Soccer:The Republic of Ireland have climbed another four places in the Fifa world rankings, the Euro 2012 play-off win over Estonia lifting Giovanni Trapattoni's side to 21st in the latest list released this morning.The position is Ireland's highest since August 2005, when Brian Kerr was still at the helm and the side sat at 14th in the rankings.

The current standings are still led by world and European champions Spain. The Netherlands remain second in the rankings but third-placed Germany have closed the gap following their 3-0 win in a friendly between the two sides.

Uruguay remain fourth after extending their unbeaten run to 13 matches, while England are up to fifth and Brazil drop to sixth. Portugal climb one place to seventh and Croatia move up four places to eighth thanks to sealing their place in Euro 2012 through the play-offs.

Scotland are up two places to 49th, Wales have dropped five places to 50th despite winning four of their last five games and Northern Ireland are also down five to 89th.