(BDCi) — Brazil has slumped to number 19 in the latest FIFA rankings that were released on Thursday.
It is the lowest ranking ever for the 2014 World Cup hosts and automatic qualifiers for the tournament dropped one place in the rankings.
Croatia moved up five spots into the top five at number four and the top three spots were unchanged as Spain is at number one followed by Germany and Brazil’s South American rivals Argentina.
Croatia, who owe their sharp climb to a 2-0 win over Serbia, sit above Portugal, Columbia, England, Italy, Holland and Ecuador who complete the top 10.
Brazil, whose schedule is almost completely just friendlies ahead of their hosting of the World Cup next year, registered a duo of draws in March, 1-1 against Russia, 2-2 against Italy before their 4-0 victory over Bolivia.
The Brazilians, five-time winners of football’s biggest prize, have dropped in the rankings because FIFA’s list awards more points for qualifying matches than friendlies.
Source: foxsports.com.au