Brazil return to top-five in Fifa world rankings

Reuters
Saturday 22 October 2011 08:47 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Brazil rose two places to fifth in this month's FIFA rankings, ending a downward trend after hitting an 18-year low in September.

Friendly wins against Argentina, Costa Rica and Mexico were enough to stop the rot for the five-times world champions as coach Mano Menezes attempts to rebuild the team for the 2014 World Cup.

With Brazil hosting the event, a sixth world title is considered an obligation by the media and public, with many even seeing it as a mere formality.

There was no change in the top four. Spain stayed top after beating Czech Republic and Scotland to complete their Euro 2012 qualifying group with a 100 percent record.

Netherlands remained second after a 3-2 defeat by Sweden and are followed by Germany and Uruguay, the latter beginning their World Cup qualifying campaign with a win over Bolivia and draw in Paraguay.

Euro 2012 qualifiers Greece and Denmark leapt into the top 10. Bermuda were the biggest climbers, up 57 places to 132nd thanks mainly to a shock World Cup qualifying win over Trinidad & Tobago.

Rankings (last month's positions in brackets):

1. (1) Spain

2. (2) Netherlands

3. (3) Germany

4. (4) Uruguay

5. (7) Brazil

6. (6) Italy

7. (8) England

=8. (11) Greece

=8. (5) Portugal

=10.(10) Argentina

=10.(17) Denmark

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in