Soccer: Brazil dethrones Spain at top of FIFA rankings; U.S. moves up to No. 12
Associated Press
ZURICH — Brazil has ended Spain's one-year reign at the top of FIFA's rankings, rewarded for its comeback win over the United States in the Confederations Cup final.
Brazil rose four spots to reach the top of the rankings — released Wednesday — for the first time since August 2007. European champion Spain, upset by the U.S. in the semifinal last week, slipped to second.
Netherlands fell back to third, Italy stayed fourth and Germany slipped two places to fifth.
Russia, England, Argentina, France and Croatia rounded out the top 10.
The U.S., beaten 3-2 by Brazil in a thrilling match Sunday, rose two spots to No. 12.
But it was far from the biggest climber.
North Korea jumped 23 spots to No. 83 after it qualified for its first World Cup since 1966.
Higher up the rankings, Australia hopped over 13 teams to reach No. 16, its highest spot since FIFA began its rankings in 1993. Ivory Coast rose 20 places to become Africa's top team at No. 18.
