Ireland drop in FIFA world rankings
Wednesday, 20 April 2005 17:52The Republic of Ireland have dropped three places in the FIFA world rankings to 15th after failing to beat Israel in their Group Four clash last month.
Ireland's draw in Tel Aviv saw them drop to fourth in their World Cup qualifying Group 4 table, but with just one point seperating them and leaders France, they still have every chance of progressing.
Brazil continue to top the list with the Czech Republic replacing France in second to become Europe's highest ranking team.
England have moved two places up to sixth following last month's World Cup qualifying victories.
The crushing 4-0 defeat by England meant Northern Ireland fell even further from the top 100, slipping two spots to 113th.
However, there was better news for new Scotland manager Walter Smith as his side jumped two places following their gallant display in the 2-0 defeat by Italy.
Meanwhile, German national coach Jurgen Klinsmann insists he is unperturbed that the three time World Cup winners are ranked a lowly 20th in the FIFA world rankings claiming the system is a joke.
Germany lie below Mexico, the United States and Iran in the FIFA rankings but Klinsmann insists the 2006 World Cup holders should be taken out of the table as they have no World Cup qualification matches to pick up more ranking points.
"The rankings are a joke," declared Klinsmann. "If we win all of our friendly matches we would still slide down the rankings. The World Cup hosts should be taken out altogether."
Germany slumped down the rankings after crashing out of Euro 2004 at the first hurdle without winning a single match.
