|
|
Spain finish 2011 top of FIFA World Ranking ahead of the Netherlands, Germany and Uruguay
The reigning world champions remain first in the standings, ahead of European rivals the Netherlands and Germany
Dec 21, 2011 5:34:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Getty
Reigning European and world champions Spain has 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 is 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 up 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 has 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.
The U.S. national team remains in the 34th position.
Follow GOAL.COM USA on
There's very little movement in the top 50 following the lack of international games in recent weeks, and Bosnia & Herzegovina is 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 up 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 has 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.
The U.S. national team remains in the 34th position.
Follow GOAL.COM USA on
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.