Approximately how long will it take the Socceroos to get into the top 20?

Answer 1

If we were to use the current team as a guideline then perhaps another 4 to 8 yrs (one to two more WC's) as they will not be playing the Oceania sides that were mentioned above now that they are a part of the Asian Confederation. But the reality is we are going to be losing a lot of players to retirement that were pivotal in our improvement and success over the past few years and this world cup. So we are going to be rebuilding, adjusting to those losses and starting again. The loss of Hiddink is an absolute blow. The thing right now is to maintain the ranking we have and improve on it realistically over time and not to go backwards. They may not be seen as a threat by most of the world, but we here just love and appreciate them for who they are, the enjoyment they give us and of course because we understand how much they have improved themselves and how hard they have worked to do that. They don't have to be WC champions to be hero's in our eyes, they already are and I am proud that Australians still see it that way.

Answer 2

The results speak for themselves. They are at least in the top 16 by advancing to the second round of the World Cup. They also nearly took that second game against Italy to overtime, and would've if not for a bad call. Who knows what would have happened? World Cup results speak louder than any FIFA ranking. The FIFA rankings are flawed, and that's just looking at the parts of the ranking system that are revealed. Try the ELO ratings, which are much more objective and are fully explained. They have been used for other sports also. Also, the Socceroos' rating has been affected by playing weak competition in Oceania. That will change, however, since they have joined the Asian Federation and will be able to prove themselves against Korea, Japan, etc. instead of Fiji, American Samoa, etc. That should put them in a more respectable position although I think they are already a top 20 team.

Answer 3

They had an excellent coach with Guus Hiddink. This guy is good for getting the best out of his teams. Look what he did with South Korea, which is certainly not a football superpower, in 2002. But then look again, how South Korea played this World Cup without Hiddink.
I think without a competitive domestic league it will be difficult to establish a good natinal team. And as long as football just is one of many sports in Australia behind Aussie rules football or Cricket, the Socceroos might be able to play a good game or tournament once in a while, but they will never be a real challenge for the South American or European countries where football is the one and only sport.

Answer 4

The FIFA rankings are based on results of all internationals over the prior four years (with more weighting for tournament matches over a friendly); the relative rankings of the opponents; the relative performance of the confederation (in Australia's case that is the Asian confederation) in the previous three world cups; and the number of matches played per year. Given this, It is likley that it will take a very long time for Australia to crack the Top 20...if ever.

Answer 5

Now that they're in the Asian Confederation things are gonna change... but I'm a realist so I won't hold my breath!! GO THE SOCCEROOS!!

Answer 6

they never will because the system is rigged in favour of big European countries. Australia got to the final 16 in the World Cup but only ranked 31? Explain that

Answer 7

It is unlikely that they will play enough decent opposition to rise quickly up FIFA rankings. FIFA rankings take into account the quality of the opposition. Playing Western Samoa, Fiji and Pitcairn Islands will never equate, Mexico, Holland and Paraguay.

Answer 8

I would think 2 more years:(

Answer 9

i hope soon it will be great.
GO SOCCEROOS