Germany above Italy in FIFA rankings

Zurich:

Germany has moved above Italy into fourth place in FIFA's rankings, in a month in which the leading places remained largely static.

Brazil retained its No.1 berth in the national team rankings released on Wednesday, ahead of Spain and the Netherlands.

Germany moved above Italy due to the devaluation of some older results.

The top ten was rounded out by Russia, England, Argentina, France and Croatia, who were all unmoved.

The United States, which reached the final of the Confederations Cup, would have broken into the top 10 if not for being thrashed 5-0 by Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.

Canada was the biggest mover in the ranking, climbing 26 places to 66th after a good run of form. Grenada and the Netherlands Antilles were the biggest sliders, both falling 25 places.

FIFA World Rankings List (previous month's ranking in parentheses):

1. Brazil (1), 1,642 points.

2. Spain (2), 1,590.

3. Netherlands (3), 1,379.

4. Germany (5) 1,195.

5. Italy (4), 1,181.

6. Russia (6), 1,161.

7. England (7), 1,135.

8. Argentina (8), 1,080.

9. France (9), 1,059.

10. Croatia (10), 1,031.

11. Greece (11), 1,001.

12. United States (12), 991.

13. Switzerland (13), 930.

14. Serbia (14), 925.

15. Denmark (15), 909.

16. Australia (16), 896.

17. Portugal (17), 881.

18. Ivory Coast (18), 874.

19. Ukraine (19), 869.

20. Paraguay (22), 856

21. Uruguay (20), 851.

22. Czech Republic (21), 850.

23. Bulgaria (23), 839.

24. Scotland (24), 837.

25. Israel (25), 822.