Azkals notch up in FIFA ranking

Despite taking February off, the national football team of the Philippines found itself back at 122nd overall from 123rd in the previous rankings. (PNA photo)

MANILA — Ahead of a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match, the country’s national football team Azkals went up a notch in the latest FIFA rankings on Thursday.

Despite taking February off, the national football team of the Philippines found itself back at 122nd overall from 123rd in the previous rankings.

The Azkals joined a pack of eight countries which have a one-spot upgrade in their respective rankings to 119th-126th places overall.

Despite the one-up, the Azkals remained second in the Southeast Asian ranking with Vietnam still way ahead of the pack.

However, Vietnam dropped one spot in the world rankings to 113rd, giving the Azkals an opportunity to further inch closer on the team ahead of a friendly next Thursday and its pivotal showdown with Tajikistan for a spot in the Asian continental tournament on March 27 next year.

Germany stays on top of the world rankings, while Iran (33rd in the world) is still number one in Asia.