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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Scotland rise in FIFA World rankings as historic Spain triumph sees Steve Clarke's side shoot up table

Scotland have risen in the FIFA World rankings after a sensational start to the EURO 2024 campaign.

Steve Clarke's men capped off a comfortable 3-0 win against Cyprus which saw John McGinn and Scott McTominay on target with a historic 2-0 victory over Spain at Hampden Park. It was to be a night to remember at the national stadium as the Manchester United star proved crucial in securing six points from six in the campaign hoping to reach Germany.

It was Clarke's squad who broke Scotland's major tournament hoodoo after that famous night in Serbia sealed a place at the EURO 2020 finals. The Tartan Army drew with the Auld Enemy in England, who they will face again later this year, but were beaten by Croatia and the Czech Republic.

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Yet recent results have boosted Scotland in the official FIFA rankings as the Scots moved from their previous position of 42nd up to 36th. Scotland now have a total of 1500.52 points and are ahead of the likes of EURO 2024 rivals Norway, Ireland and World Cup side Ecuador.

It is the highest position in the table since May 2018 when Scotland sat in 34th place. The highest spot in the last decade was occupied by Gordon Strachan's team in 2014 when the Scots sat in 22nd place.

It will be a huge boost to Clarke's side heading in to the business end of the qualifying campaign, with a tough trip to potentially face superstar Erling Haaland and Norway in June before hosting minnows Georgia.

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