Holland have lost ground on Spain in the FIFA world rankings following a 3-2 defeat to Sweden in a Euro 2012 qualifier earlier this month.

The Dutch still occupy second place behind Spain, who recorded a 23rd consecutive home victory, beating Scotland in their final qualifying match.

But Bert van Marwijk’s side suffered the biggest points drop of any nation in the rankings – losing 146.

The Republic of Ireland, who face Estonia in a qualification play-off next month, are up four places to 25th, Scotland managed to move up one place to 51st despite missing out on qualification after their defeat to Spain, while Northern Ireland dropped 14 places to 84th.

The biggest gain was made by Wales, who ended their Euro 2012 qualifiers on a high with victories over Switzerland and Bulgaria. Gary Speed’s team earned 245 points, enough to move them up 45 places to 45th.

England moved up one place to seventh, while Greece nudged up three places to sit in eighth after booking their qualification for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/dutch-dip-as-ireland-rise-four-places-in-world-rankings-524906.html#ixzz1bDxEcFAa