 Zurich: Spain will begin its defense of the European Championship as the world`s top-ranked team, while Germany lost its No. 2 slot to Uruguay in FIFA`s latest standings.
Germany fell to No. 3, ahead of its Euro 2012 group opponent the Netherlands. Group B rival Portugal plummeted from No. 5 to 10th.
Brazil and England each rose one place to No. 5 and 6, respectively. Argentina climbed two to No. 7.
Croatia, which plays Spain in Group D, remained at No. 8.
Denmark rose one to No. 9, completing a Group B lineup of elite top-10 teams.
Ivory Coast leads African nations at No. 16.
Mexico heads CONCACAF countries, up one to No. 19. The United States climbs one place to No. 28.
Japan is now Asia`s best, rising seven spots to No. 23. Australia is No. 24.
Agencies
First Published: Wednesday, June 6, 2012, 16:12
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