The most important change to the calculation of the ranking is that it will no longer take into account the last eight years of results but only four. At the same time, all of the other factors previously taking into account (result, importance of match, strength of opponents, regional strength, number of matches considered) were tested, analysed and, in some cases, totally revised. In fact, two of the factors that were previously used (goals scored and home advantage) will no longer have any impact on the ranking.

Four-time world champions Italy's latest triumph is also reflected in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. The Azzurri have leaped 11 places to second and are now at the head of the chasing pack behind Brazil, who stay on top.

The positions of the teams at the top of the ranking mirror their performances at the 2006 FIFA World Cup(tm). Besides minor changes to other countries' positions in the Top Ten, there was also one other prime mover, the host nation Germany (9th, up 10), who thanks to convincing displays in front of their home fans find themselves back among the world's best teams for the first time in more than two years. Thanks to their performances at the World Cup, three other big gainers are Switzerland (13th, up 22), the Ukraine (15th, up 30) and Ghana (25th, up 23).

Why in the world is England above Portugal and Germany?

btw, i think M'sia grow a bit?  I remember vaguely, it was 15X when i last check... (lazy go check now)