Australia finish year as world number 48
The Socceroos have ended the year as the number 48th ranked team in the world, after the last rankings for the year were released by FIFA.
With little in the way of international matches since the last rankings, there has not been a great deal of movement, although each of Australia-s World Cup qualifying opponents have moved in the rankings.
China moved up four places to number 81, while Iraq also jumped a couple of spots to number 68. Qatar lost a place, down to number 87.
There was no movement in the top 20, with Argentina staying at No.1 and its arch rival Brazil steady at No.2. Italy is the top European nation at No.3.
Japan still remains at Asia-s top ranked nation at 34, followed by Iran at 41 and Korea Republic at 42.
Australia begins its qualifying campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa on February 6 with a match against Qatar at Melbourne-s Telstra Dome.
Tickets for the match are on sale from Ticketmaster.