The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Baboucarr Camara
22 December 2011
The Gambia has been ranked 116th in the world in the latest of the rankings released by world football governing body, FIFA, making a movement of two places up after it was ranked 118th in the previous ranking. The Scorpions still maintained its 29th place in the continental rankings from the month of November.
Ivory Coast is Africa’s highest ranked side on top of the continental release but still 16th on the global stage while their 2012 African Cup of Nations co-favorites Ghana in second in Africa is ranked 29th in the world. Algeria is third followed by North African rivals Egypt and then Nigeria despite its failure to qualify for the Gabon and Equatorial Guinea event made up the top five for Africa. Gambia’s neighbors Senegal is sixth and is one of the ranked outsiders to win the AFCON 2012.
Reigning European and world champions Spain has finished the calendar year top of the Ranking as runners-up Netherlands and Germany in third were unable to close the gap to Vicente del Bosque’s men in the last month of 2011.There’s very little movement in the top 50 following the lack of international games in recent weeks, and Bosnia & Herzegovina is the only new faces inside the top 20 as they climb three places to 20th position.
This year’s Copa America champions Uruguay will head into 2012 in fourth spot ahead of England, Brazil, Portugal, Croatia, Italy and Argentina, who round up the top 10. The top-ranked teams from each of the confederations are Spain (first), Uruguay (fourth), Cote d’Ivoire (16th), Japan (19th), Mexico (21st) and New Zealand (119th). Wales has claimed the title of Best Mover of the Year as they finish 2011 in 48th position after collecting 300 points following impressive wins over Montenegro, Switzerland and Bulgaria in the Euro 2012 qualifiers. The U.S. national team remains in the 34th position.
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