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World Cup 2018 power rankings

By James Dudko

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Per Mertesacker of Germany holds the trophy a loft during the 2014 World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at The Maracana Stadium on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Per Mertesacker of Germany holds the trophy a loft during the 2014 World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at The Maracana Stadium on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Colombian national football team’s forward Carlos Bacca takes part in a training session at the Milanello training centre on May 29, 2018 in Carnago, near Milan, northern Italy, as part of the team’s preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP/Getty Images)
Colombian national football team’s forward Carlos Bacca takes part in a training session at the Milanello training centre on May 29, 2018 in Carnago, near Milan, northern Italy, as part of the team’s preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP/Getty Images) /

14. Colombia

Just like Poland, Colombia are strong up top, but may not be progressive enough to take advantage of their talent. Strikers Radamel Falcao and Carlos Bacca can find the net against anybody.

Both have an innate instinct for goal and will do what it takes to finish anyway they can. Fortunately, the pair can trust James Rodriguez to keep the lines of supply open.

The Real Madrid loanee has showcased his guile and wizardry for Bayern Munich this season. He was the star of 2014’s competition and has proved he still has what it takes to flourish at the highest level.

Sadly, James is lacking for creative support. The midfield is workmanlike, while coach Jose Pekerman isn’t fond of letting his stars off the leash.

Pekerman could also be hamstrung by a shaky defense. Arsenal deputy goalkeeper David Ospina will tend to things between the posts, despite his penchant for mistakes. Being prone to calamity is also part of Tottenham center-back Davinson Sanchez’s game.

Colombia could be the makers of their own downfall in Group H.

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