Argentina closes year atop FIFA rankings

Juan Roman Riquelme

ZURICH - Argentina will finish 2007 ranked as the best side in world football.


Alfio Basile`s side stormed to victory in 11 of their 16 games this year to ensure they finished top of FIFA's world rankings, one place ahead of Brazil and two ahead of world champions Italy.


Although December's rankings are relatively unchanged, there has been substantial movement over the course of the year.


The leadership changed hands six times - Argentina were as low as fifth in June - while Spain finish in fourth, eight places higher than they started, and Croatia are 10th, up five places.


Greece climbed five places to 11th, Scotland leapt 11 spots to 14th and Turkey are up 10 to 16th.


Elsewhere, Colombia are up 17 to 17th, Bulgaria jumped 25 places to 18th and Mozambique were labelled "Best Mover of the Year" by FIFA`s website for finishing in 75th - a climb of 53 places.