In 2014’s last edition of the FIFA world rankings, the top 20 remained unchanged.

World Cup holders Germany retained a comfortable lead over Argentina and Colombia, followed by Belgium, the Netherlands and Brazil.

It is only the second time since 1993 that the Germans have finished a year on top, securing them the title of team of the year for 2014.

They also win the title of best mover of the year, thanks to their gain of 407 points – more than any other team.

Other teams that can look back with satisfaction on a successful year are Slovakia (21st, up 334 points) and Belgium (4th, up 319 points).

Malta moved up one place on the list to close the year ranked 147th, level on 166 points, with Turkmenistan and Madagascar.

The national team, who gained nine places in last month’s chart thanks to the 1-1 draw against Bulgaria in a Euro 2016 qualifier, were ranked 130th at the start of the year.

There have been only 17 international ‘A’ matches to take into account since the November rankings, bringing the total number taken into account in 2014 to 834.

More than half of those games were friendlies (468), plus 302 qualifiers for continental final competitions and 64 World Cup contests.

Top 10

1. Germany 1,725; 2. Argentina 1,538; 3. Colombia 1,450; 4. Belgium 1,417; 5. Netherlands 1,374; 6. Brazil 1,316; 7. Portugal 1,160; 7. France 1,160; 9. Spain 1,142; 10. Uruguay 1,135.