Socceroos slip five places in rankings

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The Socceroos have slipped five places to number 43 in the latest world rankings released by FIFA.

Despite two away draws in the last month, the second a World Cup qualifier against China, Australia recorded a loss of 32 points in the complicated calculations that are based over a four-year period.

Moldova, one of the teams that overtook Australia in the rankings, moved up 14 places (to No. 37) and picked up a total of 75 points, this despite not playing a single game in the rankings month. Other teams to jump above Australia include Nigeria, Honduras and Guinea.

The top seven teams did not change, although the gap between top-ranked Argentina and its arch rival Brazil narrowed to just 10 points, while 3rd-ranked Italy slipped over 100 points behind Brazil. Spain and Germany make up the top five.

Greece achieved its highest ever ranking in moving to 8th after its friendly win over Portugal.

Japan remain the highest placed Asian team in the rankings, staying at 36, despite losing its World Cup qualifying game against Bahrain. Korea Republic (50) is the only other Asian team in the top 50.