Spain toppled by Holland

Published: 24 Aug 2011 - 11:00:14

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Spain's reign as the world's number-one ranked team has come to an end, with Holland replacing them at the top of the latest FIFA chart.

Having held the position for more than a year, a friendly loss to Italy means the world and European champions have been replaced by the Oranje, who become just the seventh team to head the rankings.

Uruguay's Copa America success means they are now the top South American side in fifth, with Brazil dropping down to sixth. Germany remain in third and England move up to fourth, while the make-up of the top 10 remains the same, with Italy, Portugal, Argentina and Croatia the other sides.

The Republic of Ireland mirror England in moving up two places, in their case to 31st, while Scotland are up six to 55th and Northern Ireland up three to 59th.

Wales' ranking does slide, though, with Gary Speed's men dropping five places to 117th, with Haiti moving above them in the standings.