Australia slide to 29th in FIFA rankings

14th January, 2009

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News

14th January, 2009

Australia have slipped to 29th in the world soccer rankings released by FIFA on Wednesday night. The Socceroos moved back one spot from the nation’s highest ever rating of 28th last month.

The national team has not been in action since their 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bahrain in Manama in November.

Australia next face Indonesia in an Asian Cup qualifying match on January 28 in Jakarta ahead of their World Cup qualifying match against Japan on February 11 in Yokohama.

A win over Japan would almost assure 2010 World Cup qualification.

The Socceroos remain the highest ranked team in Asia ahead of Japan (34th), South Korea (42nd) and Iran (46th).

European champions Spain enjoyed a healthy lead at the top of the rankings ahead of Germany and the Netherlands.

FIFA world rankings for January

1. Spain

2. Germany

3. Netherlands

4. Italy

5. Brazil

6. Argentina

7. Croatia

8. England

9. Russia

10. Turkey

11. France

11. Portugal

11. Czech Republic

14. Cameroon

15. Egypt

16. Ukraine

17. Nigeria

18. Paraguay

19. Israel

20. Greece

21. Romania

22. USA

23. Uruguay

24. Switzerland

25. Ghana

26. Mexico

27. Cote d’Ivoire

28. Bulgaria

29. AUSTRALIA

30. Chile

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