Scotland now behind Cape Verde Islands in FIFA world rankings

Published on 19/12/2012 12:33

SCOTLAND’S poor World Cup qualifying campaign has seen the country fall two places in the latest FIFA rankings.

Over the past 12 months the national side has fallen to 72nd position having lost three and drawn three matches with only two wins coming in non-competitive matches against Australia and Luxembourg.

Hopes of qualification for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil have effectively been dashed following draws against Macedonia and Serbia and defeats to Belgium and Wales.

The country currently sits bottom of the Group A table with manager Craig Levin having been dismissed.

Scotland are now behind the Cape Verde Islands, Morocco and Armenia in the FIFA rankings.

Despite clinching a late win over Scotland, Wales remain behind Scotland having dropped to 82nd place.

England remain in 6th while the Republic of Ireland have fallen six spots to 42nd.

Northern Ireland are the only home nations side to improve upon their ranking.

Michael O’Neill’s side rose 17 places in the last rankings - into the top 100 - and their improvement continues this month, rising four places to 96th.

Spain finish the year at the top spot, with Germany and Argentina remaining in second and third respectively, while Italy move into fourth spot.