After Quarterfinals - Where They Stand

16 – Argentina
15 – Ghana
14 – New Zealand
13 – Japan
12 – Nigeria
11 – Canada
10 – Denmark
9 – Sweden
8 – England
2nd Half of quarterfinals had England fall to a well executed set piece with a great header, a strong tackle followed by a great strike, and a goalkeeper miscue. They are still a team that needs a strong finisher so Kelly Smith can get some space to make plays. However, they still are on the cusp of moving into that group of elite teams.
7 – North Korea
The 3-0 score line in the loss to Germany is misleading. North Korea played well but could not finish their chances; Germany could. Again, this is a team not too far away from breaking into the elite group.
6 – China
Despite having the home advantage, they were not able to advance into the semifinals. The retooling will have to continue.
5 – Australia
The Matildas have made great strides in this tournament. The never say die attitude pushed Brazil right down to the wire. They must now be considered a team with a chance to win WWC '11.
4 – Norway
Norway had to grind out a victory against China in order to face Germany in the semifinals. They can never be taken lightly and I'm sure Germany will give them all due respect.
3 – USA
USA finally started to play some flowing soccer in the 2nd half, albeit mostly after they secured a three goal lead. It becomes the team more than the long ball. The USA showed that they are capable of winning it all but which style will do it?
2 – Brazil
Australia poked some holes in Brazil's defense. Brazil did not fold and the tough test came at a good time, just before facing the USA.
1 - Germany
Germany showed once again that they can be opportunistic against a tough team in the quarter finals. They still should be considered the favorite but there's very little separating 1 through 4.