A solid showing in the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup could not prevent the Philippines from falling four places in the latest rankings released by the International Football Federation (Fifa).
The Azkals dropped to 147 from a high of 143, despite winning two of their five matches on their way to reaching the Suzuki Cup semifinals for the second straight tournament as well as beating Singapore in their buildup.
Still, the Azkals’ ranking is the highest year-end position of the country since the ranking system was instituted in 1992.
Fifa, which not only considers the result, but the importance of the match and the strength of the opposition and the continental federation, gave the Azkals 174 ranking points during the past month. The ranking system also considers results since 2009.
The Azkals defeated Vietnam, 1-0, and Myanmar, 2-0. They failed to pick up points in losses to Thailand and Singapore, which are disputing the Suzuki Cup.
Playing more matches this year, the Azkals, who dropped to third-best in the region behind Vietnam and Thailand, have significantly increased their average points collection with 109 points a month for 2012, up by more than 20 from last year.