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India slip further in FIFA rankings

October 18, 2006 17:07 IST

India dropped seven places to 143 in the latest FIFA rankings following the 0-3 loss to Japan in the Asian Cup qualifier in Bangalore.

India, with 136 points, are immediately followed by their next opponent, Yemen, in their concluding match of the qualifiers.

The Bob Houghton-coached side has lost all their five matches of the continental qualification tournament.

Meanwhile, Brazil (1560) maintained their No. 1 position despite losing as many as 14 points. World champions Italy, France, Argentina, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Portugal and Spain follow the South Americans in the top 10 in that order.

Among the Asian teams, leaders Australia occupy 37th place, with Iran (43rd), Japan (46th) and Korea (48th).

Bangladesh (155th), Pakistan (162nd) and Nepal (170th) are behind India.