England up to #6 in world... Czech Rep up to #2!

[redsoxliberal]

http://fifa.com/en/mens/statistics/index/0,2548,All-Apr-2005,00.html


My personal thinking on the current 5 best teams in the world:

1. Czech Republic
2. England
3. Brazil
4. Argentina
5. Netherlands

[musiclawyer]

1. Brazil not #1?

I know these ranking are somewhat absurd, even the fancy FIFA ones compiled by computer, but not putting Brazil at the top takes balls. England is not #2 sorry. More than just the Czech Republic , at full strength, can beat them at full strength on an average day more often than not. I agree with FIFA on this one. I also don' think the USA is a top 10 team right now either. Too much uncertainty in the back line. Eddie Pope is past his prime. Cherundulo is too small. Bocanegra is the only world class defender they have right now who can start on other top 10 teams. But I like Coach Arena. I think he'll find the right back line and have a top 10 team by this time next year. I expect the USA to qualify and get to the knock out round in Germany unless they get stuck in a group of death.

[redsoxliberal]

4. germany over usa takes bigger balls than cr over brazil

I don't think Germany are the #20... probably a little higher like 15... but imho they are certainly worse than the usa at this point. Ballack and Kahn are very good, but getting up there, and no one is really preparing to take over.
As far as CR being #1... they are better than anyone in the world right now... They are the hottest team, and, while not the most talented, they would win the world cup if it was played now. Brazil is only #1 b/c this ranking system allows results from 8 years back... and in that time Brazil was always an elite team, while the czechs have not been.
England may shock a lot of people in 06. Yes, we all know they were eliminated in 04 euro by portugal, but remember they should have gone through to the semis if it had not been for one of the worst calls in years.
Now, with Rooney and Owen, two world class strikers up front, along with rio ferdinand, sol campell, ashley cole et al in the back they also have imho the best midfield in the world. Lampard has developed incredibly in the past 2 years... to becoming one of the best in europe. Gerrard and Becks have been incredible for a couple of years for England, and now we have Joe Cole joining them... IMHO easily the best in the world.

[Kellanved]

2. the fifa ranking is complete BS

I would put Argentina at #1, Brazil at #2. I don't see the Czech Republic, Mexico or for that matter England anywhere near the top10.

[musiclawyer]

3. Czech Republic can beat anyone

on any given day. They are legitimate top 5. Mexico, I agree is not top 10 material. Like the USA, they are top 20 at the moment. I think the FIFA ranking way undervalue African teams.

[redsoxliberal]

6. agree

[redsoxliberal]

5. wow, cr and england not in the top 10???

i really don't understand.