Women’s World Cup Power Rankings: Japan Unseat USA At No 1

• As the Netherlands, England, Spain record impressive showings

Unsurprisingly, the United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT)’s demoralizing performance in their last Group E goalless draw with Portugal has seen them tumbling down the rankings, all the way down to No. 7 on the current ranking.

Given that Portugal almost sent the United States packing from the tournament by Portugal, FOX Sports said it is even generous placing them at number seven considering their unimpressive statistics at the ongoing tournament.

As the defending Champions, the Americans began the tournament at the No. 1 spot going by the estimation of many pundits. However, they then slipped to No. 2 after playing against the Netherlands and no one who has been watching closely will have been inspired and impressed by the team’s displays in Group E.

With the Americans witnessing a downturn in their recent showings, Japan, nicknamed Nadeshiko Japan, remains atop the power rankings, while the Netherlands jumped to No. 2 after dismantling Vietnam to win the group it shared with the Americans, rather comfortably in the end.

All eyes now turn to the games that will decide the remaining spots in the bracket. Having lost to France on Saturday, Brazil faces the prospect of a quick trip home unless it beats Jamaica.

As the final group matches get underway, football powerhouse Germany, Brazil, France, Argentina, and Italy still have a lot of work to do if they must qualify for the round-of-16 spot.

Many football analysts are expecting plenty more movement as teams jostle for positions and battle for survival in the final twists of the group stages. – With FOX Sports’ columnist, Martin Rogers

POWER RANKINGS — August 1

1. Japan (=): Best team in the tournament? Certainly the best so far.
2. Netherlands (up 2): Powered to the top of Group E with a seven-goal surge.
3. England (=): Best performance so far in dismissing China.
4. Spain (up 1): A tough game against Japan was expected. A crushing defeat wasn’t.
5. France (up 1): Wendie Renard sealed a huge win against Brazil.
6. Sweden (up 1): Outstanding performance to demoralize Italy.
7. United States (down 5): Lucky to still be standing after a dismal showing Tuesday.
8. Australia (=): Sam Kerr wasn’t needed as the Matildas overwhelmed Canada.
9. Colombia (=): Linda Caicedo energizes one of the event’s most exciting teams.
10. Germany (=): Lacked imagination against Colombia.
11. Brazil (=): Now has work to do just to reach the Round of 16.
12. Nigeria (=): Comfortably secured progress to the knockout round.
13. Denmark (=): Got the job done and can look forward with optimism.
14. Norway (=): Finally turned things around with a resounding display.
15. Switzerland (=): Rock-solid defense steered it to the top of Group A.
16. Jamaica (=): Now has a genuine chance to make the knockout round.
17. Italy (=): Defensive issues were clinically exposed in Sweden’s defeat.
18. Portugal (up 3): Came very close to producing a historic upset.
19. Canada (down 1): Olympic champ heads home after failing to shine.
20. New Zealand (down 1): Huge disappointment after a dream start to the tournament.
21. Morocco (up 1): Excellent turnaround after a heavy defeat in the opening game.
22. South Africa (up 1): Wasted the chance for an important victory against Argentina.
23. China (down 3): Departs after getting taken apart by England.
24. Philippines (=): Will go home with heads held high.
25. Argentina (=): Inspired fightback secured a draw with South Africa.
26. Zambia (=): Finished on a high note against Costa Rica.
27. Ireland (=): The campaign ends with a single point.
28. Haiti (=): Some positive signs, but three defeats.
29. Costa Rica (up 1): Landed in a brutal group and ended without a point.
30. Panama (up 1): Battled hard in a narrow defeat to Jamaica.
31. Vietnam (down 2): Never got going in tough Group E.
32. South Korea (=): Awful showing