Image:Gary Speed: Helped Wales make huge progress in 2011
Wales have been confirmed as the biggest movers of the year in FIFA's world rankings after climbing from outside the top 100 into the top 50.
Dragons finish year inside world's top 50
Wales have been confirmed as the biggest movers of the year in FIFA's world rankings after climbing from outside the top 100 into the top 50.
Under the stewardship of the late Gary Speed, who took over in late 2010, Wales rose from 116th to finish 2011 in 48th place.
Speed, who died last month aged 42, oversaw Euro 2012 qualifying victories over Montenegro, Switzerland and Bulgaria, as well as impressive performances in friendlies including a 4-1 victory over Norway in his final match in charge.
That saw them amass 330 points under FIFA's system, more than any other nation in the world.
The top 10 of the world rankings are unchanged from November, with world and European champions Spain in first place ahead of Holland, Germany and Uruguay.
England finished the year in fifth place, with Republic of Ireland 22nd, Scotland 47th and Northern Ireland 88th.
