Arjen Robben NetherlandsGetty

Free-falling Netherlands drop to lowest-ever FIFA ranking

Netherlands have dropped to their lowest ever position in FIFA's latest World Ranking, following a dismal run under now-sacked head coach Danny Blind.

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Having failed to qualify for the 2016 European Championships in France, they are now also in real danger of missing out on a spot in the 2018 World Cup and are down to 32nd in the rankings.

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Netherlands now sit fourth in a six-team group, six points behind leaders France, having won just two of their five qualifying games.

Meanwhile Brazil have returned to the top of the pile for the first time in seven years following recent wins over Uruguay, and Paraguay and booking their seat on their plane to Russia.

Marcelo Brazil v Paraguay World Cup qualifying 28032017Getty

The Selecao were the biggest movers in regards to points - up 127 - while Macedonia were the biggest movers in terms of rankings - up 33.

There were a total of 129 games played across the month, leading to movement throughout the rankings.

Just 19 of the 211 member associations remained in the same position as their March placings, with Switzerland - moving from 11th to ninth - the only side to break into the top 10.

Peru - 17th - Curaçao - 70th,  Swaziland - 88th, and Papua New Guinea - 156th, all registered new personal bests.

United States rose seven places to 23rd, Northern Ireland rose nine places to 26th and Greece also enjoyed a seven-place swing up to 39th, one place above Nigeria.

England remained 12th following their 1-0 defeat to Germany and 2-0 win over Lithuania.

Uruguay, however, dropped six places to 15, having lost to both Brazil and Peru in March.

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