After a card and controversy laden World Cup, you’d think the world sport’s governing body would want some quiet time. Instead, FIFA released its newest rankings yesterday (the blog was down, so sorry about the delay), and they’re guaranteed to get people talking. Or yelling.
Here are the top 10:
- Brazil
- Italy
- Argentina
- France
- England
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Portugal
- Germany
- Czech Republic
I don’t even know where to begin. What does Italy need to do to be ranked #1 – win the World Cup? Oh. Coach Marcello Lippi resigned from the team. I guess when there’s no where to go but down, that’s not a bad option.
Is there anyone this side of the Treaty of Tordesillas that thinks Brazil is the #1 team in the world? It seems the Selecao can be unbeatable *when they want to be*, but apparently not against ancient France in the quarterfinals. Speaking of France – since so much of Les Bleus is aging or already retired, I don’t know that they really are the #4 team in the world. What I do know is that Germany is better than England, hands down.
Speaking of Germany, popular coach (and resident American) Juergen Klinsmann has resigned his post after leading zee Germans to a 3rd place finish. He’ll be coming back home to Southern California. US Soccer would do well to offer him anything they can afford.
The USA dropped 11 spots to #16, which makes sense. But why are the Americans ahead of Mexico (#18)? It took the goal of the tournament for Argentina to defeat the Mexicans in overtime, as compared to the US who scored only 1 quality goal. Sweden is #22. Would you bet on them or the US right now?
Other outrages include Nigeria and Cameroon back to back at #11 and #12, respectively (!), and Australia, which played incredibly well, all the way down at #33. Somehow Serbia and Montenegro, which I think no longer exists, moved up 8 spots to #36, despite the worst showing in the Cup. BTW, the lowest ranked team is Montserrat, which I’m pretty sure is an active volcano.
In case you missed it, here’s the whole list.