WHILE Qatar was relishing its best ever performance in Olympics after winning two gold medals and a silver medal at the Tokyo Games, more glad tidings reached sports enthusiasts of the country after FIFA released the latest World Rankings where Asian champions Qatar were the biggest gainers.
After an outstanding run of form for months, Felix Sanchez-coached Qatar made a giant jump of 16 spots to 42nd in the latest FIFA rankings. With the largest climb of the month, Qatar also equaled their highest ever position in the FIFA World Ranking, which dates back to the first edition in 1993.
Qatar is the fifth best ranked Asian side in the world rankings. Japan remained Asia’s No 1 side after improving four spots to 24th, following their unbeaten run in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
Islamic Republic of Iran are second on the list with 26th position while Australia, who jumped to 35th after climbing six spots, are third, ahead of fourth-placed Korea Republic, who improved three rungs to 36th.
Al Annabi’s significant jump in the FIFA rankings was on the cards after their brilliant performance at the recently-concluded Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) Gold Cup where they made their debut.
The Asian champions – entering the high profile tournament as a guest side – reached the semi-finals stage after a remarkable show. They went down against hosts and eventual champions USA (0-1) in the semi-finals after a late goal in the thrilling match. Prior to the semi-finals, Qatar proved their mettle with thumping wins over Grenada (4-0), Honduras (2-0) and El Salvador (3-2). They became only the second Asian side after South
Korea to reach to the last four stage of the Gold Cup.
Qatar have been in fine form this year and in fact, the defeat to USA was their first loss in 2021. Out of 11 international matches, the FIFA World Cup 2022 hosts have recorded eight victories and two draws. Qatar’s best ever rankings and their recent results are crucial as it would give a lot of confidence to the players, who are gearing up for a hectic and important season before the home FIFA World Cup.
The Sanchez-coached side is now preparing for next month’s European Qualifiers ahead of the inaugural FIFA Arab Cup in November-December. The team will enter the home tournament as one of the favourites because of their astonishing form. Qatar players and the team management are putting a lot of efforts to bring improvement and their continuous hardwork and determination are bringing them among the top football sides of the world.
