Football: Brazil close gap on Argentina at top of Fifa rankings, Lions jump 9 spots to 162 after Philippines draw

Brazil's Renato Augusto (right) celebrates his goal with teammate Gabriel Jesus during the World Cup 2018 Qualifiers against Peru on Nov 15, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS

(REUTERS) - Brazil have leapfrogged World Cup football holders Germany into second place in the latest Fifa world rankings released on Thursday, narrowing the gap on their traditional rivals Argentina, who are still the world's top-ranked team.

Brazil have won their last six World Cup qualifiers, and beat Argentina 3-0 earlier this month.

Chile have climbed above Belgium and Colombia into fourth place in the rankings, while Wales and England have dropped a place each into 12th and 13th, respectively, with Ireland climbing 10 places to break into the top 25.

Armenia are the biggest movers, jumping 38 places to 87th place, while Chad have fared the worst, plunging 49 places to 152nd.

Iran are still Asia's highest-ranked team despite falling three place down to 30th, while the Netherlands have fallen two places and are currently in 22nd place, one behind Euro 2016 surprise package Iceland.

Singapore surged nine spots from October's all-time low to 162nd, after a battling 0-0 draw in the AFF Suzuki Cup against the co-hosts and top South-east Asian team Philippines, now ranked 117th, and a 1-0 win over Cambodia earlier in a home friendly.

The Lions are fifth in Asean after the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand (joint 129th) and Malaysia (156th).

The next set of Fifa World Rankings will be released on Dec 22.

Top 10: 1 Argentina. 2 Brazil. 3 Germany. 4 Chile. 5 Belgium. 6 Colombia. 7 France. 8 Portugal. 9 Uruguay. 10 Spain.

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