Spain, Netherlands still top FIFA rankings

NYON, Switzerland, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- World Cup finalists Spain and the Netherlands hold onto the top spots in the FIFA world soccer rankings released Wednesday.

There have been only two matches for the rankings to consider since Spain defeated the Netherlands in the World Cup final, so there is little movement in the rankings. In fact, the top 13 teams remain the same as the July list.

Changes that did occur were generally the result of older match outcomes being devalued. That affected the U.S. team most, as the Americans' strong showing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2009 was reduced in rankings value. The United States dropped from 14th to 18th.

Spain has a solid lead over the No. 2-rated Dutch while Brazil is third, Germany holds the No. 4 spot and Argentina is fifth. Uruguay comes in sixth, ahead of No. 7 England, eighth-rated Portugal, ninth-ranked Egypt and No. 10 Chile.

FIFA said it expected movement in the September rankings since the national teams return to action in force this week.

The FIFA world rankings are determined by points awarded from match results over a 3-year period, with more recent games given greater weight. Teams get additional points for playing relatively strong opponents.