PARIS, May 17: Defending world champions Brazil continue to occupy first place in the FIFA world rankings with a healthy lead over their nearest rivals Czech Republic ahead of the World Cup finals which start in Germany on June 9.

Japan is Asia’s best ranked team placed 18th with 705 points.

Once mighty Germany the hosts of 2006 World Cup are languishing at 19th spot with 696 points.

1. Brazil 827 pts (0)

2. Czech Republic 772 (0)

3. Netherlands 768 (0)

4. Mexico 758 (+2)

5. United States 756 (-1)

Spain 756 (0)

7. Portugal 750 (+1)

8. France 749 (-1)

9. Argentina 746 (-1)

10. England 741 (0)

11. Nigeria 736 (+1)

. Denmark 736 (0)

13. Italy 728 (+1)

14. Turkey 726 (-1)

15. Cameroon 722 (0)

16. Sweden 709 (0)

17. Egypt 708 (+1)

18. Japan 705 (-1)

19. Germany 696 (0)

20. Greece 694 (-1).—Agencies