Despite gaining only one point after two recent matches at the qualifiers of the Asian Cup 2011, the Vietnam national squad has still jumped four grades, ranking 130th in the FIFA world ranking for men’s team in November.

Thailand, with a 3-1 win over Singapore in the first leg match of the qualifiers round of the Asian Cup 2011, also moved three steps up, ranking 107th and staying firmly the first position in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, winning 1-0 over Thailand in the second leg of the qualifiers round together with gaining the title at the Ho Chi Minh City International Football Championship, Singapore gained eight grades, ranking 111th.

In Asia, Australia climbed up three grades, standing at 21st position in the FIFA rankings and maintaining the first position in the region, leaving Japan - the second-ranking squad in Asia - behind with 22 grades.

Ending the race to gain tickets to the finals of the World Cup 2010 in South Africa with the maximum points, Spain passed Brazil to return to the first position of the world while Portugal (five grades up) and France (two grades up) also benefited from their victories in recent play-offs to gain their tickets to South Africa. (AFF).