GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI IS still feeling the sting of last month’s German horror show as the Republic of Ireland plummeted eight places in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
The 6-1 debacle in Dublin nearly cost Trapattoni his job and today it cost Ireland their place in world football’s top 30 as they fell from 28th to 36th – their lowest ranking in almost two years.
The last time Ireland slumped to 36th was in December 2010 when their Euro 2012 qualification bid seemed to come off the rails with defeat at home to Russia and a draw in Slovakia.
At the top of the standings, it’s as you were where World and double European champions Spain still lead the way from Jogi Loew’s German side.
Argentina move up one space to third at the expense of Portugal, who drop to fourth, while Italy rise three places to break into the top five.
England, Netherlands, Colombia, Russia and Croatia complete the remainder of the top 10.
Greece, who visit Dublin for a friendly next Wednesday, drop two places to 12th while Ireland’s next competitive opponents Sweden drop two to 23rd.
