So, we’ve missed the next world cup, and don’t have a permanent head coach, but on a bright note, Canada has been rewarded with its improved play under Steve Hart, despite not playing any matches since the past Gold Cup. We’ve risen 13 spots to No. 53 which is our highest ranking since October 2007 when we were 51. How is it that we’ve gone up in the rankings without playing? FIFA’s ranking system, which takes into account four factors to determine points to be awarded to count to rankings :
- Match result
- Match status
- Opposition strength
- Regional strength
Teams’ scores result from points gained over each calendar year. While matches from the previous four years are considered, more weight is given to recent ones. Teams must have played at least 5 matches within the last twelve months to gain ranking points. So, our poor results in WCQ are weighted less, with more weight to the recent Gold Cup matches.
The only problem is nothing meaningful is on the horizon for our little soccer nation. Canada needs to keep on playing though so we will be well seeded no matter what time period is taken into account going into seeding for the NEXT WCQ. I’ve heard rumblings about an upcoming friendly v. Macedonia. And, with the WC10 upcoming, Canada should be able to find opponents seeking to warm up.
