Czech 0 Italy 2, Ghana 2 USA 1

The FIFA rankings has always been based on weightings and the number of matches won. A national team can play a lot of relatively unimportant matches and advance in the rankings, somewhat similar to playing a large number of small tournaments in tennis, achieving a number 1 ranking and yet not lifting a single Grand Slam.

The American team is ranked fifth and it was as high as fourth earlier this year. The second-ranked aging Czech team, despite a good showing at Euro 96 and others tournaments did self-destruct, having essentially lost when it lost to Ghana.

Now, the FIFA-ranked second and fifth teams are out. It is not a wonder. It is not unexpected anyway.

The Czech-Italian match was entertaining.