Azkals get highest Fifa ranking

MANILA, Philippines - Bearing the fruit of the Azkals’ milestone bronze medal performance in last month’s AFC Challenge Cup, the Philippines has achieved its all-time highest standing in the Fifa world rankings at 148th.

The Azkals gained precious ranking points in their semis-clinching 2-1 triumph over Tajikistan in between monumental triumphs over India (2-0, elims) and  Palestine (4-3, battle for third), en route to a weighted average of 182 points that moved them eight places up from their previous position in the monthly global list.

“Alongside Libya and El Salvador, the Philippines has achieved their highest-ever position since the introduction of the global ladder, thanks to their excellent performance at the AFC Challenge Cup, where they finished third,” the Fifa wrote in its summary of the April 11 roster.

Ranking-wise, Phl is now the third-best ASEAN nation, next only to Vietnam, the only SEAG team inside the Top 100 at 97th, and Thailand at 141st. Pinoy booters are ahead of Indonesia (151) and reigning Suzuki Cup titlist Malaysia (156). Overall, Phl is 22nd among Asians.

The 148th position eclipsed the previous best of 149th (yearend of 2010) for the country that placed as low as 195th back in September 2006.

Incidentally, the Azkals’ two tormentors in the AFC Challenge Cup, eventual back-to-back titlist North Korea and runner-up Turkmenistan climbed up 25 and 24 places to 86th and 142nd, respectively.