
The Philippine women’s soccer team before their match against Iceland in the Pinatar Cup. – PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE
MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine women’s soccer team climbed to a record 49th place in the latest women’s world rankings released by FIFA on Friday.
The Filipinos in the World Cup moved four places higher than the previous ranking that came out in December after taking part in the Pinatar Cup held last month in Spain.
Coach Alen Stajcic’s team lost three matches against top-ranked European teams Wales, Scotland and Iceland, who went on to win the mini-tournament.
“This is a historic achievement that underlines the importance of collaboration between [Philippine Football Federation]team management and coaching staff, and the players’ dedication, discipline and sacrifice,” PFF said in a statement.
“Indeed, the rise of the Filipinas shows that the confidence, professionalism, structure, organization and technical knowledge and commitment of the players can lead us in the right direction,” PFF added, also thanking the Filipinas management led by team manager Jefferson Cheng.
The ranking is ahead of the team’s next campaign which will be the first round of qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Philippines will play in Group E alongside hosts Tajikistan, Hong Kong and Pakistan.
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