| Italy knock Brazil off their perch
Football world champions Italy have replaced Brazil at the top of the FIFA rankings. It is the first time that Italy has been ranked top team in the world since November 1993 and ends a run of 55 months at the top by the Brazilians, who lost 2-0 to Portugal last week. The recent turnaround in Scotland's fortunes was reflected in their rise to 20th in the rankings, which equals their best-ever position (last registered in November 2000). Just a year ago, Scotland were 62nd in the rankings, having fallen to an all-time low of 88th in 2005. Victory in the Kirin Cup tournament in Japan last year and good results in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, including a victory over World Cup runners-up France in October 2006, have propelled the Scots up the international pecking order.
Tricky draw for Copa America holders Brazil
Holders Brazil landed a tricky draw for the Copa America on Wednesday as they were thrown into Group B along with Mexico, Ecuador and Chile.Brazil lost 1-0 in their last meeting with Mexico while Ecuador reached the last 16 at the World Cup in Germany and Chile appear set for a revival with a talented crop of young players.The draw was kinder to hosts Venezuela who will face Uruguay, Bolivia and Peru -- the latter pair regarded as the weakest two of the 12 teams -- in Group A.Argentina, beaten on penalties by Brazil in the 2004 final, will face the United States, Paraguay and Colombia in Group C -- which is full of potential pitfalls.The tournament, being held in Venezuela for the first time, takes place from June 26 to July 15.Brazil will be taking part in their first competitive matches under new coach Dunga, who replaced Carlos Alberto Parreira following their unhappy World Cup last year."Brazil's group is competitive and will certainly cause us difficulties," Dunga told the Brazilian Football Confederation's official website."But that is a characteristic of the competition, which is always tough.""Every team which plays against Brazil tries harder," he added.
Diamond Denilson sparkles in Arsenal midfield
Denilson may be celebrating his 19th birthday at Arsenal's training ground on Friday morning, but the Brazilian midfielder has already come of age. In a performance laced with energy and enthusiasm, as well as an exquisite range of passing, Denilson underpinned the Gunners' 3-1 victory over Bolton on Wednesday evening with a display that was beyond his teenage years. Read more: • Watch Windows Media video of visit to the Queen - video • Watch Real Player video of visit to the Queen - video • Low skill levels force Wenger to recruit abroad • FOOTBALL EXCLUSIVE: 'We're just an extraordinary team no one has heard of,' says Reading's Madejski • Kick em out - Neville declares war on football's greedy agents • The rock of ages - Experience of Dublin is priceless for the underdogs • We're ready for City mission, says old boy Simpson • Barca old boy Reina ready for Euro war • Nonda believes elite-class Bentley shows touch of Becks • Friendly fire puts Newcastle in charge • Sign up to our email sports round-up Although the FA Cup replay at the Reebok Stadium was only his ninth appearance in an Arsenal shirt - seven of them have been away from the Emirates Stadium - Brazil's Under-20 captain has made huge strides since his 3.4million move from Sao Paulo last August.
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