Newly crowned European champion Spain has climbed to the top of latest world rankings published by world soccer's governing body FIFA on Wednesday. It is the first time since the introduction of the rankings in 1992 that Spain, which was rated fourth last month, has been listed as the world's best team. The ranking system is based on international results over the past four years with more points awarded for wins in major tournaments. Germany, loser of Sunday's Euro 2008 final, climbed two places to third position behind Italy, which rose one spot despite going out of the tournament at the quarterfinal stage. Former leader Argentina saw its nine-month spell at the top of the rankings come to an end, tumbling down to sixth place after a disappointing month that included two draws in World Cup qualifying against Ecuador and Brazil. The 2004 European champion Greece suffered an even bigger drop, from eighth to 18th, after losing the points gained from its shock title win and suffering a group stage exit from this year's event. Russia's surprise run to the semifinals has seen it surge 13 places to 11th, its best ranking in more than 10 years. After failing even to qualify for the tournament, England dropped six places to 15th, its lowest position since 2001. FIFA RANKINGS (previous position in brackets): 1. (4) Spain; 2. (3) Italy; 3. (5) Germany; 4. (2) Brazil; 5. (10) Netherlands; 6. (1) Argentina; 7. (15) Croatia; 8. (6) Czech Republic; 9. (11) Portugal; 10. (7) France; 11. (24) Russia; 12. (12) Romania; 13. (13) Cameroon; 14. (20) Turkey; 15. (9) England; 16. (17) Scotland; 17. (18) Bulgaria 18. (8) Greece; 19. (14) Mexico; 20 (16) Ghana. Aragones felt ‘not wanted' Luis Aragones said on Wednesday he left his post as Spain coach because the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) did not want him to continue. The 69-year-old led Spain to victory at Euro 2008, its first major title in 44 years, but had consistently maintained he would step down after the tournament, four years after taking charge. Turkish club Fenerbahce has said it has a pre-agreement with him to join it on a two-year deal, which is expected to be completed in the coming days. “I don't accept those that say I wanted to leave. I admit I said everyone had a sell by date because there was no movement (from them),” Aragones said in an interview with sports daily Marca. “The Federation did not want me as coach. If they had wanted me they wouldn't have spoken to another while I was still working.” – Reuters __
