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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Colombia’s midfielder James Rodriguez reacts as he leaves the football pitch due to an injury during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group H football match between Senegal and Colombia at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 28, 2018. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images) /

8. Colombia

Colombia scraped through to the round of 16 after edging past Senegal 1-0 on Thursday. The goal came from Barcelona defender Yerry Mina.

He and fellow center-back Davinson Sanchez have provided a solid base for a squad lacking its usual fluency going forward. Fitness issues for cerebral No. 10 James Rodriguez haven’t helped, with the 26-year-old being withdrawn early against Senegal.

Fortunately, Juan Fernando Quintero and Juan Cuadrado can fill the creative void. Yet it’s easy to believe strikers Radamel Falcao, Carlos Bacca and Luis Muriel are going to miss the inspiration Rodriguez can provide.

There is a definite workmanlike look to this team without its attacking talisman. It means England/Belgium shouldn’t fret too much ahead of their last-16 tie in the Russian capital on July 3.

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