Euro 2016 power rankings: How the remaining 16 teams stack up

Only 16 national teams remain standing at Euro 2016, and, although the new format means that the standards for reaching the knockout phase are lower - we're looking at you, Portugal - the tournament's survivors all did enough to progress from the group stage one way or another.

1. Germany

Although Germany's brilliance only came in flashes during the group stage, Die Mannschaft looked like the best team on the planet when things were clicking, such as during the first half of its fixture against Northern Ireland. Joachim Low's side also ranks first in our unpublished scratch-and-sniff rankings.

2. Croatia

Having beaten the reigning champion in the group stage, Croatia looks keen to replicate its run from the 1998 World Cup and should be among the favourites to win Euro 2016, given that the Vatrini is playing its best football in years and boasts a relatively easy road to the final. If its supporters hadn't disrupted the final minutes of its match against Czech Republic with a shower of flares, Ante Cacic's side could've been the only team to tally nine points in the first round.

3. Italy

Any suggestions that Italy would be a shadow of its 2006 self at Euro 2016 were quickly erased with a tactically efficient performance against Belgium, followed by a dramatic win over Sweden that ensured the Azzurri of the top spot in its group. Oh, and throughout those two games, Antonio Conte's side conceded just two shots on target. Forgive Italian supporters who were initially pessimistic for their U-turn.

4. France

With the weight of a nation on its shoulders, France is yet to produce a display that is worthy of a champion. Nonetheless, Les Bleus have Dimitri Payet, who is becoming the poster boy for Euro 2016, and are yet to concede a goal from open play. If Paul Pogba can get things going and if Didier Deschamps can teach his side to defend set pieces, a repeat of the 1998 World Cup could be on the horizon.

5. Poland

Although Robert Lewandowski has yet to score, the group stage looked like it was merely a formality for Poland, who could have defeated Germany were it not for some poor finishing. Its defence - yet to concede a single goal - is among the best at Euro 2016 while commanded by Kamil Glik, and nobody will be surprised if Adam Nawalka's side makes a run in the knockout phase.

6. Spain

A missed penalty kick by Sergio Ramos has made life tougher for Spain, but La Roja's victory over Turkey was perhaps the best showing of the group stage, and there is a balance in the team that was missing at the 2014 World Cup. Passing triangles and possession remain the foundations of the team's game, and it would be foolish to assume that Spain is weaker than it was at Euro 2012.

7. Belgium

The question remains: Is Belgium a world-class team or a group of talented individuals? In its defeat to Italy, the Red Devils were the latter. In its victory over Ireland, Marc Wilmots' side was the former. There is arguably no team that has triggered such a wide range of reactions at Euro 2016. Therefore, it makes sense that the Red Devils fall somewhere in the middle of the power rankings.

8. Wales

For Wales' lifelong supporters, Euro 2016 must feel surreal. A team that was once a European minnow topped its group and is making history each time it takes the pitch. Just how far the Red Dragons can go with a core of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, and Joe Allen remains to be seen, but Chris Coleman's side will be leaving the tournament proud of what it's accomplished regardless of the outcome.

9. England

Things aren't look good for England. Despite boasting as many as five strikers, the Three Lions have struggled to find the back of the net and Roy Hodgson, who made two of the best two substitutions of his career in his side's win over Wales, doesn't appear to have a plan going forward. Will England leave Euro 2016 days after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union?

10. Switzerland

It's easy to look at Switzerland and simply shrug, but keep in mind that Vladimir Petkovic's side held the host to a scoreless draw and could have potentially won. Granit Xhaka is looking phenomenal and so is Xherdan Shaqiri at times, but, unless the team can find a source of goals, it's hard to envision the Swiss' adventure at Euro 2016 continuing for much longer.

11. Hungary

Hungary is riding a wave of pride at Euro 2016. Possessing defensive solidity and a 37-year-old who is playing like he's half his age in Zoltan Gera, Bernd Storck's side refuses to die in each and every fixture and is high on confidence after topping its group. Not many teams look like they're playing the last 90 minutes of their life each time they take the field.

12. Iceland

The ultimate feelgood story, Iceland is experiencing its finest moment in the country's sporting history. Undefeated in the group stage, it's easy to forget that the team represents a nation of only 323,000. The screaming commentary that was produced by Arnor Ingvi Traustason's goal against Austria echoed across the world in spectacular fashion, and supporters everywhere will be hoping for more of the same in the knockout phase.

13. Portugal

If Euro 2016's format hadn't been altered from Euro 2012, Portugal, who tied all three of its matches in the group stage, would have been eliminated. But with third-place teams advancing, the Seleccao is still alive. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have found his finishing touch, but the team will need to improve significantly if it hopes to make the most of owning the continent's best player.

14. Ireland

The heroic deeds of Ireland's supporters were the extent of its impact on Euro 2016 until the Boys in Green shocked Italy to claim their first victory at a major tournament in 14 years. Robbie Brady is a national hero, and the never-say-die attitude that defines Martin O'Neill's side will have fans dreaming of revenge for Thierry Henry's hand-ball seven years ago.

15. Northern Ireland

If Will Grigg's on fire, then Northern Ireland's ablaze. Another underdog story at Euro 2016, Norn Iron is making its voice heard. On the pitch, a team without a superstar is making headlines by virtue of its heart and Michael McGovern's quick reflexes. Off the pitch, the chants of its supporters can be heard across France.

16. Slovakia

Slovakia did just enough to advance to the knockout phase, largely because Martin Skrtel and Jan Durica were resilient in defence. However, Jan Kozak's side can consider itself lucky to be among Euro 2016's last 16 teams, and a date with Germany looks to be Slovakia's demise.