Goalball world rankings for May published

IBSA have published their monthly goalball world rankings as of 31 May and it sees a change at the top of the women’s game, whilst there is no change in the top five of the men’s game. 16 Jun 2014

Jose Roberto Ferreira de Oliveira (L) and Filippe Santos Silvestre of Brazil dive in front of the goal during the Men's Group A Goalball match between Finland and Brazil on day 1 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games

The Brazilian Goalball team at the London 2012 Paralympic Games

ⒸGetty Images

By IBSA

After moving up one place, Canada now stand top of the women’s world rankings even though they have not qualified for this month’s World Championships in Espoo, Finland.

Starting from 26 June – 6 July, the 16 best men’s and 12 women’s teams will battle it out in Espoo in what will be the biggest international competition since the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

China, the London 2012 Paralympic silver medallists and defending world champions, have fallen one place to second, whilst Paralympic champions Japan have moved up from fourth to third. USA drop from third to fourth and Sweden, bronze medallists from London 2012, complete the top five after moving up from seventh place in April.

Women’s European champions Russia fell one place in the last month and are now sixth.

In the men’s world rankings, Iran remain the number one team ahead of London 2012 Paralympic silver medallists Brazil and Algeria. London 2012 bronze medallists Turkey are fourth and China complete the top five.

Paralympic champions Finland are unchanged in seventh place, defending world champions Lithuania lie eighth and Japan enjoyed the biggest leap, up six places to 10th.

For more information on the 2014 IBSA Goalball World Championships, please visit the event homepage.