The Republic of Ireland have moved up one place to 13th position in the latest edition of FIFA's world rankings.
The rankings released today are the second set since the World Cup and although Mick McCarthy's troops have not been in action since their exploits in the Far East, there has been widespread activity in the rest of the world with nearly 50 matches taking place. Placings have also been affected by the loss of historical ranking points.
World champions Brazil remain top, ahead of Argentina and Spain. Former World champions France have slipped to fourth, while the United States have broken into the top 10 for the first time following their excellent showing in Japan and South Korea. England share seventh position with Portugal, Scotland are 60th, while Wales and Northern Ireland are a lowly 89th and 90th respectively.
The biggest movers were New Zealand, who leapt 41 places to 47th on the back of their victory over Australia in the recent Oceania Nations Cup.
Leading FIFA world soccer rankings (July's position in brackets):
1. (1) Brazil 859 points
2. (2=) Argentina 781
3. (4) Spain 775
4. (2=) France 772
5. (5) Germany 764
6. (6) Mexico 733
7= (8) England 728
7= (7) Portugal 728
9= (10) Italy 714
9= (11) USA 714
11. (12) Turkey 707
12. (13) Denmark 703
13. (14) Ireland 699
14. (15) Netherlands 693
15= (9) Colombia 688
15= (16) Yugoslavia 688
17. (17) Cameroon 682
18. (19) Belgium 677
19. (18) Paraguay 674
20. (20) Sweden 673
Filed by James Boylan.
