Updated at 8:43 a.m., Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Soccer: Argentina No. 1 in world rankings; U.S. 18th
Associated Press
ZURICH, Switzerland — Argentina returned to No. 1 in soccer's world rankings today, with World Cup champion Italy dropping two places to third. The United States stayed in 18th place.Argentina climbed one spot after wins over Chile and Venezuela in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Brazil beat Ecuador 5-0 and drew at Colombia to move up one place to second.
Italy played just one game in European Championship qualifying, although it beat Georgia 2-0. It fell in the rankings because victories from previous years, especially its win against Ukraine in October 2006, are now worth fewer points.
Argentina has 1,533 points, 74 more than Brazil and 146 more than Italy. France rose two places to fourth, while Germany dropped a spot to fifth despite securing its place at next year's European Championship.
Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Czech Republic and Croatia rounded out the top 10, with England dropping two spots to No. 11 after a 2-1 loss at Russia that put its qualification for Euro 2008 in doubt.
Russia made the biggest climb in the top 50, moving up 10 places to 16th — its best placing in 10 years. Scotland rose to 13th, two places behind traditional rival England, for its highest position since FIFA introduced its rankings in 1993.
Mexico dropped two spots to 15th but was still three places above the United States, which stayed fixed at No. 18. Nigeria climbed four berths to 19th and was the highest-ranked African team. No. 30 Japan was the top Asian team.
