Socceroos finish 23rd

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The Socceroos have dropped one spot to finish the calendar year in 23rd place on the FIFA world rankings.

Despite not playing since the 1-0 triumph over Thailand in Bangkok last month, Australia fell one place due to Bosnia-Herzegovina rising three places to 20th.

Reigning European and world champions Spain finished the year on top.

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, with Bosnia-Herzegovina the only position change in the top 40.

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.

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