Dutch oust Spain to top Fifa world rankings

The Dutch, World Cup runners-up last year, rose to the top spot despite not playing last month. Spain lost 2-1 in a friendly to new No 7 Italy.

Scotland climb six places to 55 after this month’s 2-1 win over Denmark at Hampden.

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,” said Van Marwijk.

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 quarter-finals. Van Marwijk said his team’s main focus remains qualifying for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

“We have to stay realistic. This is a snapshot, not a tangible prize,” he said.

Europe hold the top four places, with Germany at No3 and England rising two places to No4 after also not playing. Their friendly against the Netherlands was canceled due to riots in London.

Copa America winners Uruguay stay at No 5 but head Brazil, who dropped to sixth place after losing 3-2 in Germany.

Ivory Coast are the top African country at No 15, tied with Japan, the best of the Asian nations.

Gold Cup winner Mexico lead Concafacaf teams at No 20. The United States rise two to No28.

The Republic of Ireland mirror England in moving up two places, in their case to 31st. Wales’ ranking slid though, with Gary Speed’s men dropping five places to 117th, with Haiti moving above them in the standings.