Brazil moved up a place in the latest installment of the FIFA world rankings after they were published today. The often maligned system, which has seen Scotland fly up to 22nd in the table, is still given credibility in many quarters despite the process sometimes rewarding teams that haven’t even played.
World Cup hosts Brazil, however, will not be complaining after a four year period in which they have had few competitive fixtures and a rise to sixth edges them closer to a realistic ranking in their eyes.
Spain top the charts ahead of Germany and Portugal before four South American teams: Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil.
The hosts’ Group A oppenents see Mexico move up one to 19th, Croatia fall four to 20th and Cameroon stay as they were at 50th in the world.
