Azkals focused on game vs Sri Lanka, not FIFA ranking

Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta said the men's national football team, more popularly known as the Azkals, is focused on having a strong showing in their World Cup qualifying round match against Sri Lanka and not on the country's FIFA world ranking.

Araneta said the FIFA ranking is the least of their problems.

"They (Azkals) are more focused on building a strong team and in their upcoming match against Sri Lanka," said Araneta.
The Philippines dropped four places in the latest FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association or International Federation of Association Football) world rankings, sliding down from 151st spot to 155.

Araneta said the country's 2-1 loss to Mongolia in the second leg of their playoff match in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup and the scoreless draw against Palestine in the group stages could be the reason behind the Philippines' slide to the 155th ranking.

Both Mongolia (179) and Palestine (170) are teams ranked lower than the Philippines. The country jumped to 151st spot last December after beating Vietnam (134) in a Group B match in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.

Araneta said the Azkals won't take Sri Lanka lightly, even if it seems to be a weaker team, having failed to win a single match in Group D of the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal. The Philippines will visit Sri Lanka on June 29 for the first leg of their two-game series in Colombo.

Read more at GMA News