World cup ranking went through a major revision and the results were
published on July 12th. For a brief explanation of the changes and
frequently asked questions (FAQ) please visit:
http://www.fifa.com/en/mens/statisti...3739,7,00.html
Here's a complete explanation of the ranking system: (check the pdf
file for all the information and example)
http://www.fifa.com/en/mens/statisti...2540,3,00.html
finaly, the ranking published on July 12th can be found:
http://www.fifa.com/en/mens/statisti....html?static=1
A simple question that is not posted in the FAQ is what is the ranking
used for?
The answer to that question for 2006 world cup was pretty much nothing.
This can be verified by examining the top seeds for each group. Czech
Republic for instance had a top 6 or better ranking for the bulk of 2005
yet it lost group lead to the lower ranked Italy. For the rest of the
seedings, the emphasis appeared to be on cross continent match ups and
the WC ranking played no role: Again Italy ranked 12, U.S 8,
Czech Republic 2 were in the same group while Ukraine ranked 40the Spain
ranked 6th and Tunasia ranked 28th were also in the same group.
The ranking may however effect per continent quotas for WC participation
in the future. Here's where Asia may be at a major disadvantage.
The new ranking system is heavily tilted in favor of more recent results.
Results of the last 12 months count in full and those for the previous
years count half etc. (1st year 100%, 2nd year 50%, 3rd year 30% and 4th
year 20%). This approach hurts the ranking of Asian teams more than
any other continent the closer they get to WC. Based on new AFC calendar,
Asian Cup will be played in 2007. This explains the sudden drop in ranking
of all Asian teams, while African teams and South American teams fresh out
of their continental matches are enjoying an improved ranking. Also some
continent (CONCAF) holds its continental cup (Gold Cup) every two years,
which helps raise the ranking of member teams like U.S and Mexico tremdendously.
One positive aspect of the new ranking system is its transparency as well
as simplicity of compution, which allows fans to determine their teams ranking
accurately prior to their scheduled release.
Many Asian team fans, were shokced to find out the hugely diminsed
ranking of their favorite teams in the July ranking. Based on the
new methodology and AFCs calender, although we will witness a sharp rise
in the ranking of top finishers in the upcoming Asian cup, unfortunately we
have to get used to the lower numbers. Two solutions to the problem are
more frequent continental tournements, or a much stronger showing at the WC.
published on July 12th. For a brief explanation of the changes and
frequently asked questions (FAQ) please visit:
http://www.fifa.com/en/mens/statisti...3739,7,00.html
Here's a complete explanation of the ranking system: (check the pdf
file for all the information and example)
http://www.fifa.com/en/mens/statisti...2540,3,00.html
finaly, the ranking published on July 12th can be found:
http://www.fifa.com/en/mens/statisti....html?static=1
A simple question that is not posted in the FAQ is what is the ranking
used for?
The answer to that question for 2006 world cup was pretty much nothing.
This can be verified by examining the top seeds for each group. Czech
Republic for instance had a top 6 or better ranking for the bulk of 2005
yet it lost group lead to the lower ranked Italy. For the rest of the
seedings, the emphasis appeared to be on cross continent match ups and
the WC ranking played no role: Again Italy ranked 12, U.S 8,
Czech Republic 2 were in the same group while Ukraine ranked 40the Spain
ranked 6th and Tunasia ranked 28th were also in the same group.
The ranking may however effect per continent quotas for WC participation
in the future. Here's where Asia may be at a major disadvantage.
The new ranking system is heavily tilted in favor of more recent results.
Results of the last 12 months count in full and those for the previous
years count half etc. (1st year 100%, 2nd year 50%, 3rd year 30% and 4th
year 20%). This approach hurts the ranking of Asian teams more than
any other continent the closer they get to WC. Based on new AFC calendar,
Asian Cup will be played in 2007. This explains the sudden drop in ranking
of all Asian teams, while African teams and South American teams fresh out
of their continental matches are enjoying an improved ranking. Also some
continent (CONCAF) holds its continental cup (Gold Cup) every two years,
which helps raise the ranking of member teams like U.S and Mexico tremdendously.
One positive aspect of the new ranking system is its transparency as well
as simplicity of compution, which allows fans to determine their teams ranking
accurately prior to their scheduled release.
Many Asian team fans, were shokced to find out the hugely diminsed
ranking of their favorite teams in the July ranking. Based on the
new methodology and AFCs calender, although we will witness a sharp rise
in the ranking of top finishers in the upcoming Asian cup, unfortunately we
have to get used to the lower numbers. Two solutions to the problem are
more frequent continental tournements, or a much stronger showing at the WC.
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