FIFA awarded Iran the best Asian soccer team in February 2002

Iran remained the highest ranked Asian side at 31st despite their failure to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. Saudi Arabia (35), Japan (38) and Korea Republic (41) are the only other Asian teams in the top-50 although China, who are currently ranked 52nd, are on the verge of joining them.

Another Asian team, Korea DPR, made the most significant move of the month as they jumped 13 places to 126th following their victory at the King's Cup tournament in Bangkok.

Germany's 7-1 hammering of Israel in an international friendly in February has lifted the Germans back into the top-10.

The Germans moved up two spots from 12th to 10th in the latest World Ranking released by FIFA on Wednesday, March 20, displacing England in the top-10. Despite drawing 1-1 with No.9 team Holland, the English swapped places with Germany as they dropped two spots to 12th.

With France, Argentina and Brazil retaining the top three spots in the World Ranking the only change in the top five sees Italy exchanging places with Portugal. The Italians beat the 13th ranked United States 1-0 in a recent friendly to move up to two spots to fourth.Portugal drop down to sixth after only managing a 1-1 draw with No.7 Spain.

http://www.fifa.com/rank/main_E_latest.html