Uzbekistan victory helps move the UAE up to No 89 in Fifa rankings

Highest rankings spot since July 2010 for Mahdi Ali's men as Spain remain top from Germany and Argentina.

The UAE's 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in March has helped move them to No 89 in the Fifa rankings.

The UAE have moved up nine places to 89th in the latest Fifa world rankings, their highest position since July 2010 when they were 88th.

Mahdi Ali's team played only one official match in the monthly qualifying period, a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Asian Cup qualifying in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE are now Asia's seventh highest team, sitting behind Jordan, whose recent World Cup qualifying victoy over Japan has put them up 14 places to 76th.

Elsewhere, Croatia has made a big move to No 4 after two World Cup qualifying wins, and World Cup 2014 tournament hosts Brazil dropped to No 19.

World and European champions Spain lead an unchanged top three, from Germany and Argentina.

Croatia's victories against Wales and Scotland last month lifted them five places, and No 5 placed Portugal climb two spots.

Colombia remains No 6, followed by England and Italy, who both fell three places, and the Netherlands.

Ecuador enter the top 10, up two, and No 12 Ivory Coast are the top-ranked African team.

Rankings weigh results over a four-year cycle and Brazil, who fell one place, have dropped down while playing no World Cup qualifiers.

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