Ireland climb to 20th in FIFA rankings
Wednesday, 17 October 2001 13:13Mick McCarthy has propelled the Republic of Ireland into FIFA's top twenty rankings for the first time since October 1995. Ireland have jumped one place to 20th on the back of the wins over Holland and Cyprus, which maintained their unbeaten run in Group B and secured a place in the play-offs against an as yet unknown Asian qualifier.
World and European champions France remain top, while the Czech Republic have jumped four places to tenth. England stay ninth despite topping their World Cup qualifying group, although Germany drop two places to twelfth. Scotland have fallen one place to 49th, Northern Ireland have climbed seven places to 90th, while Wales have jumped four places to 101st.
FULL STANDINGS:
1) France2) Brazil3) Argentina4) Italy5) Portugal6) Spain7) Netherlands8) Columbia9) England10) Czech Republic20) Republic of Ireland49) Scotland90) Northern Ireland101) Wales
Filed by Shane Murray
