IRELAND’S FIFA RANKINGS freefall continues as Giovanni Trapattoni’s side dropped out of the world top 40, their lowest end-of-year position since 2006.
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The Boys in Green are now on a par with Bolivia and Gabon after they slipped six places to 42nd in December.
This latest fall marks the end of a disappointing year, which started with Ireland in 22nd and looking forward to their first appearance at the European Championships since 1988.
The party quickly turned to pain as they lost all three of their group games in Poland, scoring one goal and conceding nine, and the nightmare continued with a record 6-1 home defeat in their autumn World Cup qualifier against Germany.
It is Ireland’s lowest ranking since April 2010, when they were 43rd.
As expected, reigning World and European champions Spain finish the year at number one, with Germany and Argentina unchanged at two and three.
Italy are fourth while Colombia jump up three places to break back into the world’s top five after more than a decade’s absence.
England, Portugal, Netherlands, Russia and Croatia complete the top 10 while five-time World Cup winners Brazil, who sacked manager Mano Menezez and reinstated Luiz Felipe Scolari last month, drop another five places to 18th.
They usually dominate their qualifying group, usually winning 8/9 outta ten and then consistently qualify for last 8 of tournaments. They’d performing in characteristically poor this time round in qualifying. It’s a fair enough position I think. Here come the anti-England red thumbs.
No they don’t consistently qualify for last 8 of tournaments. Euro 2008: didn’t qualify for finals, World Cup 2010: last 16, Euro 2012: last 8. That is one last 8 finish from last 3 tournaments.
They won 5 out of 8 qualifying games for Euro 2012 (not 8/9 out of 10). They have 2 wins and 2 draws in 2014 World Cup qualification and are 2nd in their group behind Montenegro. 6th in the world is very flattering given that record.
I know im going back to the trapattoni argument but come next march we will more than likely have been beaten in Stockholm and the calls for his head will be popping up again. little chance of qualifying and less ppl going to the Aviva. compare how much this will cost the FAI to how much it wud have cost to relieve him of his position.
Come on lads,,Its not the end of the world ?,,,or is it,,[he he] ,,We have been here before ,for the size of our country ,we had a good run ,for 2o years we have done really good ,It will take a bit of time to get some good results again ,football is a funny old game ,one day ur up ,next ur down,,COYBIG,, merry xmas Niall and gang
Although looks bleak there is a genuine case for optimism. We now have a bit more strength in depth in midfield and with the likes of Pilkington now stating he wants to play for us it gives another great option and puts pressure on lads playing. McCarthy is becoming a top centre in both premiership and more confident in irish squad which has to be a bonus. In the backs with coleman and hopefully wilson when back we look a bit more stable. Its a yound squad who need to gel now but have great potential and could lead us back up the rankings by this time next year. #coybig
Surprising to see Belgium so low down the rankings with players like Fellaini, Kompany, Benteke, Dembele, Hazard, Vertonghen & Lakaku, we could use a few players of that calibre ….
FAI hierarchy should also be fired as they have continued to stick with crappatoni’s age old tactics.sweden will thump England b aka Ireland in Stockholm .last time we played AUstria in world cup qualifier we lost both games so by end of march a new manager may be required but Also a new FAI hierarchy.
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How are England 6th…seriously
They usually dominate their qualifying group, usually winning 8/9 outta ten and then consistently qualify for last 8 of tournaments. They’d performing in characteristically poor this time round in qualifying. It’s a fair enough position I think. Here come the anti-England red thumbs.
No they don’t consistently qualify for last 8 of tournaments. Euro 2008: didn’t qualify for finals, World Cup 2010: last 16, Euro 2012: last 8. That is one last 8 finish from last 3 tournaments.
They won 5 out of 8 qualifying games for Euro 2012 (not 8/9 out of 10). They have 2 wins and 2 draws in 2014 World Cup qualification and are 2nd in their group behind Montenegro. 6th in the world is very flattering given that record.
Is that Raymond Domenech watching the game? It’s all his fault…………….b****x!
I hate bo***olxes
I know im going back to the trapattoni argument but come next march we will more than likely have been beaten in Stockholm and the calls for his head will be popping up again. little chance of qualifying and less ppl going to the Aviva. compare how much this will cost the FAI to how much it wud have cost to relieve him of his position.
I can’t believe we are that high to be honest, I thought we were a hundred at least!
Well at least we’re no.1 at hurling and camogie
Being the only country in the world that plays them it’s hardly surprising. But then you knew that…
Come on lads,,Its not the end of the world ?,,,or is it,,[he he] ,,We have been here before ,for the size of our country ,we had a good run ,for 2o years we have done really good ,It will take a bit of time to get some good results again ,football is a funny old game ,one day ur up ,next ur down,,COYBIG,, merry xmas Niall and gang
Thanks Denis, many happy returns from all here.
jesus….totes morte
grammar nazi?
Brazil are in 18th…
Brazil are 13th, still pretty shocking
Brazil are down to 18th in the December rankings, Tristan.
Just saw that my mistake!
Although looks bleak there is a genuine case for optimism. We now have a bit more strength in depth in midfield and with the likes of Pilkington now stating he wants to play for us it gives another great option and puts pressure on lads playing. McCarthy is becoming a top centre in both premiership and more confident in irish squad which has to be a bonus. In the backs with coleman and hopefully wilson when back we look a bit more stable. Its a yound squad who need to gel now but have great potential and could lead us back up the rankings by this time next year. #coybig
Columbia?
How is it lowest ranking since 2010 but first time outside top 40 since 2006?
First time to finish the year outside the top 40 since 2006, Danny.
Good question……. Over to you Mr Kelly?
I’ve reworded that sentence slightly to avoid any further confusion. Thanks lads.
We have a soccer team?
Surprising to see Belgium so low down the rankings with players like Fellaini, Kompany, Benteke, Dembele, Hazard, Vertonghen & Lakaku, we could use a few players of that calibre ….
It’s results that dictate the rankings, not the quality of the players in the team
That trap pensioner needs too go….we need need blood as management
New blood that should be
The World’s Top 40 don’t make me laugh it’s the World’s Top 10 and then the rest
FAI hierarchy should also be fired as they have continued to stick with crappatoni’s age old tactics.sweden will thump England b aka Ireland in Stockholm .last time we played AUstria in world cup qualifier we lost both games so by end of march a new manager may be required but Also a new FAI hierarchy.
Ireland doesn’t breed natural footballers. End of story. Leave football to the far more naturally gifted foreign players, and concentrate on rugby.
Did you see that ludicrous display last night?
What was wenger thinking
Colombia????
Yes, Colombia.
The ranking system is decided by a monthly game of darts in FIFA head office
I’m shocked….