Brazil still atop; Italy new No.2

Despite an early exit from the World Cup, Brazil continue to lead the FIFA rankings. But the big gainers in the rankings, released on Wednesday, are world champions Italy, who have jumped 11 spots to be second in the world.

World Cup finalists France have gained four spots to be No. 4 while Argentina, who were ousted on penalties in the quarterfinals by Germany, have gained six places to be No. 3. World Cup hosts and third-placed Germany climbed 10 places and are ranked No. 9 while England are up to No. 5 from No.10. Czech Republic, ranked 2nd before the tournament, is the new No. 10 team.

Other major losers were the Netherlands (down 3 places to No. 6), Spain (down 2 places to No. 7) and Portugal (down 1 place to No. 8). Switzerland and Ukraine, who overachieved in Germany, have experienced a huge leap in rankings. The Swiss rose 22 places to 13th while Ukraine climbed 30 spots to 15th. The USA, ranked fifth two months ago, fell to 16th and Mexico lost 14 places to 18th.

Paraguay and African newcomers Ivory Coast made it to the top 20. Ghana rose 23 places to 25th while Australia gained nine places to 33rd.

Iran upstaged Japan as the top-ranked side in Asia but is placed 47th. The east Asians lost 31 places to be ranked two notches lower. South Korea fell 27 places to 56th while Saudi Arabia dropped 47 places to No. 81.

FIFA’s rankings after the World Cup

1. Brazil 1630 pts
2. Italy 1550
3. Argentina 1472
4. France 1462
5. England 1434
6. Netherlands 1322
7. Spain 1309
8. Portugal 1301
9. Germany 1229
10. Czech Rep 1223

posted by nscafuro @ 6:06 PM