Ranking every World Cup Team Performance after the First Round of Group Games

#8 Portugal

The European champions started their campaign with a blockbuster of a tie against their Iberian rivals, Spain. The match lived up to all the expectations and ended in a 3-3 draw. Cristiano Ronaldo delivered when it mattered. The numbers say it all really. That was Ronaldo's 51st career hattrick and he stunned the Spanish in a superb overall display.

The Portuguese started brightly against a Spanish side hit by off the field events. Ronaldo went down rather easily to Nacho's challenge in the box and dispatched the penalty with ease. His second goal was more of a goalkeeping error. But his third goal was a gift from the heavens for the Portuguese. A stunning free-kick that left a world-class goalkeeper rooted to his spot. Ronaldo is a man made for the big and special occasions.

Jose Mourinho's quote on Ronaldo summed up his performance -

"There are players for some matches, there are players for every matches and there are players for special matches. And the players for special matches are the ones. "

Portugal relied on their talismanic captain and No.7. Fernando Santos was looking to hit Spain on the counter with his game plan. It worked wonders in the first half but Goncalo Guedes, among others, were unable to capitalize when it mattered. Portugal played with a fluid front two with Ronaldo looking to start breaks with his link-up play and his teammates trying to deliver a pass to him in the box where he comes into his own.

Portugal were outplayed by Spain during many moments in the game. If it wasn't for Ronaldo, this game could have been very different. The fullbacks Cedric Soares and Raphael Guerrero were always double flanked by the stunning interplay between the Spanish midfield and the wing backs. Pepe will be a bit disappointed in the way he dealt with Diego Costa.

Fernando Santos will be a relieved man and will thank Ronaldo for this important point. He would expect his midfield to be more comfortable in the remaining games and the likes of Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes would be expected to provide Ronaldo with the support he needs.

Showman - Ronaldo's spectacular

free kick

earned a 3-3 draw for Portugal

#7 Switzerland

Buoyed by a fantastic qualification campaign which saw them win 9 out of 10 games in their group, the Swiss arrive in Russia with supreme confidence. Even though they required playoffs to enter the World Cup, they should be very satisfied with the manner of their qualification campaign. Only goal difference separated them from Portugal and the automatic qualifying spot. Their pre-tournament credentials were justified as they stood toe to toe with Brazil and came away with a deserved point.

The Swiss shook off a poor start and fought their way back into the game. Steven Zuber scored the equalizer and the Swiss started the second half in the best possible way. After that, it was all about restricting Brazil and trying to counter-attack by exploiting the space behind the Brazilian full backs.

Swiss manager Vladimir Petkovic has inherited a very experienced Swiss squad. The backline featuring Lichtsteiner, Schar, Sommer and Rodriguez have played a lot of games together for the national team. Their chemistry was obvious as they prevented Brazil's dangerous attackers from causing major damage. Even the young Manuel Akanji looked mature and dealt with Gabriel Jesus very well. Valon Behrami, Granit Xhaka and Blerim Džemaili controlled the game very well for the Swiss.

The main issue for the Swiss will be their striking options. Haris Seferovic was hardworking but never really threatened Miranda. Breel Embolo is a good option but he's not the type of striker who likes to play alone up front. Josip Drmic will perhaps be a good option for Petkovic in the next game but he has barely played for a sub-par Borussia Monchengladbach team.

Free in the box - Steven Zuber scored the equalizer for the Swiss against the Brazilians