The Socceroos’ World Cup qualification has lifted them seven places in the latest FIFA world rankings to No.40.
Since the previous pecking order was released on June 6, Australia thrashed Jordan 4-0 in Melbourne and edged out Iraq 1-0 in Sydney to claim a coveted spot for the tournament in Rio next year.
The Socceroos sit just three spots behind Japan, who topped the same pool and who Australia face this month – along with South Korea (43rd) and China (100th) – as part of the East Asian Cup.
Confederations Cup champions Brazil climbed up 13 places to ninth in the rankings released on Thursday, while England continued their slide as they dropped down to 15th.
Despite a heavy defeat in Sunday’s final against hosts Brazil, who secured a record third straight Confederations Cup title, Spain maintained their place as the world’s No.1-ranked team.
They sit ahead of Germany and Colombia, with the South American nation moving into the top three for the first time after rising four spots.
Argentina dropped one place to fourth, but the biggest losers inside the top 10 were England as Roy Hodgson’s side fell six places after consecutive draws against Montenegro, the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.
England’s ranking is their lowest since failing to qualify for the 2008 European Championship and could severely harm their World Cup seeding hopes should they qualify for next year’s tournament in Brazil.
Copa America title-holders Uruguay jumped seven places to 12th after their run to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup, while Belgium made the top 10 for the first time as neighbours France fell outside the top 20.
New Zealand climbed two places to No.55.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Socceroo Cameron Burgess has put Ipswich within touching distance of the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Coventry in the English Championship. Kieffer…
Who stood out from the Australians both here and overseas in a busy week of the world game? Goalkeeper - Mathew Ryan- 3-0 win…
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
What if we celebrated all of the achievements big and small, and weeded out those hell-bent on bringing down a game that is doing a hell of a lot right?
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Nestory Irankunda has sensationally rejected the chance to play at the Paris Olympics this June after a late bid from the Olyroos to include…
