ZURICH, Aug 6: European champions Spain extended their lead at the top of the latest world football rankings published by FIFA on Wednesday, following a quiet month for the sport.

Spain, who have not played a match since winning Euro 2008 at the end of June, are now leading Germany — the team they beat to win the title.

Germany climbed from third into second and swapped places with world champions Italy, despite neither side being in action last month.

Teams are able to move around in the monthly rankings system without playing matches because the standings are based on performances over the past four years, with older results being downgraded each month.

Five-time World Cup winners Brazil suffered the biggest drop in the top 10, falling two places to sixth — their lowest position in 15 years.

Dunga’s side have won just two of their first six qualifiers. In June they suffered a 2-0 away defeat against Paraguay and were then held to a goalless draw at home to Argentina.

Fellow former world champions France have also slipped in the rankings following their group stage exit at Euro 2008.

FIFA world rankings (previous position in brackets):

1 (1) Spain; 2 (3) Germany; 3 (2) Italy; 4 (5) Netherlands; 5 (7) Croatia; 6 (4) Brazil; 7 (6) Argentina; 8 (8) Czech Republic; 9 (9) Portugal; 10 (11) Russia; 11 (12) Romania; 12 (10) France; 13 (14) Turkey; 14 (15) England; 15 (13) Cameroon; 16 (16) Scotland; 17 (17) Bulgaria; 18(18) Greece; 19 (20) Ghana; 20 (21) Israel.—Reuters