New Delhi: The Indian football team have jumped up a place to be ranked 100th for the first time ever in over two decades in the latest FIFA rankings released Thursday. This is the first time in 21 years and the sixth time overall since independence, that India have found a place in the top 100.
This is India’s best-ever FIFA ranking since April 1996 when they were also ranked 100. India’s highest FIFA ranking till date has been 94, achieved in February 1996. India, meanwhile, retained their 11th spot in Asian Confederation rankings.
“As long as we keep heading up the ladder, I am happy. It points out that we are heading in the right direction. There are major matches ahead and we cannot take things lightly. There’s no place for complacency,” said national coach Stephen Constantine in a release issued by AIFF.
AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said: “It’s pleasing that we are presently ranked 100. At the same time, we need to stay aware of the challenges ahead. The AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers UAE 2019 will be an acid test for us. The AIFF has been providing the national team the best of exposure and facilities and we expect the team to keep up the good work.”
Historic wins including a 1-0 victory over Myanmar in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers – the first ever win against the country in 64 years. India also achieved their first away win in over a decade when they defeated Cambodia 3-2 in an international friendly. Another 4-1 triumph against an international side, South American opponent Puerto Rico was another important milestone in India’s climb up the ranking ladder.
The national team has secured victories in 11 of their last 13 matches (including an unofficial match against Bhutan), scoring 31 goals in the process.
PTI
