Is there anything in the world more pointless than having a pet rock? Why yes there is, and it's called the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking for international soccer teams.
The rankings are always flawed, hold pretty much no importance and are simply a way to annoy people and get them talking. All ring true for July's rankings.
The US, probably a top 20 national team, is ranked 34th, falling seven spots from the rankings done on June 4th. The United States has beaten the Netherlands (No. 5), Germany (No. 2), Honduras (No. 80) and Guatemala (No. 105) this summer. US player Mix Diskerud doesn't approve.
Coca Cola ranks us #34 Down from last month's #27 While we did nothing but win! (NED,GER,GUA+HON) Who'll rank The Next Generation? Pepsi?— Mix Diskerud (@MixDiskerud) July 9, 2015
Here are some more gems:
- Argentina is ranked No. 1 in the world after losing the Copa America final in penalty kicks to Chile on July 4.
- Colombia is No. 4 in the world. One would assume that means they are one of the top teams in their region of South America, if not the best. Oh, but Colombia didn't even finish in the top four at the Copa America, going out in the quarterfinals.
- The Netherlands has a rich history and are always a solid team. But how did they move up one spot to No. 5 after losing to the United States at home?
- The rankings list Wales as the No. 10 team in the world. Need I say more?
- The US is ranked just ahead of countries like Albania, Northern Ireland and Iran. Not teams near the quality of the US. The Americans deserve to be surrounded by nations such as England and Croatia.
Now while this won't make US fans very happy, it may help: Mexico is ranked No. 40. But you can't tell me Iran is better than Mexico and Costa Rica (No. 41).
FIFA never disappoints. Well, actually, it always does.
