Socceroos stay in top 30

Despite the past month being a relative quiet one on the international front, the Socceroos have slipped one spot in the first FIFA rankings of 2009 to number 29.

Despite the past month being a relative quiet one on the international front, the Socceroos have slipped one spot in the first FIFA rankings of 2009 to number 29.

Côte d-Ivoire moved up two places in the rankings, accruing 14 points, despite bizarrely not playing a single game in the rankings period, which moved them above both Bulgaria and Australia.

Australia still remains top dog in Asia, with Japan moving up one spot to number 34 thanks to Serbia-s slip of five places.

Australia commences its 2009 international programme with a 2011 Asian Cup qualifier away in Indonesia on January 28, followed by a 2010 World Cup qualifier in Japan on February 11.

There was no change in the top 10 positions, with Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Brazil making up the top five.

Click here for more information on the FIFA Rankings, including how the points are calculated each month.