Red Devils top Fifa world rankings for first time

Belgium’s 3-1 victory over Israel at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels means they will take over the top spot in the Fifa world ranking in November. It also means they finish their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign at the top of their group.

The Red Devils were third in the rankings published at the start of the month, but with world champions Germany losing to the Republic of Ireland and current leaders Argentina losing at home to Ecuador, the win over Israel puts them in top spot for the first time in their history.

Marc Wilmots’ side have risen an astonishing 66 places in the rankings since 2009. The victory puts them on 1,440 points.

Despite their lofty status, Belgium struggled against Israel, finally taking the lead in the 64th minute with a goal from Napoli winger Dries Mertens before Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne doubled the advantage 14 minutes later. Chelsea’s Eden Hazard put the result beyond doubt by scoring the third in the 84th minute.

Belgium, who clinched a spot in next year’s European Championship in France with a 4-1 win in Andorra over the weekend (pictured), finished two points ahead of second-placed Wales in their qualifying group.

Photo by Albert Gea/Reuters/Corbis