Australia NewsAustralia Second Top In Asia |
AUSTRALIA have moved up two places in FIFA's latest rankings, making them the second highest placed team in Asia after Japan.
Iran slipped back eight places to 45th, while the Socceroos now rank 38th, with Japan dropping back a spot to 35th.At the top end, losing European Championship finalists Germany have moved above world champions Italy and into second place behind only champions Spain, who consolidate their number one spot following the devaluation of some of last year's results.
Croatia move up two places to fifth, their best position since 1999.
Brazil are down to sixth, their second-worst position since the ranking system was devised. Only in 1993 have the five-time World Cup winners been lower.
France, who flopped so dramatically at Euro 2008, drop out of the top 10 to 12th spot. Their place is taken by semi-finalists Russia.
Fabio Capello's England are 14th, having failed to qualify for the event in Austria and Switzerland.
Fabio Capello's side have overtaken Cameroon, who have dropped two places from 13th to 15th, despite not playing since their June 1 win over Trinidad and Tobago.
Scotland remain two places and 15 points behind England while Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland hold their places in 32nd and 41st respectively.
Wales are now placed between Saudi Arabia and Hungary in 51st position after moving up three places.
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
Have YOUR say - What do you think about "Australia Second Top In Asia"? Tell us NOW in the comment section below.
Have you got a scoop? Tell us about it and you could be the first to break the news on FourFourTwo.
