By Mark Baber
The new FIFA/Coca Cola world rankings, whilst delivering their usual set of surprises and statistical quirks, will be welcomed across the world of football for returning Brazil – still the world’s most charismatic team – to the top ten, following their victory in the Confederations Cup.
Whilst defeated Confederations Cup finalist Spain retain their first place in July’s ranking, Brazil have jumped 13 spots to ninth after winning all their games as well as a pre-tournament friendly against France. Shirt sponsors Nike will be particularly pleased by Brazil’s performance, although less so by England’s drop to 15th.
Germany remain in second place, but Colombia have climbed to their best ever position of third thanks to World Cup qualifying performances which are heavily weighted under FIFA’s ranking formula. Belgium have entered the top ten for the first time in history.
The highest risers this month have been Senegal (+25), Scotland (+24) and Guinea (+24) with Cape Verde (+23), Malta (+23), Armenia (+23) and Austria (+22) also doing well. Orange, who sponsor both Senegal and Guinea will be particularly pleased.
The biggest fallers have been the Central African Republic (-30), Jamaica (-28) and Tahiti (-16) whose spirited Confederation Cup efforts didn’t show up in the statistics.
With Brazil not being involved in World Cup qualifiers, they may struggle to move further up the rankings prior to the finals though there is now no doubt they will be amongst the favourites. To paraphrase, Charles Irwin Wilson – what is good for Brazil is good for football business.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734934585labto1734934585ofdlr1734934585owedi1734934585sni@r1734934585ebab.1734934585kram1734934585