The Macedonian national football team ends 2017 in 76. spot at the latest FIFA ranking released on Thursday.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half free-kick ensured Real Madrid picked up a fifth trophy of 2017 by beating Gremio 1-0 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to retain the Club World Cup.

LeBron James tied Larry Bird for sixth all time in triple-doubles and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Los Angeles Lakers 121-112.

Holders Real Madrid were drawn against Paris St Germain in the standout tie from Monday’s Champions League last-16 draw and Barcelona will take on Chelsea, Reuters reports.

The Football Federation of Macedonia (FFM) awarded the best players and managers in 2017 at a ceremony in Skopje late on Sunday.

The 2010 World Cup winners Spain were placed in the same group as Cristiano Ronaldo's European champions Portugal, while England will face a talented Belgium side at the 2018 tournament in Russia, AFP reports.

Macedonia's football team has advanced nine spots in a latest ranking.

One of Italy's best defenders Leonardo Bonucci says a World Cup without the "azzurri" is not an option for him and his teammates.