Australia have jumped to a record high of fifth in the first FIFA Women’s World Ranking of 2016 as a result of their performance in the recent Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifiers. Australia are trailing the United States, Germany, France and England.
Jumping four places from the previous rankings, the Matildas produced one of the qualifiers’ surprises. They booked their ticket to Rio 2016 alongside China, who climbed five places to 12th. This is China’s highest ranking since May 2010.
On the other hand, Japan slipped from fourth to seventh, dropping 62 ranking points along the way, leaving them at their lowest ranking since June 2009 after they were unable to seal Olympic qualification.
This year’s first ranking shows quite a shake-up, in contrast to the final rankings of last year which saw little movement, including a static top ten.
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com