In a surprise to absolutely no one, European champions
Spain have ended the year as the world’s number one-ranked nation in the latest
FIFA rankings.Spain won all 16 of their matches in 2008, including the
Euro 2008 title in June when they defeated World champions
Italy, Russia and
Germany in the knockout stage.
La Selección started the year at No. 4, but their success in
Austria and
Switzerland catapulted them into first position and has been ranked atop the list for six straight months.
Germany, who lost to
Spain in the final of
Euro 2008, is still at number two, while the
Netherlands rose one spot to No. 3, switching places with the Italians.
Brazil remained the best of the South American nations in fifth and bitter rivals
Argentina are close behind in sixth.
England continued their revival under coach
Fabio Capello, moving up two places to eight.
Euro 2008 semifinalists
Turkey climbed three to 10.
The
Czech Republic and
Portugal dropped out of the top 10, and are in a three-way tie with
France for 11th.
FIFA Rankings of December 2008:
| 1. | |  | | Spain |
|
| 2. | |  | | Germany |
|
| 3. | (4) |  | | Netherlands |
|
| 4. | (3) |  | | Italy |
|
| 5. | |  | | Brazil |
|
| 6. | |  | | Argentina |
|
| 7. | |  | | Croatia |
|
| 8. | (10) |  | | England |
|
| 9. | (8) |  | | Russia |
|
| 10. | (13) |  | | Turkey |
|
| 11. | (12) |  | | France |
|
| 11. | (10) |  | | Portugal |
|
| 11. | (9) |  | | Czech Republic |
|
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