FIFA World Rankings, June 2009: Netherlands Up to Second

(Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Spain continue to lead the way at the top of FIFA latest’s World Rankings published today. However, the Netherlands have leapfrogged Germany into second place behind the European champions in one of a few changes in the top ten.

Italy and Brazil switch places, to fourth and fifth respectively, as do England and Argentina who now occupy sixth and seventh place on the list. Sixth represents England’s highest placing since March 2007.

Paraguay are the biggest movers in the top twenty, rising four places to thirteenth, their highest since January 2002 and reward for continuing to lead the South American section of World Cup Qualifying.

Bulgaria and Cameroon both fall out of the top twenty, replaced by Ukraine and Serbia.

The other home nations have seen little movement. Both Northern Ireland (27th) and the Republic of Ireland (34th) haven’t changed since last month. Scotland, however, rise two places to 22nd whilst Wales drop one place to 74th.

Despite no major nations playing matches last month the movements are a consequence of results from over a year ago now being devalued. Major changes could occur next month with a host of ranking points up for grabs as not only do World Cup Qualifiers return but also with the Confederations Cup taking place in South Africa.

FIFA World Rankings, Top 20, June 2009

(movements from May rankings in parenthesis)

1.  Spain (-)

2.  Netherlands (+1)

3.  Germany (-1)

4.  Italy (+1)

5.  Brazil (-1)

6.  England (+1)

7.  Argentina (-1)

8.  Croatia (-)

9.  Russia (-)

10. France (-)

11. Portugal (-)

12. Turkey (+2)

13. Paraguay (+4)

14. USA (+1)

15. Czech Republic (-3)

16. Switzerland (+2)

17= Greece (-4)

17= Uruguay (-1)

19. Ukraine (+3)

20. Serbia (+3)

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