Netherlands topples Spain in FIFA ranking
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Shanghai Daily, August 25, 2011
The Netherlands leads the FIFA rankings for the first time after ending World Cup winner Spain's 13-month reign at the top yesterday.
The Dutch, World Cup runner-up last year, rose to the top spot despite not playing last month. Spain lost 1-2 in a friendly to new No. 7 Italy.
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk welcomed his nation's status as the seventh country to lead the table in its 18-year history.
"We know it is tough to reach first place, but tougher still to stay there. That is a great challenge," Van Marwijk said.
The rankings take results across four years into account and have often proved difficult for fans to understand.
The current standings include points gained at the 2008 European Championship, which Spain also won. The Netherlands lost in the quarterfinals.
Van Marwijk said his team's main focus remains qualifying for Euro 2012.
"We have to stay realistic. This is a snapshot, not a tangible prize," he said.
Europe holds the top four places, with Germany at No. 3 and England rising two places to No. 4 after also not playing. Its friendly against the Netherlands was canceled due to riots in London.
Copa America winner Uruguay stays at No. 5 but heads Brazil, which dropped to sixth place after losing 2-3 in Germany.
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