Hong Kong climb Fifa rankings to 142 after good recent form, China become Asia’s fourth best team
Hong Kong climb five places in official rankings as good form continues
The men’s national team is on a good run of form having not lost a match since the 2-0 reversal against Lebanon in Asian Cup qualifying at the end of March.
Since then they have played seven times, including three further Asian Cup qualifying matches, and four regional friendly clashes, without suffering defeat. They have also won their last two games without conceding a goal and boast three wins from their last four outings.
The jump sees them ranked the 26th best team in Asia ahead of Taiwan and Singapore.
Hong Kong’s recent 2-0 win over Malaysia ensured that they kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2019 Asian Cup, which will be held in UAE. With two matches to play in their four-team group, they currently sit second with a home match against group leaders Lebanon to come in May, before the final match of their qualifying campaign against third placed North Korea in Pyongyang, a fixture that could prove pivotal in their bid to reach the tournament.
Hong Kong’s highest world ranking was achieved in 1994 when they reached No 98 in the world.
China also climbed the rankings to improve five places to No 57 in the world, the fourth highest rated Asian team.
There was no change at the top of the ranking with Germany maintaining their number one spot ahead of Brazil and European champions Portugal.
