France top new-style FIFA rankings but Germany slip to 15th
ZURICH: World champions France predictably shot to the top of the FIFA rankings published on Thursday while previous leaders Germany slumped to 15th after their humiliating first round exit in Russia.
The rankings were the first to be issued since France beat Croatia 4-2 in the World Cup final on July 15 and also the first since FIFA replaced its much-criticised previous formula.
France were followed by Belgium, the team they beat 1-0 in the semi-finals, with Brazil dropping one place to third after their quarter-final exit against the Belgians. Surprise finalists Croatia leapt from 20th to fourth.
KROOS SLAMS OZIL
BERLIN: Germany midfielder Toni Kroos says Mesut Ozil was “out of order” to make accusations of racism within the German set up as he retired from international football last month.
“Basically, Mesut is a longserving national team player and deserved a better exit as a footballer,” Kroos, 28, told German daily Bild.
“I have played with Mesut for many years and know that he is a nice guy. But the way he retired was out of order.”
INDIA IN U-15 SAFF FINAL
THIMPU: The Indian U-15 girl’s team progressed to the final of the SAFF U-15 Championship after defeating Nepal 2-1 in the semi-finals at the Changlimithang Stadium here on Thursday.
Lynda Kom’s 31st minute strike followed by Kritina Devi’s 58th minute goal led the Indian Women to a hard-fought win over a determined Nepalese side, after the opponents had found the net in 37th minute through Rajani Thokar.
LA LIGA GAMES IN US?
MADRID: La Liga’s organising body announced on Thursday that it plans to hold regular season Spanish top flight games in the United States in the future.
European clubs and leagues have increased their presence in the United States in recent years as they seek to make a dent in the country’s vast sports market.
La Liga did not give any details on when the first game across the Atlantic was set to take place.