IRELAND HAVE DROPPED two places in the latest Fifa rankings, with Brazil surging to the top of the standings for the first time in seven years.
Martin O’Neill’s side have slipped down to 26th position after last month’s goalless draw with Wales and the friendly defeat to Iceland at the Aviva Stadium.
It means the Boys in Green now sit alongside Northern Ireland with Michael O’Neill’s men moving up nine places after their recent World Cup qualifying win over Norway.
Brazil are once again sitting in top spot in the rankings, capping a terrific week after they became the first country to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, their latest step on the road to redemption after the embarrassment and heartache of their World Cup failure on home soil in 2014.
Brazil were dumped off top spot after their elimination from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Their new surge is in contrast to Argentina and Neymar’s Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi, whose country are in danger of missing out on next year’s World Cup. They will not be able to call on their star man for three of their four remaining qualification matches because of suspension.
Third in the newly released rankings are world champions Germany, followed by Chile and Colombia.
Switzerland enter the top 10, up to ninth, with former number ones Spain clinging on in 10th. England remain in 14th while Ireland’s group rivals Wales are 13th.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Rte using Tv licence money on this and cant touch the 6 nations
Good atmosphere in the stadium tonight. Just under 10,000 at it. I’d say 100 Irish! Thought Ireland could have justifiably got a try or two but a fairly obvious difference in standards on the night. Especially in attack. Irish defence mostly did very well but the French exposed any moments they switched off. Some French players look physically way superior too. And some incredible breaks!! Pro v amateur in the end I suppose. Still some very good rugby to watch by Ireland. Good effort!
French professionals V Irish amateurs. Well done GIG
As usual, Ireland’s front eight have nothing to be ashamed about, but the team’s attacking game is simply embarrassing. Unfortunately, the women’s most talented backs are all in the 7s now, and the 15s team is left with atrociously poor players at key positions (15, 13, 9). The contrast with the skill levels of the French ladies was cringy. Flood’s performance at 15 was probably the worst I have ever seen at any level. Meanwhile, Briggs is a wonderful leader and has great power but she certainly is no outhalf.