We’re more than halfway through the first round of Euro 2016 matches, and we’re yet to see a completely dominant victory.
We have learned a few things about the teams involved, but we also have a few questions which won’t be answered until some teams take to the field for a second time.
Our tournament power rankings are sure to change as the tournament progresses, but for now we’ve taken a look at the 14 teams we’ve seen in action so far.
You’ll notice some teams are ranked higher than others despite having fewer points. There’s a reason for that, which you’ll soon see.
1 – Germany
The only team to win by more than one goal so far, the world champions left it late to make absolutely sure against Ukraine.
The 2-0 win was not nearly as convincing as the 4-0 demolition of Portugal with which Die Mannschaft opened their World Cup campaign, but there was enough there to demonstrate that they deserve to be among the favourites.
2 – Croatia
Ante Cacic’s team fought off narrative to defeat old foes Turkey, squandering enough chances to win three games and somehow not being punished.
Luka Modric’s goal was sensational and Darijo Srna’s free-kick would get similar praise had it been a couple of inches lower. If they can follow their performance against the Turks with two more similar displays, there’s every chance they could even win their group.
3 – Wales
Three points on the board, Gareth Bale doing Gareth Bale things and…wait for it…someone else scoring a goal!
If you ignore Ondrej Duda’s goal, it’s all gone entirely according to plan for Chris Coleman’s team.
4 – France
The hosts were unconvincing against Romania, whose gameplan very nearly worked to perfection.
Every team needs players capable of the sort of magic produced by Dimitri Payet, while Les Bleus could easily climb the power rankings if Martial or Coman get a start against Albania next time out.
5 – Switzerland
Like Croatia, Switzerland could very easily have won by more than one goal.
Vladimir Petkovic’s team had no trouble creating chances against Albania but they left themselves a bit too open at the back. Still, at least they know they have a goalkeeper in Yann Sommer who is capable of bailing them out when needed.
6 – England
Sure, they didn’t win, but there were plenty of positives to take from England’s draw with Russia.
As with the French, a lot rests on how England use their squad in the remaining group games, and we ought to expect at least one of Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford to get some game-time against Wales.
7 – Poland
The least convincing of the victorious teams, Poland were unable to get the best out of Robert Lewandowski and look like they could struggle against more attacking opponents.
They may be grateful for the fact that they’ll take on Ukraine last, knowing what they need to ensure a top-two finish in their group.
8 – Romania
Anghel Iordanescu’s team were very unlucky to leave the Stade de France with nothing, and two more performances in a similar vein could yet see them take second place in the group.
They were denied by an individual error (from the otherwise excellent Ciprian Tatarusanu) and two moments of genius (from Dimitri Payet and Hugo Lloris), but the rest of the game saw them display the combination of defensive solidity and incisive attacking that helped them reach the tournament.
9 – Ukraine
Initially presented as one of the tournament’s weakest teams, Ukraine offered enough against Germany to suggest we’d be wrong to underestimate them.
Still, defeat to the world champions makes the meeting with Northern Ireland vitally important, and a lot is riding on how they can adapt to increased expectation.
10 – Russia
Vasili Berezutskiy’s late equaliser could prove crucial, but Russia’s performance against England was broadly dreadful.
They can’t rely on Igor Akinfeev to perform as well in their remaining games, and it remains to be seen how badly they’ll miss the injured Alan Dzagoev going forward.
11 – Northern Ireland
Michael O’Neill’s team may end up regretting their conservative approach after failing to take a point from a nervy Poland side,
They showed the resilience which helped them through one of the weaker qualifying group, but they’ll need a plan B after Kyle Lafferty left his magic boots at home.
12 – Slovakia
A warm-up victory over Germany had given Slovakia hope before the tournament, so Hal Robson-Kanu’s late winner will come as a big blow.
Marek Hamsik needs to pull out a big performance against Russia, whose own struggles are the main reason Jan Kozak’s team aren’t ranked even lower.
13 – Turkey
The main positive for Turkey is that surely they can’t be as bad again.
They can certainly be grateful to have only lost by a single goal in their opener, and they still have to face a Czech Republic side who they beat away from home in qualifying. Time for Arda Turan and Hakan Calhanoglu to step up.
14 – Albania
Bringing up the rear is Gianni De Biasi’s Albania team, after squandering some big chances against Switzerland.
They were by no means the worst performers of the opening round, but the loss of suspended captain Lorik Cana will be a huge blow for the game against France and they could easily go into their final group game without a point to their name.
