The Republic of Ireland have dropped five places in the FIFA rankings. Martin O'Neill's side have fallen to 34th in the world following this month's draw against Georgia and the defeat to Serbia.
The rankings really reflect how the last year has gone. Following the victory against Austria last November, Ireland rose to 23rd in the rankings. After a disappointing 2017 - a year which has seen chances of World Cup qualification dip from promising to hanging by fingernails - Ireland have dropped 11 places.
In contrast, the other O'Neill managing a national side on this island has seen his side rise to their highest ever position. In the updated rankings, Northern Ireland have risen three places to 20th.
September saw Michael O'Neill's team record wins against San Marino and the Czech Republic, further solidifying the North's chances of qualifying from a group also featuring Germany.
Germany have take top spot from Brazil in the latest rankings. The remainder of the top five is made up by Portugal, Argentina and Belgium.
Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
