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The Azkals get a much needed boost for their Suzuki Cup buildup when FIFA released its rankings for September
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By Kevin Estrada
MANILA--It only took a friendly match.
That is how the Philippines got its timely boost for their Suzuki Cup buildup, as they reclaim the top spot in the ASEAN ladder when FIFA released the rankings today.
Just eight days after shocking Kyrgyzstan in their lone September friendly in Bishkek, the Azkals moved nine spots from 134 to 125, one ahead of Oct. 7 opponents Bahrain and two up former Asian Cup champions Iraq.
Defending AFF titlists Thailand saw their four-month long reign on top of the Southeast Asian pile end by falling 15 ranks lower to 135, as they both lost their World Cup Qualifiers to Saudi Arabia (up to 52nd from 61st) and Japan (down to 56th from 49h)
Iran remain as the top Asian side, as they moved to 37th, with Australia, South Korea, and Uzbekistan rounding up the top four.
Argentina remained the world's best team, followed by Belgium and Germany for second and third respectively, as Colombia and Brazil both tied at fourth for this month's rankings.
FIFA will release the next ranking update on Oct. 20, nine days after the Azkals-North Korea friendly.
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