Chile attains best FIFA ranking in years

SANTIAGO.- Marcelo Bielsa's coaching of the Chilean National Soccer Team has been good for the squadron, not only is there a notable "change in the mentality" of players and the press, but there are also numbers to back it up.

Chile is currently in qualifying range for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Furthermore, this month's FIFA ranking shows the national team in 26th place, which is its highest position in a decade.

Since June of 1999, Chile had displayed a marked decline in the ranking. In 2001, the national team began to decline, dropping to its lowest point in 2002, when it was placed in 84th position.

The team remained in the lower end of the ranking for both 2003 and 2004, and was only able to climb out of its slump in 2005.

The arrival of Marcelo Bielsa however, in 2007, has brought the national team back to a more advantageous position following an encouraging performance in the Wold Cup Qualifying Matches, as well as positive results during several friendly games.

Additionally, Chile continues at number 5 on the list of top South American Teams.