Colombia sits fifth behind the likes of Portugal and Argentina in the latest world soccer ranking of world soccer federation FIFA.
Colombia have shown good form in recent months and remain unbeaten in five matches including two victories over Paraguay (2:1) and Belgium (2:0).
They reached as high as third in the rankings in July 2013 but have since slipped two places due to comparatively better results from the likes of Argentina and Portugal.
The ranking system is formulated by calculating a number of points for each match based on a variety of factors. While the result of the match is obviously taken into account, the opponents ranking is also used, strength of that opponents regional division and the importance of the fixture is also calculated i.e a friendly will be of less value than a competitive game.
Colombia will be encouraged by the rankings and will look to demonstrate why they are number 5 in the world during this summer’s World Cup that takes place in Brazil.
It will be the first time Colombia participate in the World Cup since France 1998 but will have to avoid complacency if they are to progress from the their group that contains the Ivory Coast, Greece and Japan.
Sources
- FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking (FIFA)
