Following the dramatic 0-1 defeat to Greece last month, Malta lost seven places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking which was published on Wednesday and is now 163rd.

Among the other European countries, Malta is still 51st. Lying ahead of Malta are Azerbaijan (107, down 7), Wales (115, up 1), Iceland (116, down 1), Luxembourg (126, down 9), Faroe Islands (136, down 1), Kazakhstan (140, down 8 ) and Liechtenstein (153, down 10). Andorra and San Marino are both ranked 202nd.

The next game for Malta is another EURO 2012 qualifier against Greece on June 4, away from home.

Meanwhile Spain and World Cup finalists Netherlands continue to stride clear atop of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, thanks to victories in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying. There was, however, significant movement below them on the latest instalment of the global ladder. Brazil (3rd, up 2) have reclaimed a podium position, while Germany (4th, down 1) and Argentina (5th, down 1) have lost ground.

Italy (9th, up 2) have returned to the top ten after an absence of seven months. The 2006 world champions’ good form continued last month with victories over Slovenia, their main rivals in the EURO 2012 qualifiers, and Ukraine. Italy’s progress is at the expense of Greece, who have slipped to 12th following two months in the top ten.

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