Teams show improvement in latest FIFA World ranking

Following an impressive run in stage one of the Digicel Caribbean Cup this year, many of the teams have raised their position in the official FIFA World rankings which were updated on October 20th.{{more}}

The six teams – Guyana, Suriname, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Kitts & Nevis, Puerto Rico and Dominica – who are now through to stage two of the Digicel Caribbean Cup have all improved their standing in both the FIFA and CONCACAF official world rankings. Dominica – winner of Group D have jumped a staggering 46 places, followed closely by Group A winners, Puerto Rico, increasing by 41 places. Both teams are now positioned 132nd and 129th in the world, respectively.

Whilst St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and St. Kitts & Nevis all leapt by 27, 24, and 22 places respectively, it is Guyana’s skip to number 98 in the world that has caused the most controversy. Following their wins against Suriname, the Netherlands Antilles and St. Lucia, the Golden Jaguars gained 148 points and are now ranked in their highest ever position and six places ahead of Trinidad & Tobago. In addition, Guyana are number eight in the CONCACAF rankings – also ahead of Trinidad & Tobago who are ninth in the confederation.

However, the Soca Warriors will have their chance to change all that next month when they host Group F of the Digicel Caribbean Cup and take on the Golden Jaguars and Haiti as well as Group B runners-up, St. Vincent & the Grenadines in the Hasely Crawford Stadium from November 2nd to November 6th.

Of the 15 teams who took part in stage one of the Digicel Caribbean Cup 2010, ten improved their positions in both the FIFA and CONCACAF official rankings.

Group E is the first to kick off stage two and takes place in Grenada from October 22nd to October 26th in the National Stadium – with the hosts taking on St. Kitts & Nevis, Guadeloupe, and Group A winners, Puerto Rico.

Group G will be played in Antigua & Barbuda where the hosts will face Group D winners, Dominica, Group C runners-up, Suriname and Cuba from November 10th to November 14th, at the Antigua Recreation Grounds.

The top two teams in each Group will proceed to the finals and join current cup-holders, Jamaica, and hosts, Martinique, on November 26th where this year’s Digicel Caribbean Cup champions will be named.