Spain leads, Argentina rises in FIFA rankings

Associated Press Sports

updated 8:56 a.m. ET Nov. 7, 2012

ZURICH (AP) -Spain extended its stay atop the FIFA rankings on Wednesday as No. 3 Argentina strengthened its claim as South America's best team.

World Cup and European champion Spain leads from Germany. Argentina, which beat Uruguay and Chile in World Cup qualifiers last month, trades places with Portugal, now No. 4.

Italy rises three places to No. 5, followed by England and the Netherlands.

Colombia is No. 8, Russia rises three to No. 9 and Croatia completes the top 10.

Uruguay drops four to No. 11, and World Cup host Brazil is up one to No. 13 despite playing only friendlies.

Mexico rose five to No. 14, and CONCACAF rival United States climbs five to No. 27.

Ivory Coast leads Africa at No. 15, and No. 24 Japan is Asia's best.

? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44605961/ns/sports-soccer/

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