The Santiago Times reports that FIFA has released its world rankings for soccer (or fútbol). Chile ranked #12 in the world, with neighbor Argentina in the #10 spot. The highest ranked South American team is no surprise. Uruguay sits at #4, Brazil falling a little lower at #6. World Cup Champions, Spain are ranked #1 in the world. The United States, by the way, has sunk to #33, sandwiched between Algeria and Peru. For the full table, click here.
In terms of World Cup Qualifications, Chile (or Las Rojas) are in fifth place out of nine. They play ninth place Bolivia on June 2nd this year.
Recent success is evidenced by superstar Alexis Sánchez’ move to FC Barcelona in mid-2011 and the very recent transfer of tri-Champion Universidad de Chile star Eduardo Vargas to Italian side Napoli. La U was ranked #7 in the world earlier this year by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics.
Needless to say, it’s an exciting time for Chile’s national sport of fútbol. It won’t be difficult to know if Chile does well against any of their opponents. Listen out your window for the ever-present chants of diehard fans: Chi-Chi-Chi! Le-Le-Le! Viva Chile!
– Adam Fleischer –
