Soccer News of Wednesday, 15 February 2006

Source: raymond-radio b.a.r

Ghana Moves Up In FIFA rankings

Ghana moves to 48th position from 50th position in the The February edition of the Fifa coca-cola world ranking. FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking is heavily influenced by the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria (12th, up 12), Cameroon (16th, up 7) and Egypt (17th, up 15) all make it into the top 20.

With a historic fifth African title, Egypt reach their highest position in the world ranking since 1998. As the only FIFA World Cup? qualifiers in the semi-finals, C?te d'Ivoire make a considerable leap up the ranking (32nd, up 10) despite losing out to the hosts on penalties in the final.

There is no change at the top of the ranking, with Brazil leading the way and the Czech Republic, Netherlands and Argentina all in pursuit. The quest for fifth position in the ranking is a tight contest; France are only one point ahead of their nearest competitors, Spain, Mexico and the USA.

This month's world ranking covers a total of 68 matches: 32 in the Afri! can Cup of Nations, 32 friendlies and four matches remaining from the beginning of the year.