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

#24 Germany

The famed efficiency and organization of the Germans was nowhere to be seen in their World cup opener against Mexico. The pressure of being World champions was too much for Germany against a hugely impressive Mexican side.

Joachim Loew did not set up the German team as they usually do. Playing with attacking full backs without a holding midfielder was a shocking tactic. This decision from Loew proved costly time and again as Hector Herrera and Carlos Vela broke through the German midfield.

Germany's most attacking player was Joshua Kimmich and he left acres of space behind him. He usually has a defensive midfielder covering for him but Khedira is naturally a box to box midfielder and never helped him out. This space was exploited by Hirving Lozano who scored the deciding goal.

Mexico can argue that they could have scored more goals if not for the profligacy of Miguel Layun and Javier Hernandez. The Germans must surely get better as the tournament progresses or face the same fate as Spain in the 2014 World Cup.

A huge space - The Mexicans found space behind Germany's midfield

#23 Colombia

José Pékerman's men kicked off in Saransk against Japan in the closest group in the World Cup. The teams in this group are very evenly matched and it is difficult to say who can top the group. Colombia's preparations took a severe hit when James Rodriguez was not fit enough to start this crucial first match.

The game started off evenly with neither team settling in well. In the first possible breakthrough, Yuya Osako was put clean through one on one against Ospina. This opening would have been very surprising for the Colombian fans given the quickness and solidity of the central defenders Davinson Sanchez and Oscar Murillo. While Ospina saved his attempt, Kagawa had an open net to beat. Carlos Sanchez's hand blocked the shot from Shinji Kagawa and the referee awarded the penalty and a red card for Carlos Sanchez. It was the first red card in the World Cup and the worst possible start for the Colombians.

The Colombians did well to respond. Arias and Cuadrado on the right flank were the main threats to the Japanese. Jose Pekerman was uncomfortable with Quintero partnering Jefferson Lerma in midfield. He sacrificed Cuadrado for the holding midfielder, Wilmar Barrios. Quintero equalized with a smart free-kick under the wall and the game was back on.

While the substitution made sense for Pekerman, it took away a large threat to Japan. Quintero was not as explosive as Cuadrado. Nagatoma and Inui on the left flank of Japan had more freedom. In the second half, Japan played a more patient game and took control. Japan scored through a corner via a Yuya Osano header. David Ospina and the Colombian defenders will be extremely disappointed with the space that Osano had in the box.

Colombia never really looked threatening again in the game after scoring the equalizer. They were down to 10 men after 3 minutes of playing time and they had nothing to offer after going behind. Radamel Falcao was extremely disappointing in his hold up play. James Rodriguez came on for Quintero but he was rarely afforded the chance to operate in dangerous areas.

It was a bad start for the Colombians against arguably the weakest team in Group H on paper. However, a fit James Rodriguez available for the whole game will be a game changer for Colombia. All hope is not lost.

Carlos Sanchez was sent off in the 3rd minute for Colombia vs Japan