World Cup winners Germany have been named number one in the latest rankings released by football governing body FIFA on Thursday.
Joachim Loew’s side, fresh from their triumph in Rio de Janeiro, now top the standings on 1,724 points with Argentina, World Cup runners-up, second on 1,606.
The Netherlands leapt 12 places to third as a result of their third-place finish in Brazil while Colombia and Belgium also benefited, moving up four and six spots to fourth and fifth respectively.
World Cup hosts Brazil dropped to seventh and former number-one Spain sank to eighth. Uruguay are sixth while Switzerland and France complete the top 10.
Despite a disappointing World Cup, Japan move up a spot to become the best team in Asia at 45.
Published - July 17, 2014 02:09 pm IST