The Republic of Ireland has climbed two places to 52nd in the latest FIFA international rankings. It arrests a sharp fall over the last year and is directly attributable to the 2-0 win over Croatia at Lansdowne Road last month.
From a high of eighth place at one point in Jack Charlton's reign as team manager, Ireland's rating has plummeted with each consecutive year.
Brazil are ranked ahead of the World Cup holders France at the top of the list, followed by Germany and Croatia. England improve to 10th place, with Scotland and Northern Ireland at 37th and 87th respectively.
FIFA RANKINGS: 1 Brazil 73.57 pts; 2 France 69.01; 3 Germany 67.37; 4 Croatia 66.47; 5 Argentina 65.77; 6 Italy 65.04; 7 Czech Republic 64.43; 8 Yugoslavia 64.19; 9 Holland 62.71; 10 England 62.16; 11 Mexico 61.76; 12 Romania 59.81; 13 Morocco 59.62; 14 Norway 59.12; 15 Chile 58.69; 16 Spain 58.63; 17 US 57.04; 18 Denmark 55.33; 19 South Korea 55.12; 20 Egypt 55.07; 21 Japan 54.88; 22 Austria 54.78; 23 Zambia 54.55; 24 Paraguay 54.26; 25 Sweden 54.05; 26 Tunisia 53.88; 27 Colombia 53.05; 28 South Africa 52.73; 29 Slovakia 52.56; 30 Saudi Arabia 52.32; 37 Scotland 49.13; 52 Republic of Ire- land 43.45, 87 Northern Ireland 33.93, 90 Wales 33.01.
