Greece slips further in FIFA Rankings, now 20th overall

Despite drawing World Champions Italy last month, the latest edition of the FIFA Coca-Cola World Rankings, which were released on Wednesday, saw Greece slip two spots to 20^th. It was the final event in what has been a disappointing end to what was supposed to be a successful year for the Greek National Team.

Strong results withAfter sealing first place in their EURO 2008 qualifying group, the Greeks, who entered the continental finals as defending champions, failed to reproduce the magical run from Portugal four years ago. The Greeks miserably lost all three of their group games to finish bottom of Group D.

After a horrific EURO 2008, Greece initiated its bid to reach South Africa in 2010 with their qualifying campaign kicking off in September. A bright start to their World Cup campaign began to heal the wounds from their miserable performances in Austria and Switzerland.

Unfortunately the Greeks failed to carry perfection into the New Year, as Otto Rehhagel’s side ended their competitive year with a 2-1 loss at home to Switzerland. Greece transformed from a titan, to a disappointment in a matter of twelve months; and attendance issues in Athens have now sparked the issue of little support for the ‘Galanoleuki’.

The next chance for the remaining loyal fans to sheer on the Greek National will be in February, when Greece hosts Denmark in an international friendly. Their first taste of a competitive match comes a month later in Israel, as the top two sides in World Cup Qualifying Group B meet in Tel Aviv.

1. (1) Spain
2. (2) Germany
3. (4) Netherlands
4. (3) Italy
5. (5) Brazil
6. (6) Argentina
7. (7) Croatia
8. (10) England
9. (8) Russia
10. (13) Turkey
11= (12) France
11= (10) Portugal
11= (9) Czech Republic
14. (14) Cameroon
15. (20) Ukraine
16. (21) Egypt
17. (17) Paraguay
18. (15) Israel
19. (22) Nigeria
20. (18) Greece