MANILA – The Philippine women’s football team has reached a new milestone this year after posting its highest ever ranking at 65th in the world.
Based on the latest rankings released by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) over the weekend, the Malditas moved up two places from their spot last year.
The Malditas, with 1,369 points, was among the seven national teams that obtained their highest position at the end of 2020 aside from Slovenia (48th), Northern Ireland (49th), Fiji (64th), Cuba (81st), Gambia (104th), and Comoros (139th).
The national women’s football team is 11th among member nations of the Asian Football Confederation and fourth among Southeast Asian teams.
According to Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta, the new ranking was a welcome development especially since the Malditas saw lack of competition this year due to coronavirus pandemic.
“The ranking is a reward for the hard work and sacrifices of the people involved in women’s football in the country especially the players and coaches and of course, the PFF Women’s Committee,” said Araneta.
“Certainly, this is a clear indication that women’s football in the country is continuously improving. As much as we are proud of this achievement, this also serves as a challenge for the PFF to make sure that the women’s national team and women’s football in general is given the support and the platform to succeed,” he added.
The Malditas were ranked 67 a year ago after reaching their first-ever semifinals appearance in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. They also had an impressive showing in the Olympic qualifiers.
