FIFA Rankings: Azkals steady at 3rd in SEA, 22nd in Asia, 150th in the world

The Philippines remain at 150 in the world in the latest FIFA rankings released Wednesday, September 5, just before the 0-0 draw with Cambodia. Before that draw the rankings showed that the Azkals stayed at third in South East Asia, but are within touching distance of Vietnam who are ranked just four places above them now, at 146th in the world. For the whole of Asia, the Azkals are at 22nd. Thailand, meanwhile, consolidate their position at the top of South East Asian football by moving up two places to 131 in the world.   Movers and Losers   The top ten countries this month are the same from last month, the only change seeing Portugal rise above Uruguay into fourth place. Spain continue their dominance in the rankings as reigning World and twice Euros Champions. Germany are solid in second place while England are still somehow ranked the third best nation in the world.   Underperforming former World Champions include 2002 Champions Brazil in 12th spot in the world and 1998 World Cup winners France down in 15th. One country to watch in future years is Olympic Gold winners, U17 World Cup winners and U20 World Cup Third placers Mexico who may have fallen to 21st in the world but are on the edge of breaking into the world elite.   The biggest winners this month were Bermuda who rose 18 places in the rankings from 120th to 102nd in the world. The biggest losers, however, were Lithuania who fell 31 places from 85th in the world to 116 having not played a game since a 1-1 draw with Latvia on the 9th of June and a 3-0 loss to Estonia the day before.   A busy September could see Azkals' climb   With six friendlies in September, the Philippines could jump much higher in the rankings.   After their scoreless draw with Cambodia, the Azkals still have to face Singapore tomorrow, September 7, before flying off to Laos for their clash on September 10.   At the end of the month, the Azkals will also host the Paulino Alcantara Peace Cup where they will face Guam, Macau and Taiwan on the 25th, 27th and 29th respectively.   Of their six opponents in September, Singapore are the closest nation in terms of rankings as they are now 11 places below the Azkals following a one place jump in this month’s FIFA release.   This means the Philippines are favorites for all their remaining games, though the match against Singapore will certainly be the toughest game.   If the Azkals can win their remaining matches in the month, a feat that would see them win a good number of ranking points, they may climb above Vietnam, 146th in the world and second in the region.   Vietnam, meanwhile, will have a tough set of three matches in September away to Malaysia on the 10th before facing Indonesia twice, first away on the 14th of the month and then at home on the 21st.   Depending on Vietnam’s results, the Azkals could well jump above their rivals in the rankings as few points separate the two.   Thailand, meanwhile, have no friendlies scheduled before the Suzuki Cup as of yet giving a chance to both Vietnam and the Philippines to catch up to the top ranked South East Asian side at the moment.   The Azkals will be hoping to markedly improve on their result against Cambodia which saw them have several good chances but fail to put the ball in the back of the net.   The success of the Azkals is all in their own hands now with the opportunity there for a great preparation ahead of the Suzuki Cup.   This month of friendlies, though, will be particularly interesting given that Thailand will be hosting the Suzuki Cup group between these top three nations in South East Asia and the top qualifier later this year.   With Stephan Schröck returning for the Azkals against Singapore and Laos, too, the squad will be boosted by the battle-hardened defender. Usually playing the holding midfield role for the Azkals, the Fil-German who plays for Hoffenheim in the top tier of German football will be available after being sent off in his debut for the German club.   The Azkals as a whole, though, have the chance to raise their profile and even end their 99 year trophy drought as they look ahead to five more matches including the four-nation Paulino Alcantara Peace Cup. — ELR, GMA News