AUCKLAND – The Thai Airways All Whites have rocketed up 57 places in the latest FIFA rankings to 54th, following back-to-back 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign wins over New Caledonia in September.
Convincing home (3-0) and away (3-1) victories over the French territory booked a place at next year’s 2009 Confederations Cup, and a two-legged playoff with the fifth best Asian team for a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and earned Ricki Herbert’s men the title of best mover for October.
New Caledonia, who had briefly overtaken the All Whites as Oceania’s top ranked team in September slipped 27 places to 122nd.
The All Whites, whose highest position since FIFA World Rankings began was 47 in 2002, have climbed over 100 places since beginning their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign in September 2007.
Five wins from as many FIFA World Cup qualifiers to date have seen the All Whites leave behind last September’s record low of 156th.
The All Whites’ final World Cup qualifier against Fiji – originally scheduled as the campaign’s opener in Albany – will be played on November 19 in Lautoka.
Meanwhile, European champions Spain extended their lead at the top of the rankings ahead of nearest challengers Italy and Germany, while Brazil moved up two places to fourth.
Spain, Italy, and Brazil, have all qualified for next year’s FIFA Confederations Cup which also includes USA (ranked 21st), Egypt (22), Iraq (77) and South Africa (85).
Korea Republic, currently Asia’s fifth-ranked team, sit one place below New Zealand in 55th.
Ricki Herbert believes the Thai Airways All Whites’ latest world ranking of 54 could be a catalyst for increased international opportunities.
The All Whites shot up 57 places in the October edition of FIFA’s rankings, to reach their highest position since 2002, and Herbert reckons that could lead to higher-profile friendlies in the build-up to the Confederations Cup in South Africa next June.
“It adds a quality profile to the team and in that respect it’s a timely rise given the draw for the FIFA Confederations Cup is on November 22,” Herbert said.
“We may be seen as ideal opposition through Asia now, especially given the World Cup playoff coming up next year.”
“It also shows the importance of the results in our qualifying campaign, with the weighting pace on them.”
The rise up the rankings charts is also significant for players looking for contracts with European clubs.
England’s Home Office, for example, will automatically grant work permits to players from nations ranked in the top 70, and who have played in 75% of the country’s ‘A’ matches in the previous two years.
“I’m delighted for the players. It’s a fantastic achievement and now it creates potential opportunities for them and the team.”
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