By Kang Seung-woo
Korea has moved up to 27th in the world rankings released Wednesday amid the dominance of European nations.
FIFA, world football’s governing body, announced that the Taeguk Warriors are on 763 points in the September ratings, up two spots from August on the back of last month’s victory in a friendly against Zambia. Choi Kang-hee’s side won 2-1 thanks to a Lee Keun-ho brace on Aug. 16 in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province.
Korea, an eight-time World Cup qualifier, broke the top 30 for the first time this year in July when placed 28th.
Japan led the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) countries at 23rd, while Australia stands at 25th.
Spain, the reigning World Cup champions, has kept its No. 1 spot since September last year, while Germany, England and Portugal take up the the next three positions. Uruguay, one of only two non-European countries with No. 7 Argentina, round out the top five.
Uzbekistan, who will face Korea next week in a qualifier for the Brazil World Cup, suffered a seven-spot drop to 70th.