PARIS – Germany’s charge to claim Sunday’s World Cup title
has seen them return to the top of FIFA’s world rankings for
the first time in around 20 years.
The latest list, published on Thursday, has Germany moving
up one place on the strength of their 1-0 defeat of Argentina
ar Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana.
WORLD CUP—Germany’s forward Andre Schuerrle (C) holds
the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after his team’s
victory in the final football match between Germany and
Argentina for the FIFA World Cup at The Maracana Stadium in
Rio de Janeiro, . AFP PHOTO.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina are placed second, an improvement
of three places, with the Netherlands leaping 12 rungs into
third after their impressive World Cup third place finish.
The James Rodriguez-inspired Colombia move up to fourth
(+4), ahead of Belgium (+6) and Uruguay while disappointing
Brazil dropped four spots to seventh.
Deposed world champions Spain slumped seven spots to their
new modest placing of eighth, with Switzerland and France
(+7) completing the top ten.
Costa Rica’s remarkable charge to the quarter-finals was
rewarded with a jump of 12 places to 16th.
England’s woeful first round exit resulted in Roy Hodgson’s
side dropping ten places to 20th.
Latest FIFA rankings
1. Germany (+1)
2. Argentina (+3)
3. Netherlands (+12)
4. Colombia (+4)
5. Belgium (+6)
6. Uruguay (+1)
7. Brazil (-4)
8. Spain (-7)
9. Switzerland (-3)
10. France (+7)
11. Portugal (-7)
12. Chile (+2)
13. Greece (-1)
14. Italy (-5)
15. USA (-2)
16. Costa Rica (+12)
17. Croatia (+1)
18. Mexico (+2)
19. Bosnia and Hercegovina (+2)
20. England (-10)
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