Socceroos jump two spots in latest rankings

The Socceroos have moved up two places in latest FIFA World Ranking, placing them second highest Asian nation behind Japan.

The Socceroos have moved up two places in latest FIFA World Rankings, placing them second highest Asian nation behind Japan.

Picking up 17 points, the Socceroos went up to no. 38 and has now jumped above Iran, who slipped back eight places to 45th. They are now just three places behind Japan, who dropped one spot to 35th.

While the team didn-t play any games during July, rankings are based on a four year period and take into account matches played in that rankings period over the last three years. Last year in July, Australia was involved in the Asian Cup.

Saudi Arabia is 4th highest of the Asian nations in 52nd, followed closely by Korea Republic in 53rd place and Uzbekistan in 55th.

Australia-s other opponents in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, see Bahrain at 67 and Qatar at 71.

Spain remain top of the rankings, opening up a significant points gap on 2nd place Germany, who jumped ahead of Italy.

The top five are all from Europe with The Netherlands in 4th, while Croatia jumped two places to 5th ahead of Brazil and Argentina.

The Socceroos next match is against South Africa on August 19 at Loftus Road in London, with the South African-s slipping to 73rd place on the rankings.