Euro 2016 Power Rankings: Wales top after stunning Belgium
We rate the Euro 2016 finalists after the action in France so far, with Italy moving to the top of the pile and England’s conquerors Iceland making giants strides.
Much like our Premier League Power Rankings, we use a algorithm based on bookmaker odds, winning margins and matchday performance to calculate a league table charting all 24 nations’ performances.
It rewards teams scoring lots of goals and also those defying expectations but sees odds-on favourites penalised for sneaking past inferior opponents by the odd goal.
So, without further ado, here are the 24 nations and how they have rated so far…
1: WALES – Where is this going to end? Magnificent win over Belgium and have won four of their five matches in 90 minutes. This isn’t being done by smoke and mirrors. “Together Stronger” and maybe more to come.
2: PORTUGAL – Finding a way to get it done and followed up extra-time win over Croatia with shootout win over Poland. And all this despite Cristiano Ronaldo being more miss than hit.
3: ITALY – Ended Spain’s eight-year reign as champions in convincing style and did the same to Belgium in the group phase. Superbly organised. It makes such a difference, Roy.
4: ICELAND – Came back from early goal to stun England in last 16 and deservedly so. Amazing story, amazing spirit, amazing fans. Watch out France!
5: GERMANY – Cruised past Slovakia to reach the last eight and yet to concede a goal. The world champions are starting to look ominous.
6: FRANCE – Keep finding a way through moments of crisis. Griezmann could now hold the key after double against Republic of Ireland.
7: POLAND – Lewandowski finally scored but not enough to help them get past Portugal. Were second best in that one although going out on penalties always hurts. Should be happy with their efforts overall.
8: BELGIUM – The idea that they were less than the sum of their parts came home to roost against Wales. Yet again, the exit in disappointment.
9: SWITZERLAND – Going home despite being unbeaten in four matches over normal/extra time. At least they left us with that brilliant Shaqiri goal.
10: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND – Dared to dream against France by taking early lead before fairytale was ended in second half. Some great memories made.
11: NORTHERN IRELAND – Did superbly well to make it out of the group and were better team against Wales but lacked star quality up front.
12: SPAIN – Soundly beaten by Italy in last 16 to confirm that this was the end of an era for the 2008 and 2012 champs.
13: SLOVAKIA – Fine achievement to reach the last 16 but were put in their place by Germany.
14: HUNGARY – Did extremely well to top the group but were outclassed by Belgium in the last 16.
15: CROATIA – Excellent in the group phase but dipped against Portugal in the last 16 and it cost them. What might have been.
16: ENGLAND – Going home in disgrace after absolutely appalling display against Iceland. Froze on the big stage yet again and manager was clueless.
17: ALBANIA – Earned deserved win over Romania but not enough to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
18: TURKEY – Finally came to life with victory over the Czechs but proved too little too late.
19: AUSTRIA – Lost to Iceland, should have lost to Portugal. Dark horses risk having lights turned out in group stage.
20: CZECH REPUBLIC – Showed great spirit to draw with Croatia from 2-0 down but Turkey defeat meant bottom spot.
21: SWEDEN – Zlatan fired blanks and so ends the story. Just one point from nine.
22. ROMANIA – Beaten by Albania and went home without scoring a goal in open play.
23: UKRAINE – First team on the plane home after successive defeats against Germany and Northern Ireland and lost final game too.
24: RUSSIA – A tournament to forget both on and off the field. The worst team we’ve seen in France.