Greece set to rise to 54th in FIFA Rankings
Following three consecutive wins in the concluding UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers, Greece are set to rise to 54th place of the FIFA World Rankings.
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Unfortunately, nine points from the final three qualifiers didn’t help Greece make Euro 2020, but those victories could have a big impact on the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. At the moment, there is no definitive information concerning the seeding process for the World Cup qualifications, but there is a large possibility that the FIFA/UEFA Rankings will decide the seedings for the draw. Results of the upcoming UEFA Nations League - set to begin next September - might also have a bearing on the seedings.
As a result of defeating Finland 2-1 on Monday, Greece are set to move up to 54th in the FIFA Rankings and 30th in the UEFA Rankings, overtaking the Finns. This would mean that Greece are placed in Pot 3 for the 2022 World Cup qualification draw instead of Pot 4 - in the event that the FIFA Rankings are used for the seeding.
The official FIFA Rankings will be released on November 28.
Gazzetta.gr have stated that Greece will indeed be in 54th spot when the FIFA Rankings are officially revealed:
48. Jamaica
49. Bosnia and Herzegovina
50. Scotland
51. Egypt
52. Hungary
53. Cameroon
54. Greece
55. Qatar
56. Mali
57. D.R. Congo
58. Finland
It must also be noted that Greece’s next competitive game will take place in September 20, but Finland will be playing at Euro 2020 - meaning they have a golden opportunity to gain more points for the FIFA/UEFA Rankings. There are less ranking points awarded for friendly games.
The Hellenic Football Federation will surely take the Nations League more seriously in 2020. Last year, Greece were incredibly close to securing a Euro 2020 qualification playoff spot, but the Ethniki Omada contrived to lose 1-0 at home to lowly Estonia. A draw in that game would have guaranteed Greece a place in the Euro 2020 qualifying playoffs.
