Luck Of The Irish At 13?

By Ade O'Connor
August 27 2003

The Republic of Ireland move up two places in this months FIFA World rankings, from 15th to 13th. Brian Kerr’s men beat Australia 2-1 in a friendly at Lansdowne Road, leading to their rise in the rankings. However, ranking places will count for nothing should they not qualify for Euro 2004.

Goals from John O`Shea and Clinton Morrison ensured that Kerr’s unbeaten reign since he took over from Mick McCarthy continued, on Tuesday last week.

Ireland leapfrogs Denmark, and is now on level terms with Cameroon, who previous were ahead of the Irish.

World Cup champions Brazil still head the list, closely followed by France and Spain; Mexico pull level with the Netherlands in 4th place, while there are no other changes in the top seven.

England move into 8th place from 10th, and the United States jump up a place into 9th, leaving Germany dangerously close to dropping out of the top 10 since their excursion outside of it a couple of years ago.

Wales are in 52nd, whilst Scotland manages to fend off the mighty Venezuela in 59th and 60th respectively. Northern Ireland is in 112th place, just ahead of North Korea.

FIFA World Rankings as of 27/08/2003:

1. Brazil
2. France
3. Spain
4. Netherlands
4. Mexico
6. Argentina
7. Turkey
8. England
9. United States
10. Germany
11. Italy
12. Czech Republic
13. Republic of Ireland
13. Cameroon
15. Denmark
16. Portugal
17. Costa Rica
18. Belgium
19. Romania
20. Sweden