Brazil jump to second spot in FIFA rankings
Rio de Janeiro, Nov 25 (IANS) Five-time World Cup winners Brazil rose to second place as they closed the gap on leaders Argentina in the latest FIFA rankings.
Brazil were rewarded for winning their past six CONMEBOL group World Cup qualifiers by moving up one place in the standings, reports Xinhua.
The Selecao usurped Germany, who slipped to the third spot despite winning each of their first four World Cup qualifiers by an aggregate of 16 goals.
Argentina, fifth in the CONMEBOL standings with just five wins from 12 matches, remain the world’s top team but have seen their lead slashed to 90 points from 156 points in October.
Copa America champions Chile were the biggest movers inside the top 10, climbing two places to fourth.
Republic of Ireland jumped 10 places to 23rd on the back of three straight World Cup qualifying wins.
FIFA rankings:
1. Argentina
2. Brazil
3. Germany
4. Chile
5. Belgium
6. Colombia
7. France
8. Portugal
9. Uruguay
10. Spain