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Emma Hayes' team won gold at the Paris Olympics
to mark its turnaround in form after its reign as world champion
ended last year and Spain established itself as the dominant
force in women's soccer.
The U.S.'s triumph in France — beating Brazil 1-0 in the final —
saw it climb four places to top the FIFA rankings in August. And
it maintained top spot in the final rankings of the year, which
were released Friday.
World champion Spain was top at the start of the year, but
dropped to third after losing the bronze medal match at the
Olympics. It is up to second in the latest rankings.
European champion England is down to fourth from second. Olympic
bronze medal winner Germany is third.
The U.S. has dominated women's soccer, winning four World Cups
and five Olympic golds.
But was eliminated in the round of 16 from last year's World Cup
when knocked out by Sweden.
Hayes, who won 15 major trophies with Chelsea, including seven
Women's Super League titles, took over as U.S. coach in May and
quickly delivered a tournament triumph at the Paris Games.
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