Russia opens New Year at lucky 13 in FIFA rankings
Despite booking a spot at the Euro 2012 and topping their qualifying group
in the process, Russia have slipped down a place in the latest FIFA World
rankings, published on Wednesday.
Dick Advocaat's charges are now in 13th, giving way to Chile. The Dutchman
will probably not care too much though, as long as the Euro 2008 semi-finalists
give a similar showing this summer in Ukraine and Poland.
Meanwhile the top ten remain unchanged, with World and European Champions
Spain at the summit, followed by the Netherlands, Germany and Uruguay.
On Wednesday it was also revealed that Arshavin and Company will meet
Italy, Uruguay and France in 2012 friendlies. The first two sides are
regarded as the main test ahead of the Euro 2012, while France will take
on Sbornaya in Paris in August.
'We have pledged to choose strong opponents for friendly games, and we
keep our promises,' President of the Russian Football Union Sergey Fursenko
stressed in a statement on the issue.
