Having had chance to watch every nation in this years World Cup, here is my list of the most interesting teams to watch ranked from worst to best:
32. CAMEROON - Dull, uninspiring, no attacking threat, the African side are a far shout from their golden years. Alex song's elbow apart - utterly forgettable.
31. RUSSIA - Having watched England's dismal displays at the 2010 tournament, Capello's Russian travesty should not have been a surprise. Awful.
30. ENGLAND - So much was made of the young lions, but they couldn't even string 3 passes together, a few bright sparks, but they wouldn't have got out of any group.
29. HONDURAS - A world cup minor nation, and didn't provide any shocks. Comprehensively beaten by good and average opponents. Low class.
28. PORTUGAL - Another nation with strong pedigree, but no quality in any department. Had fair share of bad luck with injuries and suspension, but Ronaldo's ego was laughable as he failed miserably on the biggest stage.
27. SWITZERLAND - Never got going against Ecuador but scrapped through that game, abject against a rampant France, wing play was strong but offered little threat or bite.
26. IRAN - Pre-tournament predictions favoured heavy losses for the minnows, but they defended well against strong attacks. Shame they offer nothing else. Boring.
25. SOUTH KOREA - A lightweight team that were exposed when any quality was exerted upon them. long shots and rightly so.
24. BOSNIA - Much was expected of the débutantes who smashed their way into the tournament, but cagey football made disappointing viewing.
23. CROATIA - Desperately unlucky in their opener with Brazil as a feeble refereeing performance arguably robbed them of a point. Thumped 10 man Cameroon but couldn't cut it with the pressure on to qualify from the group.
22. SPAIN - A brilliant side over the last 6 years, expecting more of the same, until their one dimensional tactics and stubbornness to make changes embarrassed them with straight defeats. A good team who got figured out by all.
21. ECUADOR - Some hit and miss football, but their was always bite and passion from the home continent side. Enner Valencia stood up and has forged a step up in his career.
20. BELGIUM - Widely considered dark horses for the competition, the new side looked toothless and cagey. Big young names that are overawed by the occasion.
19. NIGERIA - Reigning African champions but showing all the signs of typical African displays - energy, dynamism, no footballing nous.
18. ALGERIA - 100% better than their offering 4 years ago and stronger in every area. Nice to see some ambition, rather than settling for 3 0-0 draws.
17. JAPAN - In the three way tussle to get out of group C, the Japanese fell short with one point from all three games. Never had the quality to get through.
16. GREECE - Got better as the tournament went on, and made it out of the group. The old squad are not the best footballers, but they've been there and know all the tricks in the book.
15. IVORY COAST - Lost out to Greece, but were the better team to watch, took the game to every opponent, and never looked overawed. This nation seems doomed never to succeed despite their quality.
14. ARGENTINA - Great team, home advantage, Lionel Messi, but it hasn't clicked for the powerhouses yet. They may well go on to win the cup, but the football has been poor and Messi has dragged them to the top of their group. Improvement needed.
13. ITALY - Rampant against England, poor against Costa Rica, hit and miss to say the least. Have played some nice football, but another European side who couldn't take the heat.
12. URUGUAY - Spluttered against Costa Rica, but burst into life with the returning Luis Suarez. Even recovering from injury, he excelled for his nation. The enigma ruined his international legacy by biting Giorgio Chiellini - why oh why I will never know.
11. MEXICO - Turbulent for the two years up to the finals, they have shone in group A and nearly topped Brazil on goal difference. A home grown mantra has worked and the unit will fancy grinding their way through the knock-outs.
10. GHANA - Although results haven't emulated the quarter final success of South Africa, the side still play the same way, with confidence and unity. Always a pleasure to watch.
9. USA - Fantastic individual displays, within a team coherence have propelled the US through the competition. From front to back the side have excelled and enthralled.
8. COSTA RICA - They have done what most thought impossible and won the group containing 3 former champions. Played with swagger, skill and a perfect counter attack - the success story of the games.
7. GERMANY - Apart from a defence with a few leaks, the Germans look the complete package. Going forward they are formidable and could easily go on to win the trophy.
6. CHILE - Following their humiliation of England in last years friendly, Chile announced themselves firmly on everybody's radar. Counter attacking speed and skill overload any breaches in their defence - as their focus is firmly on attacking and entertaining.
5. BRAZIL - The hosts have lived up to the hype and the party atmosphere at every game is brilliant. The football is not always perfect, but the players shine in the ambiance and Neymar has been beautiful to watch. They will not win the World Cup though...
4. AUSTRALIA - Lowest ranked team, written off without a hope, and the resulting performances have been excellent. The Aussies have gone for the jugular in ever game, scored goals and won many hearts. Tim Cahill has scored goal of the tournament for me.
3. COLOMBIA - They have not always a major force in South American football, but this squad has evolved into one of the best in world football. Cruising through the group and banging in the goals. James Rodriguez looks astonishing. And all without their world class striker, Falcao.
2. FRANCE - They had to battle to overturn a 2-0 deficit to even make the cut in qualifying, but now they are here they have lit the tournament up. Deschamp's decision to leave some high profile players out looks inspired. The passing, incisive football looks great and the team have every chance now.
1. NETHERLANDS - When the first team sheet was announced for the Spain game, there were a lot of names not associated with world class football, some I had not heard of. But having watched Group B, and the attacking prowess of the Dutch side, I can't see past them for the Cup. Louis Van Gaal has build and excellent side, and the unit has performed amazingly. Van Persie and Robben have been the best players in Brazil and you cannot take your eyes of the boys in orange.
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