Russia returned to the top 30 in the latest FIFA world ranking of men's national football squads published Thursday, placing 27th after months of stagnation in a lower position.
Russia climbed five spots to 27th, benefitting from the 3-0 victory it was awarded after an abandoned 2016 UEFA European Championship qualifier against Montenegro in March. Referees were forced to stop the match midway through the second half because of skirmishes between players and unrest in the crowd. Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev was struck in the head by a flare shortly after kickoff. The object had been thrown from the Montenegrin fan section.
Defending World Cup champion Germany remains in first place of the ranking, followed by Argentina, the tournament's runner-up.
After exiting the 2014 World Cup without winning a match, Team Russia slipped to 23rd in the ranking after having held the 19th place prior to the tournament.
The country held its all-time best FIFA ranking in April 1996, finishing third after successful qualifications for the European Championship.
Team Russia will play its next match against the Belarussian squad in June.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
