Republic move up one place in FIFA world rankings

The Republic of Ireland have moved up a place in the latest FIFA world rankings following their two World Cup qualifying draws.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side drew with Austria and Sweden last month and have moved up one place to 39th in the rankings.

However, there is some chastening news for Northern Ireland.

They have slumped to 119th, falling from 98th last month, having lost their only match at home to Israel.

That puts them below the likes of Antigua and Barbuda, Surinam and Tajikistan in the rankings.

England have dropped three places to seventh, to see them overtaken by Portugal (fifth) and Croatia (fourth).

The top three of Spain, Germany and Argentina remain unchanged.

Wales have leapt 22 spots from 71st to 49th, with their 2-1 win in Scotland counting against a defeat by the same scoreline to Croatia.

The Scots, meanwhile, find themselves in 77th position – down 11 – following that defeat and another in Serbia.