Brazil stop the rot in FIFA rankings
Reuters - Wednesday 19 October 2011, 09:13
Brazil rose two places to fifth in
this month's FIFA rankings, ending a downward trend after
hitting an 18-year low in September.
Friendly wins against Argentina, Costa Rica and Mexico were
enough to stop the rot for the five-times world champions as
coach Mano Menezes attempts to rebuild the team for the 2014
World Cup.
With Brazil hosting the event, a sixth world title is
considered an obligation by the media and public, with many even
seeing it as a mere formality.
There was no change in the top four. Spain stayed top after
beating Czech Republic and Scotland to complete their Euro 2012
qualifying group with a 100 percent record.
Netherlands remained second after a 3-2 defeat by Sweden and
are followed by Germany and Uruguay, the latter beginning their
World Cup qualifying campaign with a win over Bolivia and draw
in Paraguay.
Euro 2012 qualifiers Greece and Denmark leapt into the top
10. Bermuda were the biggest climbers, up 57 places to 132nd
thanks mainly to a shock World Cup qualifying win over Trinidad
& Tobago.
Rankings (last month's positions in brackets)
1. (1) Spain
2. (2) Netherlands
3. (3) Germany
4. (4) Uruguay
5. (7) Brazil
6. (6) Italy
7. (8) England
=8. (11) Greece
=8. (5) Portugal
=10.(10) Argentina
=10.(17) Denmark