tobago (25) – Yorke 250-1 for Golden Boot. Might be worth a $1.
26. Tunisia (27) – Anyone know what exactly is a Carthage Eagle? Sounds cool to us.
27. Costa Rica (30) – The roster is out, but abstinence the entire tournament. Yikes!
28. Australia (26) – The loss of Tim Cahill might be huge.
29. Angola (30) – Playing Mauritius this weekend in Cosafa Cup
30. Saudi Arabia (31) – Eto’o to play in Kingdom but not for national team.
31. Togo (32) – Players need name tags so coach knows their names
32. Ghana (29) – Lloyd Owusu injured and out of World Cup.

April 21 Rankings

April 14 Rankings