Norway have failed to win either of the first two games of the year and slip down to 44th place on Fifa’s list of the world’s highest-ranked men’s national football teams.
Last month, Ståle Solbakken’s team lost 0-3 against Spain and played 1-1 against Georgia. In both away matches, Norway had a poor result and found themselves heavily behind in qualifying for the European Championship.
The Fifa ranking which has been freed Thursday was the first since December. Also on the previous list, there was a drop when Norway fell to 43rd place.
Since the last time, Argentina took first place. The reigning world champions are first ahead of France, while Brazil are third after being forced out of the lead role.
Denmark in 19th place are the highest ranked team from the Nordic countries, but have been overtaken by Senegal. Sweden follows three notches behind.
Top 10 (last position in brackets):
1) Argentina 1840.93 (2), 2) France 1838.45 (3), 3) Brazil 1834.21 (1), 4) Belgium 1792.53 (4), 5) England 1792.43 (5), 6) Netherlands 1731.23 (6), 7) Croatia 1730.02 (7), 8) Italy 1713.66 (8), 9) Portugal 1707.22 (9), 10) Spain 1682.85 (10).
… 44) Norway 1463.77 (43).
(© NTB)