News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Home  » Sports » Spain stretch lead at top, India rise

Spain stretch lead at top, India rise

October 08, 2008 15:56 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

European champions Spain remained top of the world soccer rankings for a fourth straight month on Wednesday after extending their lead over world champions Italy.

- Images: Dempo edged out due to late goal

Indian climbed three places to be ranked 148 on the FIFA charts.

World Cup qualifying wins over Armenia and Bosnia were enough to keep Vicente Del Bosque's side comfortably clear of the Italians, who also enjoyed qualifying victories over Georgia and Cyprus in the past month.

Brazil climbed above the Netherlands and Croatia into fourth place off the back of their World Cup qualifying draw with Bolivia and away win over Chile.

Scotland's hopes of leapfrogging traditional rivals England, however, evaporated following a shock 1-0 defeat in Macedonia.

After suffering the largest drop of points in this month's rankings, Scotland fell 10 places, to 26th while England's win over Croatia helped Fabio Capello's team climb one spot to 14th.

FIFA WORLD RANKINGS (previous position in brackets):

1. (1) Spain
2. (2) Italy
3. (3) Germany
4. (6) Brazil
5. (4) Netherlands
6. (5) Croatia
7. (7) Argentina
8. (8) Czech Republic
9. (12) Russia
10. (9) Portugal
*148 (151) India

India: Highest FIFA ranking: 94 (February 1996)
Lowest FIFA ranking: 165 (March 2007)

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Paris Olympics 2024

India's Tour Of Australia 2024-25