SHEIKS AND LADDERS

SIXTEEN teams remain after a dramatic final round of group fixtures. We’ve seen late winners, VAR drama, tears and shock exits.

Sportsmail continues its rankings with a new team at the top of the table… while an early favourite has slipped into the bottom three.

▲ 1 ENGLAND

Topped the group with nine goals scored and two conceded. Still have another level to reach if they are to progress through the knockouts.

▼ 2 BRAZIL

Topped group despite loss to Cameroon in their final game. Have not yet reached the levels we expected but still one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

▲ 3 MOROCCO

The dark horses of the tournament after three excellent performances. Look solid at the back and dangerous in front of goal.

▲ 4 FRANCE

Top of the group after two games but rotated team was beaten by Tunisia. Star players should be fresh but would they have been better keeping a winning streak?

▲ 5 JAPAN

A sensational comeback win against Spain, despite having just 18 per cent possession, saw them top the group of death. Unpredictable team but exciting to watch.

▲ 6 NETHERLANDS

Unbeaten with two wins and a draw and have conceded just one goal.

Need to show a bit more in attack if they are to progress.

▲ 7 PORTUGAL

Finished top of the group but defeated in their final game against South Korea. Always dangerous in attack but do look slightly weak in defence.

▲ 8 ARGENTINA

Recovered from a disastrous start to top their group with two wins. Confidence should be high but we are still to see the best of them in this tournament.

▲ 9 AUSTRALIA

Fantastic achievement to reach the knockouts after narrow wins over Denmark and Tunisia. Will be big underdogs when they face Argentina.

▲ 10 SENEGAL

Showed fight and determination to finish second in their group with a win over Ecuador. Will be hard to beat tomorrow but need to take their chances.

▲ 11 USA

Three steady performances saw them finish second with two draws and a win. Solid at the back but have lacked a clinical striker to finish off their chances.

▲ 12 SOUTH KOREA

Gave the performance of their lives to come from behind to beat Portugal but face an incredibly tough task of Brazil in the last 16.

▲ 13 SWITZERLAND

Showed their experience to progress once again. Tough to beat and well organised. Will be no pushovers when they face Portugal.

▼ 14 CROATIA

Navigated a tricky group by grinding out a 0-0 draw with Belgium in their final game. Will have to be wary of Japan’s pressing ability.

▼ 15 SPAIN

Have spiralled since thrashing Costa Rica in their opening game and were lucky to go through. Now face a tough game against Morocco.

▼ 16 POLAND

Have been anything but exciting to watch but did just enough to reach the last 16. Will have to defend for their lives against France tomorrow.