Socceroos rise to 43rd in latest Fifa world rankings

Australia’s progress to the brink of the World Cup finals has been recognised by Fifa with a rise up the world rankings to 43rd following the Socceroos’ Asian playoff win last week.
Ange Postecoglou’s side beat Syria, ranked 77, over two legs to set up a final qualifying playoff with Honduras in November and lay the platform for an unprecedented third seeding at the 2018 tournament – should Australia reach Russia.
It’s the highest ranking for Ange Postecoglou’s men in over 12 months and in a timely boost, the World Cup seedings are based on the October rankings, giving rise to the possibility that Australia – if they qualify – could scrape into the top 24 nations.
At previous tournaments, the Socceroos have been rated as one of the bottom eight sides, leading to difficult draws. None have been more taxing than Spain, the Netherlands and Chile at the 2014 tournament.
Four teams that have already qualified for Russia – Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Panama – are ranked lower than Australia. With nine places yet to be filled, if four of those countries are also ranked below the Socceroos, Australia would be bumped into pot three for the draw – to take place in December.
Eight teams ranked below Australia remain in contention – including world No122 New Zealand.

1. Germany
2. Brazil
3. Portugal
4. Argentina
5. Belgium
6. Poland
7. France
8. Spain
9. Chile
10. Peru
World champions Germany continue to top the world – a position the country has held since last month. Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Belgium, Poland and France join hosts Russia, the world No65 – as seeded teams for the global showpiece.
Heavyweights Spain and England have missed out on the crucial top seeding and will enter the tournament from pot two. Peru are into the top 10 for the first time, climbing two places to 10th ahead of their intercontinental play-off against the Kiwis.

SOURCE : GUARDIAN SPORTS
posted by CAMPUS94