FIFA RANKINGS:THE REPUBLIC of Ireland remained in 37th place in the latest Fifa rankings, having not played any matches during the month of July. This nestles Ireland between Ecuador and Costa Rica on the world placings.
Northern Ireland, six places above the Republic, are also unchanged.
Brazil stayed top of the rankings, while Spain and Netherlands remained in second and third places respectively.
In fact, the only change in the top 10 saw Germany move up to fourth, with Italy slipping back a place. So England hold on to seventh position. Scotland are 24th, while Wales are in 67th place.
The Republic of Ireland’s opponents for next Wednesday’s friendly at Thomond Park, Australia, are 16th.
FIFA RANKINGS (last months positions in brackets): 1. (1) Brazil; 2. (2) Spain ; 3. (3) Netherlands; 4. (5) Germany; 5. (4) Italy; 6. (6) Russia; 7. (7) England; 8. (8) Argentina; 9. (9) France; 10. (10) Croatia; Selected Others: 24 (24) Scotland; 32. (32) Northern Ireland; 37 (37) Republic or Ireland; 67 (67) Wales. Republic of Ireland’s World Cup 2010 qualifying Group 8 rivals: 5. (4) Italy; 23. (23) Bulgaria; 73. (73) Cyprus; 96. (98) Montenegro; 103. (104) Georgia.
