Brazil at historic low No. 22 in FIFA rankings

AP, Thursday 6 Jun 2013

Brazil fell three places in the FIFA rankings, world and European champion Spain stay top

Brazil
Brazil's David Luiz, front, and England's Gary Cahill, background, jump for the ball during an international soccer friendly at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, June 2, 2013. Brazil held 2-2 by England in first international at revamped Maracana stadium in Rio (Photo: AP)

Brazil has dropped to a historic low of No. 22 in the FIFA rankings a year out from hosting the World Cup, and the United States rises one place to No. 28.

Brazil fell three places this month as it continues to play only friendlies. They score less than competitive matches in FIFA's calculations, which have ranked teams since 1993 across a four-year results cycle.

The South American country can make up ground when it hosts the eight-nation Confederations Cup warm-up event this month.

World and European champion Spain stays top. Germany, Argentina and Croatia are next.

The Netherlands rises four spots to No. 5. England drops two to No. 9.

Portugal (No. 6), Colombia (No. 7), Italy (No. 8) and Ecuador (No. 10) round out the top 10.

Egypt lost three positions to be No. 71.

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