Ireland stay 38th in latest FIFA ranking

THE Republic of Ireland remain unchanged in 38th place in the latest FIFA rankings.

The October rankings, released yesterday, also show no change at the top with Spain, Italy and Germany — in that order — once again lording it over the rest of the world.

Bulgaria, who play Italy on Saturday, in Sofia, in Ireland’s World Cup Group 8, are up one point at 15th.

But Cyprus, Ireland’s opponents at Croke Park next Wednesday, have plunged fifteen to 80th, having lost friendly games to Greece and Switzerland before being narrowly beaten 2-1 by Italy in their opening World Cup qualifier.

The Cypriots are in Tblisi to play Georgia on Saturday before they travel on to Dublin for their date with Ireland.