Two place drop for Ireland in latest FIFA rankings
Credit:
The Republic of Ireland are in 28th position of FIFA’s latest rankings released this morning, with Spain still the world’s top-ranked team.
Ireland, who face Germany and Faroe Islands in a crucial brace of World Cup qualifiers later this month, have fallen two places in this month’s update despite defeating Kazakhstan and Oman in September.
Spain, the reigning world and European champions, stay top after the World Cup qualifying fixtures last month, with Colombia and Greece breaking into the top 10.
The former rose a massive 13 places, as Croatia dropped back to 11th.
Germany, who take on the Irish at the Aviva on Friday week, remain second, while Portugal are up to third and Argentina fourth. England, meanwhile, have dropped two places to fifth.
Holland find themselves in sixth place, with Uruguay dropping to seventh. Euro 2012 finalists Italy reside in eighth as Colombia moved up to ninth. Greece make up the top 10 thanks to a one-place rise.
In addition, Scotland fell nine places to 56th and Wales dropped 12 to 57. Northern Ireland, however, have risen 12 spots to 117th, despite a 1-1 draw with Luxembourg for Michael O’Neill’s team.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile