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Spain moves to top of FIFA world rankings

NYON, Switzerland (UPI) -- Spain, which just won Euro 2008, has moved to the top spot of the FIFA men's world soccer rankings for the first time.

Spain finished off its Euro 2008 run with a 1-0 victory Sunday over Germany and moved from fourth to No. 1 in the July edition of the world rankings, released by FIFA Wednesday.

European teams, taking advantage of the high-profile tournament moved up nicely in the rankings. The FIFA rankings consider results from the last three years but more recent matches, especially against strong opponents, are weighted heavier.

As a result, Italy went from third to second while Germany moved up two spots to third and the Netherlands, which beat Italy in the Euro 2008 tournament, went from 10th to fifth.

Brazil slipped from second to fourth and Argentina, last month's No. 1, fell to sixth. Argentina had held the rankings' top spot since last October.

Croatia, Czech Republic, Portugal and France, in order, completed the Top 10. They all played in Euro 2008.

Spain is the sixth team to reach No. 1 in the FIFA men's rankings, joining Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany and Italy.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

This news arrived on: 07/02/2008

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