Argentina return to top of FIFA rankings

Argentina have returned to the top of FIFA's world rankings after winning their first two qualifying matches for the 2010 World Cup. The South Americans secured 2-0 victories away to Venezuela and at home to Chile earlier this month to climb above...

Argentina have returned to the top of FIFA's world rankings after winning their first two qualifying matches for the 2010 World Cup. The South Americans secured 2-0 victories away to Venezuela and at home to Chile earlier this month to climb above Brazil and Italy in the monthly standings.

Italy, who topped the rankings last month, fell to third despite two wins of their own. The World Cup holders matched Argentina with two 2-0 wins in October, over South Africa and Georgia.

Italy gained less ranking points because of Georgia's own low ranking and the fact that the game against South Africa was a friendly.

Malta dropped 54 points and are now in 137th position after two Euro 2008 group qualifying defeats to Hungary and Moldova. The worst-placed UEFA members are Faroe Islands (194) and San Marino (196).

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