Spain tightens hold on FIFA top rankings

NYON, Switzerland, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Spain solidified its hold on the top spot in the FIFA world men's soccer rankings, while Germany moved to No. 2 on the list released Wednesday.

European teams improved their position as traditional powers Brazil slipped from fourth to sixth and Argentina went from sixth to seventh. It is the second-worst ranking for Brazil since the rankings began in 1993. Brazil was ranked eighth one month in 1993.

Spain used its championship at EURO 2008 to move into the top spot last month and results from qualifying matches for the 2010 World Cup helped keep it there.

Germany switched places with Italy for second and third, respectively. The Netherlands improved one spot to fourth and Croatia moved up two places to fifth.

After Brazil and Argentina are the Czech Republic (eighth) and Portugal (ninth), holding the positions they had last month. Russia made the top 10 for the first time in 10 years by improving one ranking spot.

FIFA's rankings take results over three years into consideration, with more recent matches given greater weight. Teams also get an advantage from playing strongly opponents.