India end the year at 143rd

Lack of international matches took a toll on India's progress up the ladder as they moved just one rung to finish the year in 143rd place in the FIFA rankings issued on Wednesday.

India lost six points from November rankings but managed to continue their climb up the ladder. India had also finished last year at 143rd.

However, they remained static in the rankings among Asian nations at the 20th spot.

European champions Spain ended the year as the number one team with runners-up Germany following them in second.  

Netherlands moved one place to third at the expense of Italy. Brazil stayed fifth followed by Olympic champions Argentina and Croatia. 

England climbed two places to eighth dislodging Russia to ninth while Turkey moved up three places to 10th.