The Philippine Azkals returned to the top spot in Southeast Asia based on the latest International Football Federation rankings.
The Azkals climbed one place to No. 128 despite not playing a single match over the last month to reclaim the region’s top position from Vietnam, which dropped to No. 129 in a tie with Afghanistan.
With 218 points collected based on results since 2011, the Azkals also rose to No. 18 in Asia, where world No. 45 Japan is in top spot.
“We have a challenge to reinforce our ranking with our performance on the pitch,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami.
Meanwhile, several Europe-based Azkals have found themselves in new clubs for the coming season.
Stephan Schrock has left Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt for Greuther Furth, which plays in the second division in Germany.
It will be a homecoming of sorts for Schrock as he had spent most of his career at Furth and helped the club to promotion in the Bundesliga.
Filipino-Swiss midfielder Martin Steuble has also signed with Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City recently after playing in the Swiss second division last season.
Juani Guirado has also moved to Bacolod’s Ceres FC on a deal from Spanish lower league side Burgos.