Greece rises to 8th in FIFA Rankings

Greece made history once again, when FIFA published its latest edition of the World Rankings this past Wednesday. Previously Greece’s highest ranking was 10th, a mark they reach only two months ago, but after reliving the glory of EURO 2004, the only thing the Greeks could do was surge in the rankings. Their March 26th opponents were previously eighth in the table, and the Netherlands were ninth. However, poor performances by both those sides cost them a slip in their positioning.

The Portuguese played Greece at LTU Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany; with the Greeks running 2-1 winners (Deja vu my Greek friends!). A Ronaldo and Nani-less Portuguese side could only watch the stunning set pieces from Georgios Karagounis! Two gorgeous curls past Ricardo, showing that the Greeks are back and with more than just defense this time around. The Dutch provided a festival of goals against the Austrians (Austria was up 3-0 at one point). Le Orange stormed back thanks to leadership from two of Ajax’s starlets – Huntelaar and Heitinga. Unfortunately for Dutch fans, a 4-3 win, wasn’t enough to see the Dutch avoid a drop in the rankings.

For all the haters out there, who believe Greece does not deserve a spot in the top ten – I hear a lot you know what from the English, and the Portuguese fans – you must ask yourself some questions:
1. Is it our fault England could not beat France in their recent friendly? NO.
2. Is it our fault England couldn’t qualify for EURO 2008? NO.
3. Is it our fault Nani and Ronaldo didn’t play against Greece? NO. [To be honest I think Ronaldo knew the Portuguese would lose, so he backed out (no injury whatsoever)].

FIFA Rankings as of April 9/2008:
1. Argentina (1519)
2. Brazil (1509)
3. Italy (1391)
4. Spain (1309)
5. Germany (1261)
6. Czech Republic (1234)
7. France (1205)
8. Greece (1187)
9. Portugal (1125)
10. Netherlands (1124)