“>We assess the teams who played in the tournament’s last 16 before the next round of games begins. 1) France (no change from previous rankings*) A very different side of France came to the fore, proving they are not mere showboaters, there is plenty of steel, grit and determination among the ranks. It was a brutal encounter as they became targets for Paraguay, who added menace to the low block. No one in blue retreated to the shadows, instead taking the overaggression head on, using it as fuel. … 2) Spain (no change) Goals win matches but defences win championships. It is five games without conceding and La Roja had little trouble keeping Portugal quiet, thanks to fine organisation at the back and the diligence of those carrying out instruction. …”
Guardian