In a development that should delight local football fans, Qatar yesterday jumped to number 88 on the FIFA computer, an impressive rise of 26 spots in just eight months. According to rankings released by FIFA yesterday, Qatar have improved a couple of notches — from 90 to 88 — after picking up crucial points following a win against Vietnam during a 2014 World Cup qualifying match played in late July. Qatar were number 114 in December last year, their lowest spot ever in the history of world rankings. Qatar were ranked 94th two months ago. Also yesterday, the Netherlands took top spot at the expense of world and European champions Spain in the latest FIFA rankings. Spain had held the position for over a year but a 2-1 friendly loss to Italy ensured the Dutch — World Cup runners-up — became the seventh team to occupy the top spot since rankings were created. Qatar’s best climb in FIFA rankings was 51 in 1993, when 167 associations formed the FIFA family. Today, FIFA has 208 member associations and Qatar are ranked number 88. http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/162600-qatar-rise-in-fifa-rankings-as-dutch-topple-spain.html

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