Red Devils maintain fourth place in FIFA rankings

Belgium’s national football team remains fourth in the Fifa world ranking published on Thursday. With 1,417 points, the Red Devils had a chance to overtake Colombia (1,450) for third place, but would have needed a victory in the European Championship qualifier against Wales, which ended in a goalless draw. Belgium coach Marc Wilmots (pictured) felt his team had played well but luck was not on their side.

Former Dutch player and manager Johan Boskamp reacted with surprise to the high ranking, and said he did not believe Belgium were the fourth best team in the world. "The ranking says nothing. If Belgium were to play against Brazil, for example, they would be completely outplayed. At the World Cup, they were among the top eight," Boskamp said in Het Belang van Limburg.

Germany are world champions with 1,725 points, followed by former world champions Argentina (1,538), Columbia and Belgium. The Netherlands (1,374) complete the top five.

The next Fifa ranking will be published on 18 December.