Socceroos climb into top 30

The Socceroos has attained its highest ever FIFA World Ranking, climbing into the top 30 for the first time in its history.

The Socceroos has attained its highest ever FIFA World Ranking, climbing into the top 30 for the first time in its history.

Australia climbed nine places with its 1-0 win over Bahrain in Manama last month to number 28, eclipsing the previous high of 31 in July 1997.

Picking up 38 ranking points, also meant that Australia crept further away at the top of the Asian rankings, with Japan next best at number 35. Korea Republic were the big movers in Asia, jumping back into the top 50 to 42 with a move of 11 places, while Iran and Saudi Arabia are also placed in the top 50 at 43 and 48 respectively.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek said of the news, “It-s fantastic news. It proves we are getting up to the top of world football, and other countries will look at this and give us the respect for what we have done.”

The large jump in the rankings saw Australia overtake some established football nations such as Sweden, Poland, Scotland, Chile and Republic of Ireland.

Spain remains at the top of the rankings at the end of 2008, with a massive points lead over second ranked Germany. The Netherlands, who Australia beat in September, Italy and Brazil round out the top 5.

The Socceroos will next play on January 28 with the opening tie of their 2011 Asian Cup qualification campaign against Indonesia in Jakarta and followed by the crucial 2010 World Cup qualification match against Japan in February.