Phl 69th in FIFA world rankings

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines achieved an all-time high in the women’s world rankings as it ranked 69th in the roster released by the International Football Federation (Fifa) yesterday.

From its previous best of 72nd last September, Phl jumped by three positions in the latest quarterly rankings to end the year on a good note. It also rose to 14th among Asians.

The Filipina booters saw action in the AFF Women’s Championship last July in Mandalay, Myanmar, where it lost a pair of 0-4 setbacks to eventual champion Thailand and runner-up Vietnam and scored a 2-0 victory over Singapore in Group A.

Australia was the top Asian team at sixth overall followed by 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup second placer Japan (seventh), North Korea (10th) China (13th) and Korea Republic (18th).

Women’s World Cup campaigner Thailand was the best-ranked Asean at 30th in the world ahead of Vietnam (32nd), Myanmar (43rd) and the Philippines.

The country’s best ever ranking in the women’s side was achieved two weeks after it maintained its top position among Southeast Asian countries over in the men’s division.

The Azkals ended 2016 at 120th in the world, six places higher than back-to-back AFF Suzuki Cup champion Thailand and 14 clear of Vietnam.