XtraTime Web Desk: Huge boost for defending champions Germany as they will start their World Cup campaign in Russia with holding the top spot in the FIFA rankings.
The four-time champions are in a very good shape with the return of their star goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who was one of the main reasons of winning the 2014 World Cup. He was out for almost nine months due to a flat feet injury.
Neymar’s on-form five-time World Cup winners Brazil are second, multi-talented Belgium are third, Cristiano Ronaldo’s European champions Portugal fourth and Lionel Messi’s Argentina are fifth.
British bookmakers would agree with the top two as they make Germany and Brazil joint World Cup favourites at odds of five to one followed by Spain, France and Argentina.
World Cup host nation Russia meanwhile slide to 70th position after a seven-game winless streak. They kick off the tournament against Saudi Arabia on June 14.
Standings June 7:
1. Germany
2. Brazil
3. Belgium
4. Portugal
5. Argentina
6. Switzerland
7. France
8. Poland (+2)
9. Chile
10. Spain (-2)
11. Peru
=12. Denmark, England (+1)
14. Uruguay (+3)
15. Mexico
16. Colombia
17. Netherlands (+2)
18. Wales (+3)
19. Italy (+1)
20. Croatia (-2)
21. Tunisia (-7)
22. Iceland
23. Costa Rica (+2)
24. Sweden (-1)
25. United States (-1)
Selected
27. Senegal (+1)
34. Serbia (+1)
36. Australia (+4)
37. Iran (-1)
41. Morocco (+1)
45. Egypt (+1)
48. Nigeria (-1)
55. Panama
57. South Korea (+4)
61. Japan (-1)
67. Saudi Arabia (0)
70. Russia (-4)