South Americans reclaim FIFA top spots

Argentina and Brazil have returned to the top of the FIFA world rankings after strong starts to their World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Argentina go top after recording victories over Chile and Venezuela in the past month, while Brazil lie second after recovering from a 0-0 draw against Colombia to rout Ecuador 5-0.

That was enough to push Italy off top spot – the World Cup holders slip to third after seeing the points rankings of some wins from 2006 devalued.

There has been no let-up on the field from the Azzurri, who have beaten Georgia in a Euro 2008 qualifier and South Africa in a friendly this past month.