Egypt kept position in July FIFA rankings

Egypt stayed on in 34th place in the July global rankings announced by the international governing body of football FIFA on Wednesday. Despite recent lapses, the Pharaohs still lead Arab countries. They are ahead of Algeria (52) who droped a place and Tunisia (55) who lost two posts. The Pharaohs became second in African team ranks after Cote d'Ivoire (14), as Ghana (36) dropped three places. Nigeria (43) and Senegal (46) both dropped two points. After a series of disappointing results, the Egyptian national team has continued to fall in rank, having once been in the top ten. Tactician Hassan Shehata’s squad, who won three successive African Cup of Nations trophies, will not be able to defend their title in Guinea and Gabon after being stuck at the bottom of the group G table of the 2012 edition qualifiers. Egypt’s most successful coach, sadly quit his post two months ago and the Egyptian Football Association has yet to name his replacement. World and European champion Spain stayed on top in the latest FIFA rankings and Copa America winner Uruguay rose to its highest yet in fifth place. Spain, the Netherlands and Germany lead the way, with Brazil rising one place to fourth despite only reaching the Copa America quarterfinals. The latest monthly standings will be used to help decide seedings in Saturday’s World Cup qualifying draw. FIFA rankings for July (June position in parentheses): 1. Spain (1) 2. Netherlands (2) 3. Germany (3) 4. Brazil (5) 5. Uruguay (18) 6. England (4) 7. Portugal (7) 8. Italy (6) 9. Croatia (8) 10. Argentina (10) Top 5 African teams: 14. Cote d'Ivoire (14) 34. Egypt (36) 36. Ghana (33) 43. Nigeria (41) 46. Senegal (43) Top 5 Arab teams: 34. Egypt (36) 52. Algeria (51) 55. Tunisia (57) 63. Libya (64) 64. Morocco (63)