Spain finish 2011 on top of the world

Reigning European and world champions Spain have finished the calendar year on top of the FIFA world rankings.

Second-placed Netherlands and Germany in third were unable to close the gap to Vicente del Bosque’s men in the last month of 2011.

There was very little movement in the top 50 following the lack of international games in recent weeks, and Bosnia and 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 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 – under the leadership of the late Gary Speed – 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.

Speed died last month at the age of 42.