Ireland up two places in FIFA rankings

The Republic of Ireland have moved up two places to 31st in the latest FIFA rankings announced today.

Spain’s reign as the world’s number-one ranked team has come to an end, with Holland replacing them at the top of the latest FIFA chart.

Having held the position for more than a year, a friendly loss to Italy means the world and European champions have been replaced by the Oranje, who become just the seventh team to head the rankings.

Uruguay’s Copa America success means they are now the top South American side in fifth, with Brazil dropping down to sixth.

Germany remain in third and England move up two places to fourth, while the make-up of the top 10 remains the same, with Italy, Portugal, Argentina and Croatia the other sides.

Northern Ireland up three to 59th, whilst Scotland are up six to 55th.

Faroe Islands, managed by former Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr, has moved up one place to 111th.

Wales’ ranking does slide, though, dropping to 117th, with Haiti moving above them in the standings.

Gary Speed’s men will be looking to better their results to leapfrog teams such as North Korea, Oman and Suriname.