Bangladesh progress three steps in FIFA rankings

Bangladesh jumped three steps in the FIFA ranking ladder and are now ranked 184th after FIFA updated the standings yesterday. 

The leap in the standings come after Bangladesh won the Mujib Borsho FIFA International Friendly series against Nepal this month. Bangladesh won the series 1-0 after defeating the tourists 2-0 in the first game on November 13 while playing out a goalless draw in the second and final game on November 17 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. 

As a result of the series win, Jamie Day's troops saw their rating points increase by six points -- from 914 to 920. 

Lionel Messi's Argentina, who won three of their last four World Cup qualifying fixtures, have also seen an improvement in the FIFA ranking. Argentina jumped one place in the ranking and sit seventh in the order. Brazil, however, despite winning all four of their World Cup qualifiers, still remain third in the ranking.

Also, Roberto Mancini has led a resurgent Italy back into the top 10 of the FIFA rankings after a long four-year absence from the elite group. Italy climbed from 12th to 10th place in the ranking after a 22-match unbeaten run.