SouthernWorldwide.com – The World Cup quarterfinals are set, with the stage ready for intense matches beginning Thursday, including the highly anticipated clash between France and Morocco. While the journey to this point has been filled with excitement, some teams have surprisingly advanced to the final eight.
The bracket features a mix of underestimated teams and confident squads poised to make a strong push towards the final on July 19.
Here are the World Cup quarterfinals power rankings, compiled by Alexi Lalas. As always, these are personal rankings, and disagreement is expected.
Odds are as of Thursday morning.
Odds To Win: +3300
At number eight is Switzerland, who recently defeated Colombia. While Switzerland is a surprisingly strong competitor, placing them at eighth seems reasonable and unlikely to be contested.
Odds To Win: +3000
Belgium, who performed exceptionally well, is ranked at number seven.
Odds To Win: +2700
This ranking was difficult, but Morocco is placed at number six. While Morocco has the potential to rank higher, the current placement acknowledges their strong performance while recognizing other contenders.
Ed. Note: Morocco was eliminated from the tournament after a 2-0 loss to France on Thursday.
Odds To Win: +360
This is perhaps the most debated ranking: Spain at number five. Many might expect Spain to be placed higher, reflecting their strong reputation.
Odds To Win: +460
This placement is particularly poignant after a historic victory where the team defeated Mexico in a significant match. They are ranked fourth and are expected to carry this confidence forward.
Odds To Win: +1400
Norway was considered a “dark horse” by many, and they have exceeded expectations, proving they are no longer just an underdog. The article suggests that while Lionel Messi’s current performance is remarkable, Erling Haaland’s achievements are equally, if not more, impressive, especially considering the supporting cast. It’s important to acknowledge the quality of the other Norwegian players and not diminish their contributions, though they may not be playing on a team as strong as Argentina.
Odds To Win: +400
Speaking of Argentina, they are ranked second. Despite two exciting but challenging matches where they had to battle hard to secure victories, their continued presence in the tournament is a testament to their resilience. However, the article notes that Argentina has shown some shakiness, and this ranking reflects a degree of generosity.
Odds To Win: +180
At this stage, there is little doubt about the top-ranked team. With players like Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembélé, their dominance is evident, and further explanation is deemed unnecessary.
