Japan leapfrog Iran, Australia into top spot

AFC - Asian champions Japan have leapfrogged Iran and Australia into top position in the latest FIFA World Ranking for the month of May, less than a month before the AFC Asian Cup™ kicks off in Bangkok.

Japan, who are aiming for an AFC Asian Cup™ treble, rose four spots in the Asian section of the rankings to climb atop the ladder in 40th position. Iran slipped down six rungs to rest in second at 47th. Australia (down 6;48th) are now in third.

Japan played two friendlies recently against weighty opponents recently, winning one against Montenegro (2-0) and drawing one with Colombia (0-0), while Australia lost to Uruguay (2-1). Iran played and lost to Mexico 4-0 in a warm-up.

Korea Republic (51st) are just outside the top-50 while Uzbekistan are 58th.

Of the four AFC Asian Cup 2007™ co-hosts, Malaysia (up 7;149th) and Indonesia (up 6;143rd) made significant upward movement while Thailand (down 2; 122nd) and Vietnam (down 3; 142nd) skidded down the rankings.