The All Whites have reversed a near two-year slide down the world soccer rankings following their series victory over Malaysia last month.
New Zealand have climbed seven places to 115 in Fifa's March rankings after their 1-0 and 2-1 victories over Malaysia.
Malaysia, who started the series in 125th place,
have slipped a spot to 126th.
New Zealand's ascent is the first time the All Whites have climbed Fifa's rankings since June, 2004 -- when the national team went from 95th to 80th.
Coach Ricki Herbert is thrilled to stop the rot with two positive results in New Zealand's first home internationals in more than 3-1/2 years.
Seven players made their All Whites' debuts during the matches in Christchurch and Albany -- Glen Moss, Jeff Fleming, Jeremy Brockie, Andrew Barron, James Pritchett, Campbell Banks and Jarrod Smith.
"Going into the series with a number of new internationals and a young, inexperienced team it was good not only to get a result but to be moving up the rankings again," Herbert said.
"It shows the importance of playing international fixtures."
New Zealand Soccer chief executive Graham Seatter is also pleased to be heading in the right direction after the All Whites ranking had plummeted 25 places since January 2005.
"It confirms the 120 region is not our rightful position. We believe somewhere in the 80s is a better reflection of where we're at," Seatter said.
Further advancement up the rankings will not be easy as the All Whites eye April's two matches against Chile and June's dream date with world No 1 Brazil in Geneva.
New Zealand are to play Chile, who have climbed one spot to 67th in the latest rankings, in Santiago on April 25 and 27. Herbert will announce his squad for the South American tour on April 12.
Brazil, the Czech Republic, The Netherlands and Argentina again fill the top four positions with the United States up one place to fifth -- their highest ranking.
Spain, Mexico, France, England and Portugal round out the top-10.
New Asian Football Confederation member Australia have soared 17 spots to 44th.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand women's team remain 22nd in the world rankings.
Former All Whites coach Allan Jones was appointed head coach of the national women's team this week on a two-year contract that will take him through to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Jones' immediate focus will be the 2007 Fifa Women's World Cup qualifiers, also in China.
- NZPA
The All Whites have reversed a near two-year slide down the world soccer rankings following their series victory over Malaysia last month.
New Zealand have climbed seven places to 115 in Fifa's March rankings after their 1-0 and 2-1 victories over Malaysia.
Malaysia, who started the series in 125th place,
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