Zurich, Switzerland (Sportsbooks) - Inside a month before the 2003 Women's World Cup kicks off on September 20, FIFA has the United States as the reigning number-one ranked side on the planet. The Americans held tight at the pinnacle of the rankings for the second- straight time after being tabbed top by world soccer's governing body last month in the first-ever world rankings table for women. FIFA listed the U.S. ahead of holding Olympic champion Norway, European champion Germany and perennial bridesmaid China. Also in the top-10 were Sweden, '99 semifinalist Brazil, and Korea. France, which makes it first-ever World Cup appearance this year, rounds out the top tier. The rankings are based on results, match importance, home advantage and strength of two opposing teams. TOP-10 FOR AUGUST 29, 2003 1. USA 2171 1 2. Norway 2159 2 3. Germany 2155 3 4. China PR 2110 4 5. Sweden 2073 5 6. Brazil 2030 6 7. Korea DPR 2004 7 8. Denmark 1967 8 9. France 1964 9 10. Italy 1941 10 |
