Group Stage Done: The Round of 32 Bracket, Dark Horses and the Teams to Fear

[SGHolly]

All 48 group stage teams have now completed their three games and the Round of 32 bracket is set. Thirty-two teams advance: the top two from each of the twelve groups plus the eight best third-placed finishers. The bracket produces some extraordinary early matchups. Argentina face Cape Verde in Miami on July 3. France play Sweden. Spain take on Austria. Portugal versus Croatia in Toronto. USA against Bosnia. England against Congo DR in Atlanta on July 1.

The early favourite picture is clear: France, Argentina and Spain are the three sides that look most capable of winning the tournament. France have taken nine points from three games with a plus-eight goal difference and Dembele in the form of his life. Argentina have the same perfect record with Messi in historic personal form. Spain have been fluid and dangerous without conceding in the group stage. Behind those three, Brazil are ominous but faced relatively modest opposition in their group. Colombia have been the surprise package, unbeaten in the group with a balanced squad and James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz both producing.

The dark horses are real. Belgium finally woke up with their 5-1 thrashing of New Zealand and De Bruyne looked sharp. Morocco have been solid and disciplined and face Morocco versus another group winner in a game that could surprise. Turkey beat the United States in their final group game and have momentum. Germany have looked excellent in the expanded format. The tournament from here becomes genuinely hard to call and that is exactly what a 48-team competition should deliver.

World Cup group standings, table, schedule: Results for USMNT, Argentina, Brazil and the entire 48-team fieldwww.cbssports.com