AFC - Australia’s last 16
finish in the FIFA World Cup 2006 has propelled them to the top of the
tree in Asia in the latest, revised FIFA rankings released today.
Australia, who joined the AFC at the beginning of this year, soared nine
places to 33rd in the rankings, their highest position since 1998. The
Aussies picked up 126 points, thanks to their historical second round
finish.
Iran are second in Asia in 47th position, down 24 spots after a big loss
of 62 points, while Asian champions Japan are a distant third in 49th
position, a far cry from their top-20 spot a month earlier. The Japanese
shed as many as 90 points, which sent them plummeting 31 spots down the
ladder.
Central Asians Uzbekistan come after Japan in 50th, followed by the
Korea Republic who are 56th after a lacklustre World Cup campaign. The
new criteria for deciding the rankings saw the Koreans demoted 27 places
out of the top-50.
Saudi Arabia suffered the biggest drop (down 47 places) to skid way down
to 81st after a massive loss of 252 points.
Kyrgyzstan are the most improved side under the new system with a leap
of 26 spots (though they have actually lost 88 points), which has pushed
them up to 121st.
Guam is now the lowest ranked team in Asia in 196th position.
Brazil still lead the rankings with 1630 points but new world champions
Italy (1550 points) are closing in after rising to second from 12th
position.
The new rankings take into account the importance of matches and the
strength of opponents.
