ACTUALITE |
19.09.2001
France hold off chasing pack, as England jump into top ten
PARIS,
World champions France remain top of world soccer governing body FIFA`s global rankings released Wednesday, but are facing a stiff challenge from fast-closing rivals.
The biggest movers were England, who shot up six places moving into the top ten for the first time since April 1999, while Portugal lifted four spots, and are now fifth having overtaken Iberian rivals Spain.
England moved to ninth spot from their previous 15th position after their 5-1 demolition of Germany in Munich.
Rudi Voller`s side lose their spot in the top 10 and have slipped to 12th from their previous ranked fifth.
France are 11 points clear of second-placed Brazil, who failed to capitalise on the world champion`s defeat in Chile, by losing 2-1 to Argentina in their 2002 World Cup qualifier on September 5.
Argentina are closing fast on their arch-rivals and are four points behind Brazil on 794 in third position.
Portugal are on 732 points having overtaken Spain, who also moved up one place into sixth, while the Netherlands moved up two places to eighth.
FIFA standings
1. France 810 pts
2. Brazil 799
3. Argentina 794
4. Italy 737
5. Portugal 732
6. Spain 730
7. Colombia 719
8. Netherlands 717
9. England 712
10. Mexico 711
11. Paraguay 710
12. Germany 708
13. Yugoslavia 705
14. Czech Republic 704
15. Romania 695
16. Croatia 674
17. Sweden 673
18. Denmark 664
19. United States 660
20. Honduras 656
Selected:
25. Tunisia 645
30. South Africa 628
32. Morocco 621
39. Cameroon 608
40. Nigeria 604
. Egypt 604
45. Ivory Coast 593
55. Angola 563
57. Ghana 552
58. Zambia 551
67. Zimbabwe 529
68. Togo 526
69. Senegal 525
70. Liberia 512
71. DRC Congo 511
73. Algeria 508
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Hits: 1 | Source:Internetsoccer | |
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