The United States women have risen two places to fifth on the latest FIH World Rankings ©Getty Images

The United States women have risen two places to fifth on the latest International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hero World Rankings after they secured the bronze medal at the recent Champions Trophy tournament at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London.

The Americans were the lowest ranked nation in the competition on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park but earned a surprise third-place finish with a shootout win over Australia in the bronze medal match.

Reigning Olympic and world champions The Netherlands managed to cling on to top spot despite suffering a 2-0 reverse at the hands of Argentina in the Champions Trophy final.

The result handed Argentina, the Hockey World League holders, a record-breaking seventh crown and saw them signal their intention ahead of this year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where they will be one of the favourites for the gold medal.

The Dutch currently have a total of 2,086 points and remain ahead of the South American side, who have 1,988 points.

Australia’s defeat to the US in the bronze medal contest saw them slip further behind the two countries as they sit third on 1,873 points.

New Zealand, who finished rock bottom of the women’s Champions Trophy standings, are fourth with 1,628, while the US are on 1,555.

Australia's Champions Trophy victory over India in London saw them keep hold of top spot in the men's rankings ©Getty Images
Australia's Champions Trophy victory over India in London saw them keep hold of top spot in the men's rankings ©Getty Images

Australia held on to their status as the number-one ranked team following their controversial triumph over India in the men’s final.

After the match had finished all-square at 0-0 in regulation time, the game went to penalties and the Australians thought they had won the match but India protested about the retaken second shootout goal, scored by Daniel Beale.

Beale had originally missed his first effort but was granted a retake as Sreejesh Parattu was adjudged to have obstructed the Australian.

The offence appeared to have occurred after the hooter sounded, however, prompting India to submit a complaint as they felt the goal should not have stood, causing a delay of nearly an hour until Australia were declared the winners.

Australia, the reigning World Cup and World League champions, top the rankings on 2,179 points, with The Netherlands second on 1,838.

Olympic champions Germany, who edged Britain 1-0 for the bronze medal at the Champions Trophy tournament, are third on 1,701.

England are fourth with 1,550 and India have leapfrogged Belgium into fifth as a result of their silver medal in London.