10 July,2015 08:28 AM IST | | Agencies
Wales has achieved its highest FIFA rankings by featuring in the top 10 for the first time in the latest rankings released by the world's football governing body
London: Wales has achieved its highest FIFA rankings by featuring in the top 10 for the first time in the latest rankings released by the world's football governing body.
Wales, whose previous highest ranking was 22nd, have moved up 12 places to be placed at the 10th position, the BBC reported.
Chris Coleman's side have entered the top 10 after Gareth Bale's goal secured them a 1-0 win over Belgium in a Euro 2016 qualifier in June.
Wales coach Osian Roberts said that it was a remarkable achievement but it was the testimony to all the hard work that the players had put in.
Meanwhile, the reigning European champions Spain find themselves two places below Coleman's side.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi-led Argentina lead the pack despite losing the Copa America to Chile in Saturday's final. Under the guidance of coach Gerardo Martino, the team dethroned the reigning world champions Germany, pushing its way onto board after seven years of absence, reports Efe.
Chile, the newly-crowned Copa America champions, jumped up eight spots, landing in 11th place.
A total of 28 teams improved their standings by more than 10 spots, with surges shown by Belize up by 37 spots, Paraguay by 29, Faeroe Islands up 28 and Venezuela up by 27.
The next FIFA world rankings will be published on August 6.
FIFA ranking and point scores for July:
1. Argentina 1,473 points
2. Germany 1,411
3. Belgium 1,244
4. Colombia 1,217
5. Netherlands 1,204
6. Brazil 1,186
7. Portugal 1,177
8. Romania 1,176
9. England 1,157
10. Wales 1,155.
