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Spain finish 2011 top of Fifa World Ranking ahead of the Netherlands, Germany and England
The reigning world champions remain first in the standings, ahead of their European rivals, while Uruguay hold their place in fourth as the cream of South America
21 Dec 2011 11:04:00
By Stefan Coerts
Getty
Reigning European and world champions Spain have finished the calendar year top of the Fifa World Ranking as runners-up Netherlands and Germany in third were unable to close the gap to Vicente del Bosque's men in the last month of 2011.
There's very little movement in the top 50 following the lack of international games in recent weeks, and Bosnia & Herzegovina are the only new faces inside the top 20 as they climb three places to 20th position.
This year's Copa America champions Uruguay will head into 2012 in fourth spot ahead of England, Brazil, Portugal, Croatia, Italy and Argentina, who round off the top 10.
The top-ranked teams from each of the confederations are Spain (first), Uruguay (fourth), Cote d’Ivoire (16th), Japan (19th), Mexico (21st) and New Zealand (119th).
Wales have claimed the title of Best Mover of the Year as they finish 2011 in 48th position after collecting 300 points following impressive wins over Montenegro, Switzerland and Bulgaria in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.50 | Draw £90.00 | China £260.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.80 | Draw £100.00 | China £230.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.83 | Draw £100.00 | China £210.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.80 | Draw £100.00 | China £260.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.70 | Draw £125.00 | China £270.00 |
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There's very little movement in the top 50 following the lack of international games in recent weeks, and Bosnia & Herzegovina are the only new faces inside the top 20 as they climb three places to 20th position.
This year's Copa America champions Uruguay will head into 2012 in fourth spot ahead of England, Brazil, Portugal, Croatia, Italy and Argentina, who round off the top 10.
The top-ranked teams from each of the confederations are Spain (first), Uruguay (fourth), Cote d’Ivoire (16th), Japan (19th), Mexico (21st) and New Zealand (119th).
Wales have claimed the title of Best Mover of the Year as they finish 2011 in 48th position after collecting 300 points following impressive wins over Montenegro, Switzerland and Bulgaria in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
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