Germany back in the reckoning

Germany (11th, up 10) are the biggest winners in this month's FIFA world rankings, which takes into account 61 international matches from recent weeks.

A ten-place climb sees Juergen Klinsmann's team secure their highest position in over a year thanks to impressive results in the FIFA Confederations Cup, where a German victory over Argentina or Brazil would have seen them make inroads into the top ten.

It comes as no surprise that the two finalists, Brazil and Argentina, retain their places at the top. However, the Netherlands, with their best ranking in over 11 years, the Czech Republic, Mexico and the USA all keep the leaders in their sights.

Bruce Arena's US team (6th, up 4) proudly occupy their loftiest ever spot in the ranking on the back of success in the ongoing CONCACAF Gold Cup and now find themselves hot on the heels of regional rivals Mexico.

In the upper echelons, Japan (13th, up 5), Tunisia (32nd, up 6) and Gold Cup semi-finalists Honduras (39th, up 11) all make good progress.

Iran (15th, up 2) are another team celebrating a highest ever placing.

Outside the top 50 positions, a number of teams climb five or more places.

These include China PR (56th, up 5), Zambia (62nd, up 11), Ghana (70th, up 6), Chile (72nd, up 5), Panama (a best ever 83rd, up 15) and Gabon (98th, up 5).

This month's most lucrative victories in terms of points gained prove to be Ghana's 2-0 World Cup qualifier win over South Africa and Brazil's 4-1 gala performance against Argentina in Frankfurt.

Malta's national team retain the 137th position of the previous month and so do fellow European minnows Andorra who are two places ahead in 135th.

Liechtenstein are hot on Malta's heels after moving two places up to 138th position. San Marino are the lowest-ranked UEFA member in 162nd place.