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Well, the first one-third of the WC 2014 has come to an end, and it has been a superb WC so far. Results in 14 out of the 17 matches mean it has been a keenly contested one between all teams, and only 2 matches have had reports of being dull draws.

Surprise results mean some pre-tournament favorites now have a really uphill task ahead of them to get to the next stage, while some heavyweights have really asserted their dominance over the rest. As for a few who have won with small margins, let's hope they are warming up to the task ahead.

A review of how the favorite teams are faring:-

Red Hot! - The Netherlands, Germany, France, Columbia.

Won but scope for improvement - Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Belgium, Mexico.

Taking their chances - Chile, Ivory Coast, Switzerland, USA, Costa Rica.

Lost but can still do well - England, Cameroon, Ghana, Japan, Ecuador, B&H, Algeria.

Uphill task ahead - Spain, Uruguay, Portugal, Croatia, Australia, Greece, Honduras, Nigeria, Iran, Russia, Korea Republic.