Also on soccer ... after storming to the semifinals of the World Cup ... South Korea's FIFA ranking has soared by 18 notches to 22nd from the previous 40th. That puts South Korea on top in Asia ... followed by co-host Japan ... which jumped to 24th. That is also South Korea's highest ranking since December of 19-98 when it was ranked 17th. South Korea became the first Asian team to reach the semifinals of the World Cup, after beating European powerhouses Poland, Portugal, Italy and Spain. World Cup champions Brazil, who were ranked second behind France before the tournament, returned to the top as France and Argentina tied for second.