Ireland jump to 36th in Fifa rankings

The Republic of Ireland have risen five places to 36th in the latest Fifa world rankings, while newly crowned world champions…

The Republic of Ireland have risen five places to 36th in the latest Fifa world rankings, while newly crowned world champions Spain have moved top of the list ahead of beaten finalists the Netherlands.

Brazil, who were knocked out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals by the Dutch, have dropped from first to third, while third-placed Germany have moved to fourth.

Despite being sent home from South Africa after being embarrassed by Germany in the second round, England have risen one place to seventh after one win and two draws during the group stages.

Portugal, who lost to eventual winners Spain in the knockout round, have dropped five places to eighth. Italy, world champions in 2006, have dropped six places to 11th.

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Egypt are ninth and the top 10 is completed by Chile.

Northern Ireland have dropped three places to 59th, while Scotland have moved up two to 41st and Wales have slipped to 84th from 77th.

New Zealand, who emerged unbeaten from a group containing Italy, Slovakia and Paraguay, have climbed 24 places to 54th.