Spain takes top spot in FIFA rankings

Jul 2, 2008 - 3:33 PM ZURICH, Switzerland (Ticker) -- Spain claimed the top spot in FIFA's monthly rankings for the first time Wednesday, three days after winning the European Championship.

Spain, which posted a 1-0 victory Sunday over Germany to end a 44-year drought without a major title, became the sixth team to hold the No. 1 spot since FIFA began using a ranking system in 1993.

The other five countries that previously owned the top ranking were Brazil, France, Italy, Germany and Argentina.

Spain climbed three spots from last month's ranking and currently has 1,557 points. Italy, which lost to Spain in the Euro quarterfinals, is second with 1,404 points.

Germany jumped two spots to third with 1,364 points while Brazil (1,344) and the Netherlands (1,299) round out the top five. It marks the first time since 1993 that the Brazilians have not been in the top three.

Argentina fell five spots to No. 6, while Croatia, the Czech Republic, Portugal and France completed the top 10. Following a surprising run to the Euro semifinals, Russia jumped up 13 spots to No. 11.

The United States fell nine spots to 30th, its lowest ranking in 15 months. The Americans lost to Spain and tied Argentina in a pair of friendlies in early June before winning two World Cup qualifier matches against Barbados by a combined score of 9-0.

Canada also plummeted 17 spots to 77th despite winning a pair of World Cup qualifiers against St. Vincent/Grenadines this past month.