FIFA RANKINGS: NIGERIA DROPS FROM 31ST TO 35TH POSITION *Spain retains number one spot in the world. For failing to make the best use of their appearance at the recently concluded FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have dropped 4 places in the July edition of the monthly FIFA rankings released on Thursday (today). The Africa champions, who last month occupied the 31st spot in the world, have now dropped to 35th position. The Eagles, however, remain unmoved in the African ordering as they stay fourth on the continent behind the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, the Black Stars of Ghana, and the Eagles of Mali. Meanwhile, World and European champion, Spain, top the rankings despite their 3-0 drubbing by Brazil in the Confederations Cup final last Sunday. Italy, third-placed team at the Confederations Cup, climb to Number 6 while Uruguay rise seven places to Number 12 after finishing fourth in the eight-team tournament. Germany follows Spain, and Colombia rises four places to their highest-ever position of No. 3. Argentina, who drew 0-0 with Colombia in a World Cup qualifying match, and the Netherlands are fourth and fifth. Portugal and Croatia fall to seventh and eighth, respectively. Brazil have surged to ninth in the FIFA rankings after winning the Confederations Cup, rebounding from their historic low standing. The five-time World Cup winners and 2014 hosts had fallen to 22nd before a five-match victory streak earned them the Confederations Cup. Tenth-ranked Belgium reach their highest- ever position, while England drop six spots to 15th place, losing their top-10 status for the first time since October 2008. Ivory Coast leads African teams at Number13. Mexico is CONCACAF’s best at Number 20, a fall of three places after failing to advance from their Confederations Cup group. The United States climb six places to Number 22 as a reward for a perfect record of four wins in June, including three World Cup Qualifiers and a 4-3 victory against Germany in a friendly. Japan, who also played at the Confederations Cup, lead Asia at Number 37. Iran’s qualification for the World Cup helped them rise 15 to Number 52. Qatar, who lost a key qualifier to Iran and have been eliminated, drop eight places to Number 112. Tahiti were punished for their three heavy losses at the Confederations Cup by dropping 16 places to Number 154. New Zealand heads Oceania at Number 55, up two places.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Jul 2013 13:24:16 +0000
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