THE PHILIPPINES continued to reap the rewards for its string of strong performances in international matches as it climbed four places to its highest position of No. 133 in the latest rankings released by the International Football Federation (Fifa).
The Azkals lost to the United Arab Emirates and only drew with India early this month, but they remained the top national side in Southeast Asia based on Fifa rankings on the strength of their results from early this year as well as in the Peace Cup last month.
Despite its status as the region’s top side, the Philippines will not be fielding a team in the Southeast Asian Games due to the Philippine Olympic Committee’s strict standards of only sending potential gold medal winners in the biennial event. The SEA Games is an Under-23 competition. Only the women’s team will be fielded in the SEA Games.
The rankings not only give weight to recent performances of the team, but results of the past four years.
“The ranking should inspire us to improve our preparations for the (AFC) Challenge Cup,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami.