New Delhi, May 4 (UNI) The Indian National Team, for the first time in 21 years have entered the top 100 of the FIFA rankings, according to the May FIFA Rankings released earlier today. Only the sixth time after Independence India has made it to the top 100 rankings and are placed in the 100 position along with Lithuania, Nicaragua and Estonia. Besides, India will stay at the 11th spot in AFC. National Coach Stephen Constantine commented, “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.” “It’s pleasing that we are presently ranked 100. At the same time, we need to stay aware of the challenge in hand. The AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers UAE 2019 are an acid test for us. AIFF has been providing the National Team with the best of exposure and facilities and we expect the Team to keep up the good work,” expressed All India Football Federation General Secretary Kushal Das. Triumphant victories over Myanmar in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and India’s first win in an away match against Cambodia in an International Friendly has notched up the Indian National Team in the FIFA Rankings.
A win against Puerto Rico also boosted the Constantine coached side. With 11 victories out of their last 13 matches (including an unofficial match against Bhutan) India scored 31 goals in total. UNI
