The FIVB has updated the World Rankings as of January 4th, 2012:
Please click image to enlarge.
MEN
WOMEN
The only thing we’d like to say about the revised world rankings is that Germany has a good shot of qualifying for 2012 London. How? Well, Italy has already qualified after winning the 2011 World Cup. Russia or Serbia has a good shot of winning the European Olympic Qualification which means the top 2 European teams Russia/ Serbia + Germany will head to Japan for the World Olympic Qualification tournament which is the final tourney for any team to fulfill their Olympic Dreams.
BUT let’s not forget Turkey who has the ammunition to surprise us.
Europe has lots of strong teams so it’s a challenge for any team to make it to the Olympics!
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The FIVB gods and goddesses have released the World Rankings for Men and Women as of January 15th, 2011. Awesome!
MEN:
As expected, Brazil remains as the #1 team in the world after a winning all the major tournaments in the 2010, ie World League and World Championship. Giba and team are followed by Russia, Serbia and Cuba. Coach Alan Knipe and team USA dropped to #5 from #3 after a forgettable 2010 season. USA failed to qualify in the Final Round of the World League and finished 6th at the World Champs. On the other hand, Jan Stoke and his Czech Republic teammates can celebrate this weekend as their country is climbing up the chart. Czech Rep performed really well at the World Championship and the team is a rising power in Europe.
Sadly, The Netherlands is now ranked #26. Sad. Hope the team bounces back this season.
To SEE the Complete List, click THIS.
WOMEN:
Brazil, USA & Japan are still the top 3 teams in the world. The 10 teams remain pretty much the same. Croatia and Kenya are the biggest gainers.
To SEE the Complete List, click THIS.