If it does not seem right in world football to see five-time world champions Brazil suffer, things have now started looking correct. Glittering from their tremendous performances at the just-ended 2013 Confederations Cup, the Samba Boys have rocketed back in the top 10 of the FIFA Ranking. Still, it would take much more than a one-sided 3-0 win against Spain in the Confeds Final for Neymar and his colleagues to kick La Furia Roja away from the summit.
The Brazilians entered the tournament ranked 22nd in the world. In other words, this signified their worst ever position in the chart. Their South American rivals, Uruguay, have also jumped seven places and are now 12th whereas Colombia surprisingly occupy the third spot behind Spain and Germany.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina – dominant in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers – have gone one step back and are now fourth. As for Chicharito's Mexico, they must accept another setback heading into the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. El Tri have moved three places down, doing just enough to remain in the top 20.
The Mexicans are ranked just behind Peru. The latter have clinched a personal record with this 19th position after making a giant step from their previous 30th place.
The United States, meanwhile, will be content after moving six places up to 22nd. The Americans have 865 points, only 15 less than Mexico.
England’s Three Lions, still in search of silverware since 1966, are no more among world football’s 10 best nations. Falling 10th in Europe, they are now 15th overall.
The only African team in FIFA’s top 20 remains Yaya Toure’s Ivory Coast. Ghana have gone down to 24th while the Black Continent’s third best country, Mali, is 28th. There is no mention of reigning Africa Cup of Nations Nigeria in the top 30. The Super Eagles, who crashed out of the Confederations Cup in the group stages, have instead been demoted to 35th in the world as they are only fifth in the CAF zone.
For a view of the latest FIFA Ranking’s top 20, click here.
