The new European champions Spain have climbed to the top of latest FIFA world rankings.
It is the first time since the introduction of the rankings in 1992 that Spain, who were rated fourth last month, have been listed as the world's best team.
The ranking system is based on international results over the past four years with more points awarded for wins in major tournaments.
Germany, losers of Euro 2008 final, climbed two places to third position behind Italy, who rose one spot despite going out of the tournament in the quarter-final.
Former leaders Argentina saw their nine-month spell at the top of the rankings come to an end, sliding down to sixth place after a disappointing month that included two draws in World Cup qualifier against Ecuador and Brazil.
Russia's surprise run to the semi-finals has seen them go up 13 places to 11th, their best ranking in more than ten years.
After failing even to qualify for the tournament, England dropped six places to 15th, their lowest position since 2001, a single place ahead of their neighbor Scotland.
FIFA Rankings of July 2008:
It is the first time since the introduction of the rankings in 1992 that Spain, who were rated fourth last month, have been listed as the world's best team.
The ranking system is based on international results over the past four years with more points awarded for wins in major tournaments.
Germany, losers of Euro 2008 final, climbed two places to third position behind Italy, who rose one spot despite going out of the tournament in the quarter-final.
Former leaders Argentina saw their nine-month spell at the top of the rankings come to an end, sliding down to sixth place after a disappointing month that included two draws in World Cup qualifier against Ecuador and Brazil.
Russia's surprise run to the semi-finals has seen them go up 13 places to 11th, their best ranking in more than ten years.
After failing even to qualify for the tournament, England dropped six places to 15th, their lowest position since 2001, a single place ahead of their neighbor Scotland.
FIFA Rankings of July 2008:
| 1. | (4) |  | Spain |
| 2. | (3) |  | Italy |
| 3. | (5) |  | Germany |
| 4. | (2) |  | Brazil |
| 5. | (10) |  | Netherlands |
| 6. | (1) |  | Argentina |
| 7. | (15) |  | Croatia |
| 8. | (6) |  | Czech Republic |
| 9. | (11) |  | Portugal |
| 10. | (7) |  | France |
| 11. | (13) |  | Russia |
| 12. | (12) |  | Romania |
| 13. | (13) |  | Cameroon |
| 14. | (20) |  | Turkey |
| 15. | (9) |  | England |
| 16. | (17) |  | Scotland |
| 17. | (18) |  | Bulgaria |
| 18. | (8) |  | Greece |
| 19. | (14) |  | Mexico |
| 20. | (16) |  | Ghana |
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