Cam Holmes takes a look at the Rankings headed into IC17 and how they suggest the matches will pan out in Division 2
International Cup 2017 & World Footy News World Rankings
Division 2 WFN World Ranking Predictions Round 1
Round 1, Match 1: Indonesia Provisional (36.58) v. Sri Lanka Provisional (40.00 Starting Points). Indonesia contested IC14 with 1-4 record, the win being against India, and won the Inaugural All Asia Championships in 2016 with wins over China and Team IndoChina whereas Sri Lanka are making their debut in International footy. Although Sri Lanka is “higher” rated, Indonesia should prevail and will enter the Rankings in 14th place with 39.58 rating points. (no debutante nation has won first match on debut)
Round 1, Match 2: Pakistan Provisional (32.35) v. Germany 15th (37.44) rating gap 5.09, Germany has a 7-13 international record all matches against European nations, whilst Pakistan is 1-4 with the win over India at IC14.
The Ranking Scheme predicts that higher ranked nations will win more often than not, Germany will climb above France but stay at 15th place courtesy of Indonesia entering the ranks. A Pakistan win would push Germany down to 18th place and Pakistan one game away from Full Ranking.