Despite the promotion, Vietnam lost the top spot in Southeast Asia to the Philippines, who also moved up four notches to 128th in the world with 221 points, a mere one point ahead of Vietnam.

The region’s third place went to Thailand ranking 142nd in the world with 189 points, while Myanmar, Singapore and Malaysia followed in 153rd position all with 137 points each.

Japan came closer to dominating Asia’s standings, jumping two places to 53rd in the world and second in Asia with 617 points, 75 points behind the continent’s first-place holder, Iran (42nd in the world).

Spain accounted for the only change in the world’s top 10 rankings this month slipping one notch to 11th, conceding the tenth position to Italy. The three top spots are still currently occupied by Germany, Argentina and Colombia respectively.

The next FIFA men’s world rankings will be announced on April 9.

Vietnam Olympic team arrives in HCM City

The Vietnam Olympic football squad has arrived in HCM City to begin preparing for a March 14 friendly match against Uzbekistan’s U22 team.

The team will lack midfielder Xuan Truong, who is being treated for an injury at the Hanoi National Sport Training Centre. Meanwhile Que Ngoc Hai, Phuc Tinh and Tuan Tai have recovered from injuriesand will suit up.

As scheduled, the squad will start its first training session at 17h45 on the afternoon of March 11at Thong Nhat Stadium.

Besides Uzbekistan, Vietnam is scheduled to play friendly against Thailand’s U23 team before travellingto Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in its quest for a berth at the AFC U23 Football Championship.