FIFA Rankings
The FIFA rankings graded international teams for over a period of four years, included their results, and also took account of 124 matches that were played in the last five weeks.
2010 World Cup winner Spain stayed on top of the FIFA rankings and the previous two champions, Brazil and Italy, elevated their ranks within the top 10. The World Cup finalists, Netherlands remained at No. 2 position. Brazil climbed two places to No. 3 after beating Argentina and Scotland. After losing a home friendly match against Australia, Germany fell one spot to No. 4. Argentina subsequently dropped to 5th position after drawing of friendlies against the United States and Costa Rica. England stands strong at No. 6 after a draw with Ghana. After a month’s exile from the top ten list, Italy managed the seventh position.
Asian champions Japan rose two places to No. 13, continuing a surge since the World Cup last June when it was placed 45th. Africa’s best- Ghana rose up one spot to No. 15 after beating Congo in an African Cup of Nations qualifier and drawing with England.
The United States led CONCACAF teams stands at No. 22 in spite of falling for the second straight month. It got saved due to the draw against Argentina after losing 1-0 against No. 23 Paraguay. Newcomer Montenegro, rose to a best ever at No. 24 since it got its football independence in 2007. Israel and Belgium each leaped 25 places in the rankings following the Euro 2012 qualifiers. After home wins against Georgia and Latvia, Israel ranks No. 33 and Belgium stands at No. 37 after beating Azerbaijan and Austria.
Bosnia – Herzegovina was promoted by 12 spots to No. 44 after beating Romania but has since then, the nation has been suspended by FIFA. Albania acquired best ever rank of No. 50 after winning against Belarus in Euro 2012. Libya also jumped 13 spots to its reach its best of No. 58 and New Zealand led Oceania team is at No. 60 by sliding down four places.
Future World Cup hosts Russia fell five spot and managed rank No. 13 and Qatar at rank No. 91 slid one slot.
Tags: Brazil, FIFA, FIFA Rankings, Football, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain
