New Delhi, Jan 12 (UNI) The Indian National Team obtained its best ranking of 129 a jump of 42 places in World Football in over a decade as per the latest rankings released by FIFA today. The ranking of 129 is also a huge improvement of 42 places in less than two years apart from being the best ever since December 2005 a FIFA release stated. The Indian football team had an encouraging 2016, winning 9 of their last 11 International matches which it played. A win against Peurto Rico, a side ranked 114 much higher was the highlight of the year. However, the top 34 positions remain unchanged with Argentina, Brazil and Germany still holding first, second and third spot, respectively.
AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, “The National Team gaining its best ranking since December 2005 shows that we are on the upsurge. "The ranking enables us to be placed in pot 2 when the draw for the Asian Cup Qualifiers UAE 2019 is to be conducted later this month. We had last qualified for the Asian Cup in 2011 and hope to be there again in UAE in 2019.” National Coach Stephen Constantine said: “I think we have had a really good couple of years during my time and while results have been mixed, we have achieved what we said we would. Our ranking is at its highest since 2005 which is obviously great for Indian Football."
UNI NC SW 1740