World Cup Blog Power Rankings
It is all starting to come together now. Less than a month away from the start of the World Cup and we know the rosters for many of the teams. Some have been hit hard by the injury bug. Others appear to be gaining fitness. The final push is on and we’ll be watching closely to see which teams are ready for a long stay in Germany and which ones will be sent home early. As always, 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. Your comments, feedback and bribes also make a difference.
Last week’s rankings in ( )
1. Brazil (1) – Juninho has questions about the defense. We do too.
2. Germany (4) – Not no. 2 in talent but there’s something about the host country…
3. Argentina (3)– National pastime is trying to figure out Peckerman’s selection.
4. Spain (2) – We can’t decide how good they really are.
5. Italy (6) – Losing Diana makes them sound more manly.
6. Czech Republic (5) – Skacel wants to win the World Cup & Stanley Cup
7. Portugal (7) – Ruud roughs up Ronaldo’s face, kid needs to be tougher
8. Netherlands (8) – We really would like to see Davids make the team.
9. Sweden (11) – The team is better with Östlund left at home.
10. Croatia (10) – They’ll be naming children after Dado Prso soon.
11. France (9) – Coupet won’t coup well if he isn’t number 1 in net.
12. England (12) – A 17-year-old you’ve never seen play?
13. Mexico (13) – Beat oil-rich Venezuela in preparation for Iran & Angola
14. Switzerland (16) – 2010 might be their year.
14. USA (15) – President knows what a soccer ball looks like
16. Paraguay (19) – President predicts team will advance
17. Serbia & Montenegro (15) – Where will the goals come from?
18. Cote d’Ivoire (18) – If only they weren’t in the group of death…
19. Iran (21) – Metrosexual players need not apply.
20. Ukraine (17) – If Sheva isn’t 100% forget about it.
21. South Korea (21) – Park’s ankle should be just fine come June.
22. Ecuador (23) – Mostly domestic players on roster, could be a surprise team.
23. Japan (20) – Late loss to Bulgaria exposes some weaknesses.
24. Poland (24) – Faroe Islands friendly should be a cracker.
25. Costa Rica (28) – WCB readers think they could advance.
26. Australia (26) – Few surprises on Hiddink’s selection.
27. Trinidad & Tobago (25) – Fans told to leave steelpans at home. Bummer
28. Tunisia (27) – Really, this team is better than this ranking.
29. Saudi Arabia (29) – Paqueta is hoping for a win and two draws.
30. Angola (32) – Eusebio says give them respect so we will.
31. Togo (30) – First team to arrive in Germany. Might be first to leave.
32. Ghana (31) – Some good talent but the preparations are a mess.
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Comments
By Razzle | May 12th, 2006 at 7:28 am 
Its preposterous that you continue to rank Mexico higher than USA.
Given the group USA is in it may be more likely that Mexico will make it to the 2nd round but heck we still outrank them.
And we can kick Spains lily ass any day. Move over Spain, and yes we deserve to be at 4. 
Posted from 
United States
By Bob | May 12th, 2006 at 7:44 am FIFA’s rankings will be out soon and I’m sure they’ll agree with you 
Posted from United States
By soze | May 12th, 2006 at 8:56 am What’s a blogger gotta do to get his team up a notch or two on these power rankings. Bob is becoming much like our dear old friend Sepp and does not even hide the fact that bribes..err donations, are more than acceptable. I think with the knowledge that Croatian players are plentifull in this WC, that we have a Best Young Player Award candidate and that the USA is placing importance on us are grounds to up Croatia to at least 7th place. Oh btw Bob..the check is in the mail.
By Jonathan | May 12th, 2006 at 10:49 am I think it’s a good list.
pretty acurate.
Only England needs to be in the top 10 at LEAST.
They’re going to make a nice run… even with Rooney banged up.
But Argentina takes home the trophey!
Posted from United States
By Todd Utah | May 12th, 2006 at 4:16 pm Go USA Go Argentina. If you go down the list and go by talent then it has to be Argentina. I mean Messi and Tevez upfront. Aimar and Riquelme feeding them the ball and then you have Zanetti and Heinze and Samuel and Sorin in the back. Not to mention Cambiasso as defensive mid. Brasil has nothing left in the tank on defense. I think there youngest defender is Roberto Carlos and Messi will be flying by him. Go Argentina!
Posted from United States
By Massimo | May 13th, 2006 at 1:53 am It’s true that Germany has the advantage, but knowing germans they are less inclined to cheat at games. Something I admire. So knowing this (and also knowing that even if they do cheat they have such a crappy team that will not permit them to advance in front of a strong team) I would expect Germany much much lower than second. Definitely below England.
Of course I expect Italy to be ranked higher, but it doesn’t matter because Rankings don’t mean a whole lot, we have learned that through the Fifa rankings. Beware if you think that Brazil will have a walk in the park. I don’t even expect them in the final. So think twice before placing your bets.
If Brazil play Italy, this time they go Down.
Posted from 
Italy
By LUIS GONAVLES | May 13th, 2006 at 10:17 am cROATIA #1 tie eith brazil because we tie them and beat agetnia itlay and germany lose so
CROATIA#1
Posted from 
Canada
By Down To Fifth - FIFA World Cup 2006 - USA World Cup Team Blog | May 18th, 2006 at 9:25 am [...] You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Leave aReply [...]
Posted from United States
By chris sanchez | May 20th, 2006 at 2:48 pm Viva Mexico!!!! mexico makes it the finals and wins 4-0
Mexico 2006 World Cup Champions
Posted from United States
By shine | May 22nd, 2006 at 10:19 am I’m sorry but these rankings are pretty much worthless as is the fifa world rankings. Here in europe we talk about the ELO rankings, fifa consistently has tried to be as good as that one but is still pretty far behind. Its the best automated ranking system we know about and looking at the squad sheet and recent perfomances I’d say it’s still much fairer and accurate. check the ELO website for 21 may update and tell us what you think.
Posted from United States
By edog | June 10th, 2006 at 7:57 pm Is every team in Europe really better than the US? Me thinks not.
Posted from United States
By timaah | June 25th, 2006 at 7:59 pm not every team but most of them - yes. the US team is crap. number five in the world?? how hard can i laugh?
Posted from 
Australia
By Chris | June 26th, 2006 at 4:11 am Timaah, buddy , be nice to the seppo’s after all they will be looking for someone else to invade next..
No just kinding to all our loud and proud USA friends out there. I dont think that anyone should be worried about where you are placed in the rankings. Look at Australia and Togo. I think it was the USA coach who said that we are only here to make up the numbers,,,, well to him I say have fun watching the second round from your loungeroom.
Togo, well they didnt make it to the second round but just to compete in their first world cup I say Congratulations.
I think we should have a ranking ladder for the Ref’s. Havent they been shocking this world cup.
Posted from Australia
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