Netherlands Earns 5th Place in FIFA Ranking

Netherlands has secured the fifth spot in the FIFA World Ranking even though they have not played any recent games. Spain is still at the top of the rankings with Germany, Argentina, and Croatia trailing behind.

Trophy to be handed to the winners of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil (Josué Henry Cedeño Perlaza/Wikimedia)

Portugal, Colombia, Italy, and England all dropped lower in the Top 10 which in turn pushed Oranje up in the rankings. Ecuador also made it to the list while Brazil, who will be hosting the 2013 World Cup, ranks at no. 22. The Ivory Coast leads the African teams at no. 13 while Ghana and Mali placed 21st and 23rd, respectively.

Japan ranks 32nd and has officially qualified for the 2014 World Cup, representing Asia, after a draw with Australia.