![]() ![]() Their upcoming matches in 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Qualifying Stage 3 could determine whether they return to the top 100. In early 2016, the nation had dropped to their lowest point in the list at 161, but after their success at the OFC Nations Cup, where they earned tickets to the 2018 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, the squad saw a strong comeback reaching 88th place in September. Since their highest placing of 42 in 2002, the All Whites have had a roller coaster journey through the rankings, slipping in and out of the top 100. Regional front-runners New Zealand saw a significant shift up the list earlier this year breaking into the top 100, but have since seen a their position slip to 116. Since the creation of the FIFA ranking system, Papua New Guinea’s average ranking has been 184. The side has flourished under Danish coach Flemming Serritslev making the final of the OFC Nations Cup for the first time in their history, and their place at 159th reinforces the successes the nation has had over the past 12 months. Their current ranking is the highest the nation has ever been positioned, surpassing their 2004 ranking of 161. The latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World men’s rankings has seen the gaps between OFC Member Associations closing, creating a more competitive environment in the region.Ģ016 OFC Nation’s Cup runners-up Papua New Guinea have moved up the rankings three places to 159 taking them to second place in the regional rankings and moving them much closer to their Kiwi rivals. Follow him on Twitter at and subscribe to the daily newsletter. Martin Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports and the author of the FOX Sports Insider newsletter. Vietnam (=): Never got going in tough Group E. Costa Rica (=): Landed in a brutal group and ended without a point.ģ2. Panama (=): Played its part in an entertaining defeat to France.ģ1. Haiti (=): Some positive signs, but three defeats.ģ0. Ireland (=): Campaign ends with a single point.Ģ9. Zambia (=): Finished on a high note against Costa Rica.Ģ8. Argentina (=): Inspired fightback secured a draw with South Africa.Ģ7. South Korea (=): Finished on a high note by knocking out Germany.Ģ6. Philippines (=): Will go home with heads held high.Ģ5. China (=): Departs after getting taken apart by England.Ģ4. Italy (=): Suffered a heartbreaking end to a troubled campaign.Ģ3. New Zealand (=): Huge disappointment after a dream start to the tournament.Ģ2. Canada (=): Olympic champ heads home after failing to shine.Ģ1. Portugal (=): Came so close to producing an historic upset.Ģ0. Brazil (=): Marta’s last World Cup ended with a shocking group exit.ġ9. Germany (=): Stunning elimination for the two-time champion.ġ8. Morocco (=): Remarkable effort to reach the knockout stage.ġ7. Switzerland (=): Defense fell apart when faced with its first big test.ġ6. Norway (=): Predictable end to a disjointed campaign.ġ5. South Africa (=): A hugely positive campaign finally came to an end.ġ4. Denmark (=): Got the job done and can look forward with optimism.ġ3. Jamaica (=): Strong showing bodes well for the future.ġ2. United States (=): The defending champs were eliminated on penalty kicks.ġ1. Nigeria (=): Nearly pulled off a massive shock.ġ0. Colombia (down 2): Couldn’t close out England, but an excellent campaign.ĩ. France (down 2): More quarterfinal pain, this time on penalties.Ĩ. ![]() Netherlands (up 2): After a worthy revival against Spain, should have finished them off.ħ. Japan (up 2): Deeply disappointing loss after such a promising start.Ħ. Sweden (down 2): There’s no question about it now they’re the real deal.ĥ. Australia (up 1): Host nation has a massive wave of support behind it.Ĥ. England (up 1): It’s hard to shake this team, unflappable once again.ģ. Spain (=): Found its resolve - and a new superstar in Salma Paralluelo.Ģ. ![]()
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