Football Ferns on verge of top 20

A groundbreaking Olympic campaign has helped the Football Ferns jump to a seven year high in the latest FIFA women’s world rankings.

The Football Ferns. Getty Images

August 19, 2012

AUCKLAND – A groundbreaking Olympic campaign has helped the Football Ferns jump to a seven year high in the latest FIFA women’s world rankings.

Wins over China (twice), and Colombia en route to London and a 3-1 win over Cameroon to qualify for the quarterfinals for the first time at a FIFA Women’s tournament propelled New Zealand up two places to 21, one shy of their best ever ranking.

FIFA’s women’s rankings are based on a different formula than that used for the men’s equivalent and are subject to less fluctuation.
The Football Ferns two place jump represents their biggest ever improvement and along with Belgium’s two point rise to 28th, was the biggest move inside the top 30.

Gold medal winning USA, who edged past the Football Ferns in a tense quarterfinal at St James’ Park, extended their overall lead at the top of the rankings. Germany remains second with silver medal winning Japan retaining third.

A total of 127 nations are ranked in the latest edition of FIFA’s women’s rankings which include the results of 98 internationals since June.