Italy knocked off FIFA perch by Brazil

| Thu, 07/19/2007 - 07:50

Italy has been knocked out of top spot in FIFA's monthly rankings by Copa America winners Brazil, which returns to the No.1 slot it lost to the Azzurri in February.

Previously, the Brazilians had held the top position for four years.

In the new rankings, Italy were also overtaken by Argentina, the Cop America losing finalists.

The rise of the two South Americans giants also pushed France and Germany down while the Netherlands gained three slots to sixth and Croatia four places to seventh.

The most spectacular riser was Mexico, which had a great Cop America, beating Brazil in the group stages and losing to Argentina in the semi-final.

The Czech Republic was edged out of the Top Ten to 11th, and England fell to 12th.

Further down, Ghana slumped from 18th to 37th and Switzerland from 20th to 45th.

Here's the Top Ten (June position in brackets):

1. Brazil (3) 1,500 points

2. Argentina (5) 1,476

3. Italy (1) 1,368

4. France (2) 1,357

5. Germany (4) 1,311

6. Netherlands (9) 1,195

7. Croatia (11) 1,192

8. Portugal (6) 1,146

9. Spain (7) 1,144

10. Mexico (26) 1,142

The next standings are due out on August 22.

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