Socceroos move up in FIFA World Rankings after Asian Cup victory

Australia jumped 37 places in the FIFA World Rankings to occupy rank 63 in the world, following their triumph in the Asian Cup.

Australia needed extra time to beat South Korea in the final last month, losing only one match throughout the whole competition.

Iran remain the top-ranked side in the AFC, moving up 10 places to 41 despite the side being knocked out of the tournament in the quarter finals by surprise package Iraq (up 20 places to 94).

Losing finalists South Korea are now the second ranked Asian side, having climbed 15 places to 54, and have surpassed continent giants Japan (down one to 55).  Other movers include China who moved up 14 places to 82, while Qatar dropped 17 places to 109 following a disastrous Asian Cup experience.

Ivory Coast breached the top 20 following a dramatic victory in the recent Africa Cup of Nations while minnows Equatorial Guinea moved 69 places into the top 50, after reaching the semi-final of the competition.

There were no changes at the top of the rankings with Germany maintaining top spot, ahead of Argentina, Colombia, Belgium and the Netherlands.