Top 5 teams after Euro 2016 group stage

Ivan Rakitic of Croatia BORDEAUX, FRANCE - JUNE 21: during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group D match between Croatia and Spain at Stade Matmut Atlantique on June 21, 2016 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Manuel Blondeau/Icon Sport) (Photo by Manuel Blondeau/Icon Sport via Getty Images) /

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Gareth Bale of Wales applauds the fans as he is substituted during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between Russia v Wales at Stadium Municipal on June 20, 2016 in Toulouse, France. (Photo by Manuel Blondeau/Icon Sport) (Photo by Manuel Blondeau/Icon Sport via Getty Images) /

4. Wales

This might be an unconventional pick at number four, but Wales and Gareth Bale have gone beyond expectations so far in the Euro. The Welsh started off with a very entertaining win over Slovakia, 2-1. With a winner in the late stages of the match, the Welsh were on top of the world heading into their showdown with England.

Although England took care of Wales 2-1, Wales came back and beat Russia 3-0 to win their group and they play Northern Ireland in the first round of the knockout stage. Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey have carried this team to the knockout stage.

Bale is in contention for the Golden Boot with three goals in the tournament, and two wonderful free-kick goals, including this against England and Joe Hart:

Bale equals Michel Platini record with two free-kick goals at #EURO2016 - will he make it three against #RUS? https://t.co/EFR2QazLBW
— Transfer Site (@TransferSite) June 17, 2016

Aaron Ramsey also scored the opener against Russia that ended up being the game-winner. These two players have vaulted the Welsh to becoming a team that will likely make it to at least the quarterfinal stage where they would play the winner of Belgium and Hungary. Their defending shape is well-coached and because of their two superstars, their attack has proven to be enough to put them as the number four team in the tournament thus far.

Next: Germany

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