Irish back in top 30 in the world

THE Republic of Ireland are back in FIFA’s top 30 rankings — but Euro group opponents Armenia are in hot pursuit.

Ireland are up two to 29 in the latest world rankings but Armenia, who come to Dublin for the final European Championship Group B qualifier next month, have risen a whopping 27 places, reflecting their most recent competitive achievements which saw them beat Andorra 3-0 before springing one of the surprise results in Euro qualifying by thumping Slovakia 0-4 away from home.

Those results have seen Armenia put themselves right back in contention for a qualification spot, joining Slovakia in third place in the group, one point behind Ireland and three behind Russia.

By contrast, Ireland’s next opponents, Andorra, are still mired in very the bottom grouping in the world rankings, sharing the 203rd and final place with American Samoa, Montserrat, Samoa and our old friends San Marino.

Tomorrow morning, Giovanni Trapattoni will be in Dublin to announce his squad for those final two games in Group B, away to Andorra on Friday, October 7 and at home to the Armenians on Tuesday October 11.

Meanwhile, reigning world and European champions Spain continue to lead the world rankings, ahead of the Netherlands in second place and Germany in third.