In the FIFA women’s ranking, Sweden has overtaken the new world champion Spain by two steps and occupied the top spot. According to this ranking published yesterday, Spain had to be satisfied with the second place.
The Swedes were eliminated in the World Cup semi-finals by Spain. Olga Carmona’s only first-half goal saw Spain lift their first World Cup title after defeating England in the final in Sydney. Sweden beat hosts Australia to secure third place in the tournament.
World Cup winner Spain has improved by four points in the ranking. Had they not been beaten 4-0 by Japan in the group stage, they might have had a chance to climb to the top of the rankings.
Defeated in the final, England secured the fourth place behind the United States, who were at the top of the previous rankings. The last-time champion USA was eliminated after being defeated by Sweden in the last sixteen. The US team has never been eliminated in the World Cup before. Germany dropped four places to sixth place after a disappointing exit from the group stage.
(26 Aug/MM)