THE SECOND leg of the Fifa World Cup 2010 starts on 26 jun. , with the final 16 teams who will be battling it out to be the next world champions. The top three ranking teams as of now are Argentina, Brazil and Netherlands and the stakes are running really high on Argentina this year. Giving a close competition to Brazil is indeed an arduous task, but Argentines will not settle for anything less than that. After these three teams, comes Portugal who off late have put up a spectacular performance.
- Argentina
Argentina led the pack in the last rankings and so it does this time as well. With the most entertaining coach and player's like Lionel Messi the team managed to retain their number one position from Brazil in team rankings. Madonna's appreciation by kissing each player on the lips did indeed give the entire team that extra kick - Brazil
Brazil is and was the undisputed champion and that showed in their last game against Portugal. The match ended up in a tie without Kaka and Elano. The Brazilians stood rooted this time being certain that their place in the top 16 is already reserved. - Netherlands
The Dutch did not have to leave the turf red faced. Though a strong team, Netherlands managed to stay where they are at number 3. According to their coach, Bert Van Marwijk, "Listen, if you win three in a row at a World Cup you are doing well, but I can't be happy about our game today.” But managing a win in their poorest form is true sportsmanship...isnt it..?? - Portugal
The team set the stadium on fire after they defeated Korea DPR by 7-0. They managed to keep the spirit of the game high by playing offensive against Brazil and landing up in the final 16. A challenge lies for Spain which might cost them a match in the next level of the World Cup. - Spain
Spain advanced to the 5th place from being 8th in the new rankings. David Villa's splendid kick from 40 yards did not only manage to push Chile behind, it also helped them to break the 6-3-1 Chilean formation. - Germany
Germany jumped to number from being number 12. Their last match against Ghana would been a disaster had the match been a draw or had Germany lost. - Uruguay
Uruguay slipped to number 7 position from number 5. Nevertheless, it was not that necessary for Uruguay to win the last match against Mexico, because even if they did they would have to face South Korea. Uruguay being two time's world champions was anyway in the last 16. - Paraguay
Paraguay was at number 7 last time. The team was held by New Zealand, who offered to play no less than the champions and some quality football. - Chile
The qualification of Chile in the second round, ensured that all South American teams reach there. There 0-0 draw with Switzerland ensured their advancement to the next level even if they lost by one goal to Spain. - USA
USA's Landon Donovan's last minute goal helped him sky rocket and let his team go on to the next level. Perhaps the biggest goal in the history their match against the runners up England may also pave an easier path. - England
Getting in the next level of the world cup and slipping down one point may not seem as hazardous. When Wayne Rooney played like Wayne Rooney their outstanding performance against Slovenia got the biased English tabloids revisit history in the form of a World War coverage when England plays Germany. - Japan
Honda drove the team with his precision, power and vision. Keisuke Honda, managed to curb the dreams of Denmark and advance on to the next level. - Mexico
The Mexican team reminds of the Aztec warriors. Their gut filled with steel, flair and some beautiful ball possession techniques will surely help them in playing against Argentina in their match. - Ghana
Congratulations Ghana for being the only African team to get there where till now no African team has managed to get. Thanks to Asamoah Gyan, the Black Stars may now even get to shine brighter than ever. - Slovakia
Slovakia climbed up 10 slots from being on number 15 from 25. While Italy was their prey for the day, Slovakia is now all the more ready to embarrass some immediate neighbours like Czech Republic. - South Korea
16th position and still going strong. South Korea has Park Ji Sung who is as dynamic as the entire tournament is. His amazing defences and team's collaboration has all that to take itself on to the next stages.
