?The Spanish team poses before a 2010 World Cup Group H match against Chile at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 25, 2010. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

Brazil replaced Germany in the third place in the latest FIFA world ranking released on Wednesday, while World Cup winner Spain continues to lead the rankings ahead of the Netherlands.

Brazil beat Scotland 2-0 in their last match, a friendly in London on March 27, while Germany succumbed to a shock 21-2 defeat at home to Australia on March 29.

Argentina, whose last two friendly games ended in draws -- 1-1 in the United States on March 26 followed by a goalless stalemate with Costa Rica three days later, slipped one place to fifth.

Asian champions Japan (13th) are the top team in Asia and World Cup quarterfinalists Ghana (15th) remain the best-ranked African side.

France dropped one place to 19th after four consecutive months in which they climbed in the ranking.

Latest FIFA ranking:

1. Spain

2. Netherlands

3. Brazil

4. Germany

5. Argentina

6. England

7. Uruguay

8. Portugal

9. Italy

10. Croatia

Selected:

13. Japan

15. Ghana

20. Australia

22. United States

31. South Korea

77. China