Scots rise to highest-ever ranking

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LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Italy consolidated their place as the world's top-rated football team while Scotland rose to their highest-ever position in the FIFA rankings issued on Wednesday.

The world champions have 1606 points, while Brazil move up a place to second on 1539, relegating Argentina to third with 1520.

Scotland move up five places to 14th, partly because of the devaluation of past defeats but also some strong performances over the last few months.

It is Alex McLeish's team's best position since the rankings were introduced in 1993.

The rest of the top 10 stay the same as last month, with France in fourth place, followed by Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, England, Spain and Czech Republic.

There are also slight gains for Poland, up three places to 18th, and Sweden, who moved up two places to 22nd. Chile sink six places to 43rd.

The United States remained in 29th place with 785 points

Top 10

1. Italy (1), 1,606 points.

2. Brazil (3), 1,539.

3. Argentina (2), 1,520.

4. France (4), 1,507.

5. Germany (5) 1,390.

6. Netherlands (6) 1,309.

7. Portugal (7) 1,300.

8. England (8) 1,278.

9. Spain (9) 1,238.

10. Czech Republic (10) 1,170.

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