Italy has won the World Cup, but Brazil is still the best team in the world, according to FIFA’s newly redesigned world soccer rankings. The new system changes the criteria for rating the world’s top teams, benefiting Argentina, France, and England, which moved to 3, 4, and 5, respectively, after Brazil and Italy. Italy moved up 10 places, Argentina six, France four and England five. The Sydney Morning Herald says signs show that the system is still flawed. For one thing, their Aussies (33) failed to crack the top 32 despite reaching the final 16 at the World Cup; 10 countries that didn’t compete in Germany, including Guinea, did, however. While the Aussies gained nine places, “the tiny West African nation inexplicably leapt 27 places to 24th in the world.” Other big movers were Ukraine, up 30 places to 15, and Ghana, up 23 places to 25.
