NZ slips in ranking as Fiji moves a place up December 21, 2009
Oceania’s representative to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, New Zealand All Whites have slipped five places in the latest FIFA ranking while Fiji has moved a place up on the ladder.
The Kiwis are now ranked 82 compared to last month’s ranking of 77 while the Fijians are now ranked 132 from 133.
The number of qualifiers and friendly matches around the globe affected the ranking of the countries that weren’t actively involved in qualifiers and international fixtures.
Fiji FA chief executive officer Bob Kumar said they have plans of playing international fixtures and is positive the national team will get the chance to feature in international matches.
According to him, there is a likelihood the Fijians will get a chance to play the All Whites early next year as the Rickie Herbert coached side looks for match experience ahead of the big showcase of football in South Africa in June.
Fiji beat the All Whites 2-0 in Lautoka last November and a possible friendly against the South Seas Islanders will surely benefit the Oceania giants.
Former Oceania giants, Australia which has also qualified for the World Cup from the Asian region sits at 21st place on the table with no change to its ranking.
In the Pacific, New Caledonia is second to Fiji with a ranking of 147 (-8) while Vanuatu lies on 155 (+2).
The ranking of the other island nations are as follows: Solomon Islands 172 (-1), Samoa 182 (+1), Guam 184 (+1), Cook Islands 184 (+1), Tonga 188 (+3), Tahiti 194 (+1), American Samoa 203 (0), PNG 203 (0).
Spain, Brazil, Netherlands, Italy and Portugal remain the top five countries in the world while other countries in the top ten include Germany, France, Argentina, England and Croatia.
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