Germany return to top of FIFA's rankings

[Basil]

Paris: Germany`s charge to claim Sunday`s World Cup title has seen them return to the top of FIFA`s world rankings for the first time in around 20 years.

The latest list, published on Thursday, has Germany moving up one place on the strength of their 1-0 defeat of Argentina at Rio de Janeiro`s Maracana.

Lionel Messi`s Argentina are placed second, an improvement of three places, with the Netherlands leaping 12 rungs into third after their impressive World Cup third place finish.

The James Rodriguez-inspired Colombia move up to fourth (+4), ahead of Belgium (+6) and Uruguay while disappointing Brazil dropped four spots to seventh.

Deposed world champions Spain slumped seven spots to their new modest placing of eighth, with Switzerland and France (+7) completing the top ten.

Costa Rica`s remarkable charge to the quarter-finals was rewarded with a jump of 12 places to 16th.

England`s woeful first round exit resulted in Roy Hodgson`s side dropping ten places to 20th.Latest

FIFA rankings

1. Germany (+1)

2. Argentina (+3)

3. Netherlands (+12)

4. Colombia (+4)

5. Belgium (+6)

6. Uruguay (+1)

7. Brazil (-4)

8. Spain (-7)

9. Switzerland (-3)

10. France (+7)

11. Portugal (-7)

12. Chile (+2)

13. Greece (-1)

14. Italy (-5)

15. USA (-2)

16. Costa Rica (+12)

17. Croatia (+1)

18. Mexico (+2)

19. Bosnia and Hercegovina (+2)

20. England (-10)


Germany return to top of FIFA's rankings