FIFA Rankings of December 2008: Spain finish the year as No. 1

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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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