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World Cup round of 16 power rankings: Can anyone stop Brazil?

By James Dudko

TOPSHOT - Brazil's forward Neymar waves at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Serbia and Brazil at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on June 27, 2018. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Brazil's forward Neymar waves at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Serbia and Brazil at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on June 27, 2018. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images) /
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TOPSHOT – Uruguay’s forward Edinson Cavani celebrates with Uruguay’s defender Diego Godin (R) after scoring a goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Uruguay and Russia at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 25, 2018. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – Uruguay’s forward Edinson Cavani celebrates with Uruguay’s defender Diego Godin (R) after scoring a goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Uruguay and Russia at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 25, 2018. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images) /

2. Uruguay

The meanest defense left in the competition makes Uruguay a side to fear in the last 16. This is a back line nobody could breach during the group stage.

Diego Godin is still the general of this formidable rearguard. The 32-year-old bullies strikers on the deck and bosses them in the air.

His partnership with Atletico Madrid team-mate Jose Gimenez is the bedrock of La Celeste’s success. Gimenez has given coach Oscar Tabarez a boost by being passed fit to face Portugal, according to Marca‘s Euan McTear.

Seeing this uncompromising duo attempt to resist Ronaldo’s efforts to score will be one of the highlights of the last 16.

Fortunately for Uruguay, there is ample cutting edge to complement defensive resolve.

Luis Suarez eventually found his shooting boots after some early struggles. The Barcelona No. 9 found the net during the decisive 3-0 win over Russia which sealed top spot for the South Americans.

A goals from fellow striker Edinson Cavani showed arguably the best partnership at the tournament has found its groove ahead of the games that matter most.

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