From the ArcaMax Publishing, Sports Update Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/sports/s-372193-623676
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.