Australia NewsSocceroos Slip Five FIFA Places |
AUSTRALIA have slipped five places in the latest FIFA rankings and are now only the third highest nation in Asia while Spain soared to top slot.
The Socceroos dropped from 35 to 40 in the new figures out today after a lacklustre World Cup qualifying campaign.They were overtaken by Japan - up four places to 34th - and Iran - up 11 slots to 37th.
The biggest winners were Spain, still basking in the glory of their stunning Euro 2008 triumph.
After decades of disappointment, Spain managed to hold their campaign consistency to clinch the Championship for the first time in 44 years.
And the resulting victory has seen them move to the top of the FIFA pile for the first time in their history, moving up three places from fourth last month.
Argentina plummeted from the top spot down to sixth while Brazil also lost ground, moving back two places after disappointing results against Venezuela and Paraguay.
Italy moved up one spot to second and Euro finalists Germany moved up two places to third.
The Dutch moved up five places to fifth while Croatia shot up eight places to seventh spot.
The other impressive mover was Guus Hiddink's Russia who looked so good at Euro 2008. They surged 13 places to make it to 11th place.
England dropped six places to 15th place, just one spot ahead of Scotland.
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