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Tim Harford explains the numbers and statistics in the news and in life

Tim Harford explains the numbers and statistics in the news and in life.

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More or Less: Football Ranking Mysteries Explained

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Balls being picked from a bowl for a footbal draw

30/11/2013

Football Ranking Mysteries Explained

BBC World Service - More or Less, Football Ranking Mysteries Explained

How has Switzerland attained a seed when the Netherlands, Italy and England have not?

Ahead of the 2014 World Cup draw, we look at world football rankings. How have the likes of Switzerland attained a seed when the Netherlands, Italy and England have missed out?

Ahead of the 2014 World Cup draw next Friday, we look at world football rankings. How has Switzerland attained a seed when the Netherlands, Italy and England have not? The answer lies in the playing of friendly games, which can be incredibly unfriendly to your ranking if you play the wrong team at the wrong time.

(Image: UEFA Europa League Draw. Credit: Getty Images)

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