For the first time in 21 years, the India’s football team have been ranked among the top 100 in the FIFA Rankings.
As per the May FIFA Rankings released today, India have been ranked 100th – sharing the position with Lithuania, Nicaragua and Estonia. They’re also 11th in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rankings.
This is India’s best-ever standing – just like in April 1996, when they were also ranked 100th. India’s highest FIFA Ranking till date has been 94 – that was achieved in February 1996.
“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,” Head coach Stephen Constantine stated.
Historic wins including a 1-0 victory over Myanmar in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers – the first ever win in Myanmar in over 64 years, and India’s first ever win in an away encounter in over a decade (3-2 vs Cambodia) has propelled the the rise.
Add to that the 4-1 win against South American opponents Puerto Rico, which also added gloss to India’s points tally.
The side has secured victories in 11 of their last 13 matches (including an unofficial match against Bhutan), scoring 31 goals in the process.
Feature image source: AIFF