FIFA Rankings: Bermuda Now 109th
The new FIFA rankings were released today [Nov.23] and Bermuda has climbed up to 109th place, a jump of 80 places in the last eight weeks.
In October 2011 Bermuda was ranked in 132nd place, in September 2011, Bermuda was in 189th place, and in August 2011 Bermuda was in 185th place. FIFA statistics show that the last time Bermuda was ranked this low was in 2006.
Earlier this month FIFA carried a very positive review on the Bermuda National Football Team saying, “Traditionally one of the lower-ranked teams in North, Central America and the Caribbean zone, Bermuda have been making exciting strides of late. Trinidad and Tobago, a giant of the region who reached the FIFA World Cup™ in 2006, can surely attest to the Bermudans’ improvement as they were recently beaten by the Gombey Warriors for the second qualifying campaign on the trot.
“Led by captain and former New England Revolution winger Khano Smith and USA-based goal ace John Barry Nusum, the island of just under 65,000 inhabitants is out of the running for a place in Brazil 2014, but they showed great improvement in their most recent outings. A draw against Group B leaders Guyana and a shock 2-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago on 7 October has seen the Atlantic islanders leap up the FIFA/Coca-Cola world ranking as well.
“Bermuda were the best mover on the global ranking ladder for October, jumping up no fewer than 57 places in the competitive pecking order from 189 to 132. Their current position sees them approach their best-ever spot, 84th, achieved all the way back when the global ranking was established in 1993.”
Congratulations to the entire ‘Family of Football’in Bermuda! A special thank you to all who continue to support their clubs and the BFA.
Now we need to play more international matches, which I know is not going to easy money wise. We, the public need to support and don’t ask for hand out from Government.
Agreed, I second that motion.
We do need public support, I agree. But there should have been plenty of money in the pot to support an initiative like the one you are suggesting. Just imagine, if the PLP clawed back that 10M that was overpaid on that TCD fiasco, we would have plenty of money for this.
..or the docks
.. or BHC
..or the new Govt Building
You get my drift.
Congratulations to all of the footballers for your hardwork and dedication ! I am immensely proud of you all.
You couldn’t be accurate with your statement that the public need to support International matches. Most people that have been involved in football and in particular the cooridnation of incoming International teams are aware of the cost involved. They would also be aware of the staggering financial losses that come along with it, largely because of low attendances and corresponding low gate receipts.In recent years we have had several top teams visit Bermuda with poor support from local fans.The most notable being the Santos FC (Brazils most storied football club) tour which came at a huge loss to the organizers. So there you have fellas,on the one hand Bermuda could benefit from additional exposure but unless the expsure is financial viable it’s not in the cards.
imagine what we could do if the team was allowed to prepare properly. internationally based players would be more willing to participate if there was a proper program in place. I am grateful for paul scope’s continued support of the bermuda hogges. Thank You Scope!!!!!!!
Playing an 18 game schedule against teams that would beat 80% of all countries in the CFU is preparing properly.I have heard this rather amateurish and boorish argument and the facts don’t support the argument. Take a look at the Hogges (de-fact Bermuda National team by design)win-loss record in the USL PDL leaguee. Clearly the oppsotion was good comparitatively speaking. Show me a National team that plays 18 games in a calendar year–seriously I want to see it. This National team was well prepared.
You need to also thank the BFA for their FINANCIAL and administrative support of Paul Scholes and the Hogges.Without it, there would not be a Hogges!
The Hogges and the BFA have been almost one in the same over the past several years. This wasn’t an accident, it was by design and very much a part of the BFA’s plans (Read Them). It was a proper program. Get the facts before making misleading statements that just plain wrong!
Seriously? The BFA have had operational control of the Hogges since December 2009. Since that time the Hogges have been preparing a senior national team. That is in fact 32 matches and over $200k.
Please get the facts before you post.
scope a private citizen has invested/gifted $500,000 of his own money and stated that the team will fold because he is unwilling to continue paying the LIONS share. Any succes the hogges have had is inspite of BFA involvement not because of it. For example the players were not aware that bermuda was going to enter the qualifiers until a few months before they began. I am pleased with the players that participated they repped bermy well.
Your $500k estimate includes the two years the Hogges where in existence before any agreement with the BFA; since the signing of the agreement (Dec 2009) the BFA has contributed $250k cash and another $200k in management in running the Hogges. Which include Match Day management, travel and accommodation bookings, coaching staff, training facilities etc etc. And that will continue I am sure. Stop being cavalier with the truth.
If the BFA does actually manage to implement a coherent national programme (u14, u17, u20/23 and senior) its not clear that their will be scope/resources/need to maintain its current level of involvement with the Hogges.
If it comes down to a choice between recognized national team matches versus the USL PDL which should we choose?
We have seen already that programs suffer in order to continue with the Hogges. Can anyone remember the withdrawal from the Olympic qualifiers?
@Foolishness–you where the title well.