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

By James Dudko | Jun 29, 2018

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 – Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Iran and Portugal at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk on June 25, 2018. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images) /

12. Portugal

Not even the enduring goalscoring brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo can excuse some of the stale displays Portugal have produced in Russia.

A thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain in their Group B opener was sadly not a precursor for further excitement from the Euro 2016 winners. A lukewarm 1-0 win over Morocco followed, before a controversial draw against Iran saw the Selecao through, with Ronaldo lucky to escape a red card.

The frustrating thing is there is enough talent here for more enterprising football. Ronaldo’s four goals prove the 33-year-old isn’t slowing down on Soccer’s grandest stage.

He’s also ably supported by Goncalo Guedes. The wide forward has struggled for playing time with Paris Saint-Germain, but has added a fresh dimension to Portugal’s play with his pace and smart running off the ball.

A midfield featuring Joao Moutinho, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes should never lack for creativity and goals. Coach Fernando Santos need to risk letting his players off the leash a little more, particularly if they expect to break down defensively stout Uruguay.

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