France falls in FIFA world rankings

France falls to 27th despite new coach's victory.

France fell six spots to 27th despite new coach Laurent Blanc’s first victory since taking charge of the team as the latest Fifa world rankings were released.

World Cup winners, and reigning European champions Spain, maintained their supremacy at the top of the table despite going down 4-1 against Argentina in a friendly. The Netherlands lie second with Germany, gaining a position since the last rankings were released, sitting third.

Germany overtook Brazil after successes against Belgium (1-0) and Azerbaijan (6-1) in the Euro 2012 qualifiers. England, after a disappointing World Cup, managed some damage-control as they stepped up a place to snatched Uruguay’s sixth spot.

Italy, Serbia and Paraguay went down two places, sitting at 13, 15 and 17 respectively. After successful campaigns at the Euro qualifiers, Norway jumped a surprising eight places to reach 14th and Slovakia climbed 11 places and became number 16 in the world.

Argentina, despite winning against Spain, and Portugal maintained their places at number five and eight respectively.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2010.