Spain still rules FIFA soccer rankings

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NYON, Switzerland, March 14 (UPI) -- Spain remains the world No. 1 team in the FIFA men's soccer rankings and Colombia takes sole position of the sixth spot in Thursday's update.

Spain gained 20 rankings points for a total of 1,610. Although No. 2-ranked Germany gained 34 points, Spain is still 137 points ahead of Germany in the rankings.

Colombia, which gained 30 points, broke last month's tie for sixth with Portugal and had 1,159 points. Portugal's gain of four points wasn't enough to keep it from dropping to seventh.

That was that only change in the FIFA Top 10.

After Spain and Germany is third-ranked Argentina with 1,309 points. England (1,174) is fourth but No. 5 Italy (1,173) has pulled within one point of the English.

The Netherlands amassed 1,106 points for eighth with Croatia (1,080) and Russia (1,064) filling out the Top 10.

The FIFA world rankings are determined by points awarded from match results in a three-year period, with more recent games given greater weight. Teams get additional points for playing relatively strong opponents. The next ranking update is scheduled for April 11.