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Contrasting fortunes for Irish in Federation Internationale de Football Association rankings

The Boys in Green played two friendlies against Switzerland (14th) and Slovakia (32nd) last week, winning the first 1-0 before drawing the second 2-2, as they continue their build-up to Euro 2016 in France this summer.

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Northern Ireland have reached their best-ever Federation Internationale de Football Association ranking of 26th.

Argentina’s recent performances in World Cup qualifying have helped them end Belgium’s five-month-long reign at the summit of football’s world ranking which began when the Red Devils snatched pole position from Argentina back in November 2015.

Wales, as mentioned, fell from 17th to 21st, while Scotland move up five places to 40th following their victories over Denmark and the Czech Republic. England fell one spot to 10th and the Republic of Ireland dropped two positions to 31st.

A lack of matches has resulted in New Zealand spiralling 12 places to 161st in the latest monthly rankings, surpassing their previous low ranking of 159th late a year ago.

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Close behind, Chile move into third (up two places), Colombia fourth (up four) and Uruguay jump to ninth (up two) to strengthen the South American grip on the top 10. This is despite being the only home nation not to qualify for Euro 2016.

Northern Ireland