Australia dropped a position down to 37th in the world last night, despite not playing any games since the last ranking revisions is conducted.

Iran remain the highest ranked Asian side (33), while the Socceroos slip behind Romania (36) and Serbia (35).

Interestingly for the Socceroos, France is now 10th, while Peru is 11th and Denmark is 12th, a strange oddity for a World Cup group that goes someway to explaining how the rankings dismay audiences.

Why do we drop? 

The Socceroos fall is partly due to other friendly matches happening around the world.

As time passes, the Socceroos' last wins become less relevant, while the likes of Austria and Czech Republic - who had positive results recently - are moving up the table around us, forcing Australia down. 

As ranking points are attributed differently based on the ranking difference between each team, if the Socceroos can pull off an unlikely win against Colombia (13) then Australia should almost certainly enter the World Cup a little closer to our opponents. 

What would happen?

For example, if the Socceroos win 1-0 against Colombia and 2-0 against Norway, then Australia will pick up 13 ranking points, taking us to 757.

Given sides lose ranking points when they lose (and usually when they draw) matches, this could even lead us over the likes of Iran.

However, if we lose 1-0 against Colombia and draw 1-1 with Norway we could instantly drop as low as 43 in the world.

The closeness of ranking points between positions 30 and 50 means friendly matches become quite important for these nations. 

Why is it important?

Despite controversy over supposed 'flaws' in FIFA's ranking system, the rankings remain important for smaller nations.

Among other factors, it helps decide our draw in major tournaments, while affecting our players applying for working visas to play overseas.