Ranking Race Between France and Brazil

``The master cannot be two.``

The feud between France and Brazil for the first place in the world has called a huge attention. This is also a competition for the self-respect of the countries who constitute two poles in the world soccer.

As France was placed in the first place by acquiring 796 points in the FIFA ranking at the beginning of May, Brazil (794 point) who was deprived of the 7-year stronghold came out to the ranking race. Although France had won the titles of the 1998 World Cup and the Euro 2000, and have kept a winning average over 80 percent after the World Cup, France ranked for the first time in the first place since the introduction of the ranking system on August, 1993.

The ranking race between France and Brazil was heated from the beginning of the Confederation Cup at the end of last month, because the FIFA has instigated the race,

announcing the ranking points of both teams after every game.

Brazil who had been first shocked by France, immediately made a counterpunch. Brazil regained the first place with one point difference (802-801) over France, defeating Cameroon by 2-0 on May 31. Furthermore, Brazil made unexpected profit, as France was defeated by Australia (0-1) ranked 68th in the world. With France`s loss, Brazil led France by 4 point (802-798) until 3rd.

But the counterattack of France was also made at once. As France won the last game in A-group with Mexico by 4-0 on 3rd evening, it returned to the first place. While France took back the honor of the world`s strongest team, Brazil drew the game with Japan (0-0) showing very poor performance. Brazil advanced to the semi-finals by the skin of its teeth, but the ranking was reversed again.

As of 7th, France won 805 points, and Brazil won 799 points. Brazil is superior to France in overall with five wins, two draws, and three losses in the career record between both teams. Which team wins the ranking race, will become known in the FIFA official ranking announced in middle of this month after the Confederation Cup ends.

Yang Jong-Koo yjongk@donga.com