The Brazilian football federation is refuting criticism from FIFA President Sepp Blatter about delays in preparations for the 2014 World Cup, saying Brazil is on track to successfully host the tournament.

Spectacular moves are also thin on the ground further down the ranking, with only 12 teams within the top 50 changing places.

The Spaniards win 1-nil over the Neds. Spain is on top of the football world for the first time.

This year will be a lot of first for the FIFA World Cup: It’s the first time the competition is being played on African soil; And the first time both teams will compete against each other for the World coveted Cup

Giancarlo Abete blamed Europe’s big clubs, awash with money from lucrative broadcast contracts, for failing to develop young players good enough for international football.

ZURICH _ Spain kept the top spot in FIFA’s world rankings released Wednesday, and Africa Cup of Nations winner Egypt surged into the top 10. The United States was unchanged at No. 14, leading the CONCACAF nations. Mexico followed at 17. European champion Spain is followed by Brazil and Netherlands. World champion Italy is fourth [...]