Azkals slip to 147th in Fifa ranking

MANILA, Philippines - In spite of a semifinal stint in the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup, the Philippines did not stay long in its highest-ever standing in the International Football Federation’s world rankings as it dropped four notches to 147th.

A month since occupying an all-time best 143rd, the country failed to sustain the climb and gain much headway in terms of ranking points in their Suzuki Cup campaign.

The Azkals’ 1-0 victory over higher-ranked Vietnam and 2-0 win over Myanmar in the group stages plus 1-0 triumph over Singapore in a Nov. 15 friendly in Cebu boosted Phl’s ranking points. But this wasn’t enough to keep them perched at their highest position in the last roster released by Fifa for 2012.

Vietnam, despite its failure to reach the semis of the Suzuki Cup, remains the top-ranked team in Southeast Asia at 131st overall. The Vietnamese benefited from a 1-0 win over Malaysia in a pre-tournament friendly.

Thailand, gunning for a record fourth Suzuki Cup title against Singapore, vaulted 16 places to 136th overall, in effect bumping off the Filipinos from the No. 2 position among Asean nations. The Thais earned precious ranking points from their victories in the group stages and semis of the Suzuki Cup as well as triumphs over Bangladesh and Bhutan in friendlies.

Their rival in the Suzuki Cup finals, Singapore, also climbed the rankings. From 163rd previously, the Singaporeans leapt to 154th, gaining from its finals-clinching 1-0 win over Phl in the second leg of the semis and victories in the group stages.