Japan up to 17th in FIFA rankings
Reuters - Wednesday 02 February 2011, 11:50
BERNE - Japan moved into the top 20 of the
FIFA world rankings on Wednesday after winning the Asian Cup
last month while world champions Spain stayed in first place.
Japan's record fourth Asian title which they won in Qatar
lifted them 12 places to 17th, making them the Asian
confederation's highest-ranked side. It is the first time they
have been in the top 20 for nearly five years.
Australia, beaten Asia Cup finalists, jumped five places to
21st.
Honduras were another big climber after winning a qualifying
tournament for this year's CONCACAF Gold Cup and jumped 17
places to 39th.
The top nine places remained unchanged with Spain leading
Netherlands, Germany, Brazil and Argentina.
Ghana, 15th, are Africa's best-placed side and United
States, 18th, lead the way for CONCACAF.
San Marino, Anguilla, Montserrat, American Samoa and
Papua-New Guinea are level in 203rd and last place.
Sao Tome and Principe are the only one of FIFA's 208 teams
who are not ranked, due to inactivity.