Faroe Islands jump 82 places in new FIFA rankings

THE Faroe Islands have climbed an astonishing 82 places to 105 in the new FIFA rankings, after their unexpected victory over Greece earlier this month.
The Faroe Islands celebrate after beating Greece 1-0. Picture: GettyThe Faroe Islands celebrate after beating Greece 1-0. Picture: Getty
The Faroe Islands celebrate after beating Greece 1-0. Picture: Getty

Joan Edmundsson’s 61st minute goal gave the European minnows just their 20th win since making their international bow in 1988, and their first competitive away win since beating Luxembourg in 2001.

Their last competitive win came in 2011, with the bulk of their victories against similarly smaller opposition such as Gibraltar and San Marino.

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However, San Marino have also enjoyed a jump in the rankings, up 28 spots to 180 after their 0-0 draw with Estonia ended a 61-match losing streak.

Germany stay top ahead of Argentina, Colombia, Belgium and the Netherlands in an unchanged top five while Brazil remain sixth despite a six-match winning run since the World Cup.

Euro 2016 qualifier wins saw England rise seven places from 20th to 13th, while Scotland have risen one place to 36th.

Wales are unchanged in 34th but Northern Ireland have dropped four places to 47th.

Perhaps the biggest shock is that Australia - who once sat at 14th in the rankings in September 2009, have dropped to their lowest ever position of 102 - behind the likes of Oman, Latvia, Benin, Malawi and Rwanda.

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