It seems terribly unfair to have Colombia — spurred by Linda Caicedo’s youthful brilliance — as the eighth and therefore last of the eight teams remaining in contention to win the Women’s World Cup.
But that’s the nature of power rankings, and also of the unforgiving end to a major tournament. Everyone, even those dwelling at the foot of a list that marries recent form with overall strength and the perception of future advancement, has been performing at a high level.
They must have been. They wouldn’t still be here otherwise.
The FOX Sports Women’s World Cup power rankings are still topped by Japan, which is set to take on Sweden on Friday. Truthfully, though, there are no bad quarterfinal matches.
Japan v. Sweden, Spain v. the Netherlands, England v. Colombia, France v. Australia. All big, tough, tense matchups. And, at this stage, a reality that dictates any team could still win it all.
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POWER RANKINGS — August 8
- Japan (=): Is this the best team in the tournament? It’s looking more and more that way.
- Netherlands (=): Did what was needed to move into the quarters.
- Spain (=): Bounced back superbly; confidence restored.
- England (=): Held their nerve, but a Lauren James suspension looms.
- Australia (=): Sam Kerr made a brief cameo, and the Matildas are rolling.
- France (up 1): Kadidiatou Diani and her teammates look as strong as ever.
- Sweden (down 1): The shootout victory over USA will be a huge confidence boost.
- Colombia (=): Will be an underdog in the quarters, but is capable of anything.ELIMINATED
- Nigeria (up 2): Nearly pulled off a massive shock.
- United States (up 2): The defending champs were eliminated on penalty kicks.
- Jamaica (down 2): Strong showing bodes well for the future.
- Denmark (up 1): Got the job done and can look forward with optimism.
- South Africa (up 1): A hugely positive campaign finally came to an end.
- Norway (up 1): Predictable end to a disjointed campaign.
- Switzerland (up 1): Defense fell apart when faced with its first big test.
- Morocco (down 6): Remarkable effort to reach the knockout stage.
- Germany (=): Stunning elimination for the two-time champion.
- Brazil (=): Marta’s last World Cup ended with a shocking group exit.
- Portugal (=): Came so close to producing an historic upset.
- Canada (=): Olympic champ heads home after failing to shine.
- New Zealand (=): Huge disappointment after a dream start to the tournament.
- Italy (=): Suffered a heartbreaking end to a troubled campaign.
- China (=): Departs after getting taken apart by England.
- Philippines (=): Will go home with heads held high.
- South Korea (=): Finished on a high note by knocking out Germany.
- Argentina (=): Inspired fightback secured a draw with South Africa.
- Zambia (=): Finished on a high note against Costa Rica.
- Ireland (=): Campaign ends with a single point.
- Haiti (=): Some positive signs, but three defeats.
- Panama (=): Played its part in an entertaining defeat to France.
- Costa Rica (=): Landed in a brutal group and ended without a point.
- Vietnam (=): Never got going in tough Group E.
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Martin Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports and the author of the FOX Sports Insider newsletter. Follow him on Twitter at @MRogersFOX and subscribe to the daily newsletter.
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