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Zurich - World and European champion Spain stays atop FIFA's monthly world rankings, despite losing a friendly to England which climbs two places to No 5.

Bafana Bafana have dropped down four places from No 49 last month  to No 53.

The Netherlands remains second but third-placed Germany narrowed the gap after winning 3-0 in a friendly between the sides.

South American champion Uruguay also closed on the top three, beating Chile and No 9 Italy to remain unbeaten in 13 matches. Brazil falls one place to No 6.

Portugal and Croatia won 2012 European Championship playoffs and rise to seventh and eighth respectively.

Ivory Coast leads African teams at No 16 and 19th-placed Japan is the best Asian team.

Mexico rises two to No 20 and heads CONCACAF members.

FIFA rankings for November (October position in parentheses):

1. Spain (1).

2. Netherlands (2).

3. Germany (3).

4. Uruguay (4).

5. England (7).

6. Brazil (5).

7. Portugal (8).

8. Croatia (12).

9. Italy (6).

10. Argentina (10).

11. Denmark (10).

12. Russia (13).

13. Chile (16).

14. Greece (8).

15. France (15).

16. Ivory Coast (19).

17. Switzerland (18).

18. Sweden (14).

19. Japan (17).

20. Mexico (22).