2014 World Cup: FIFA rankings have Group D inching closer to Group G for toughest draw

Published on: 14 April 2014
2014 World Cup: FIFA rankings have Group D inching closer to Group G for toughest draw
Kwesi Appiah has been drawn to play in the Group of Death

When the US men’s national team was drawn into Group G with Germany, Portugal, and Ghana for the World Cup, many fans of the team saw their worst fears realized.

And one look at the latest FIFA rankings doesn't help ease the stomach at all.

When FIFA released their rankings last Thursday, Germany and Portugal were placed as the No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the world, while the US came in at No. 13.

But with Ghana dropping from No. 35 to No. 38, there's another group staking claim to the "Group of Death" moniker.

With Uruguay (5) Italy (9), England (11) and Costa Rica (34), Group D teams have an average ranking of 14.75 going by the current rankings.

This is only .75 behind the US’ group and represents a significant decrease in the difference between the two groups since the draw took place.

Back in December, Group G had an average ranking of 11.25, a full three spots lower Group D, its next closest competitor.

Since then Ghana has dropped from No. 24 to No. 38, allowing Group D to become a challenger for the Group of Death.

Group B – with Spain (1), Chile (14) and the Netherlands (15) – could be considered another contender for this title, but Australia has the lowest ranking in the tournament at 59.

This brings the groups average ranking all the way down to 22.25.

So what do you think is the World Cup's Group of Death? Let us know in the comments below.

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