Socceroos back in FIFA's top 20 rankings

SYDNEY (AAP)- 21.09.2011 - Australia have climbed to 19th in FIFA's world rankings after starting their World Cup qualifying campaign with two wins.
The Socceroos broke back into the top 20 after three months on the outer, reclaiming the ranking they last held in March, 2010.
It's the highest position Australia have held since September 2009, when the team climbed to 14th place - ahead of the likes of Portugal.
The standings weigh team results over a four-year cycle.
In the latest update, world and European champion Spain regained No.1 spot after the Netherlands topped the standings for just one month.
The Dutch were knocked from top spot despite winning two European Championship qualifiers, including an 11-0 victory over San Marino.
Germany remain third while Uruguay rise to a best-ever fourth.
Portugal climb three places to No.5, while Italy is up one to sixth, swapping places with Brazil.
England drops four to No.8 despite also winning two Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Japan leads the Asian nations at No.15 while Ivory Coast is best of Africa at No.16.
Australia's next World Cup Asian qualifier is against Oman in Sydney next month.
The Socceroos are currently leading group D with six points after defeating Thailand 2-1 and Saudi Arabia 3-1.
FIFA rankings for September (August position in parentheses):
1. Spain (2).
2. Netherlands (1).
3. Germany (3).
4. Uruguay (5).
5. Portugal (8).
6. Italy (7).
7. Brazil (6).
8. England (4).
9. Croatia (10).
10. Argentina (9).
11. Greece (14).
12. France (15).
13. Russia (13).
14. Chile (11).
15. Japan (15).
16. Ivory Coast (15).
17. Denmark (21).
18. Switzerland (30).
19. Australia (22).
20. Mexico (20).