World NewsAustralia Slip Out Of FIFA Top 50 |
AUSTRALIA have finally slipped out of the top 50 in FIFA's World Rankings after a series of recent poor results.
The disappointing display in the Asian Cup combined with the battling 1-0 loss against Argentina last month have left the Socceroos in 52nd place.Australia, who have not played any matches this month, dropped four spots in the latest October list, their worst ranking since sitting 54th in October 2005 - just before their World Cup playoff triumph over Uruguay.
After reaching No.33 in July 2006 following their World Cup success, Australia have dropped steadily to now be the equal fourth best team in the Asian Confederation - behind Japan (30), Iran (38), South Korea (46) and tied with Saudi Arabia (52).
Meanwhile Argentina and Brazil have returned to the top of the FIFA world rankings after strong starts to their World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Argentina go top after recording victories over Chile and Venezuela in the past month, while Brazil lie second after recovering from a 0-0 draw against Colombia to rout Ecuador 5-0.
That was enough to push Italy off top spot - the World Cup holders slip to third after seeing the points rankings of some wins from 2006 devalued.
There has been no let-up on the field from the Azzurri, who have beaten Georgia in a Euro 2008 qualifier and South Africa in a friendly this past month.
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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