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Indian football team jumps to record 129th position in FIFA ranking, 19th in Asia

Among the 47 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) countries, Iran lead the list with 816 points while India has occupied the 19th rank with 243 points.

Published: January 12, 2017 6:31 PM IST

By Sudipta Biswas

Indian football team jumps to record 129th position in FIFA ranking, 19th in Asia
Indian national team. (File picture)

India have jumped to record 129th, the best over a decade, position in the latest FIFA ranking. India jumped to 42 places in less than two years. Among the top notch teams Argentina atop the list with 1634 points.

Among the 47 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) countries, Iran lead the list with 816 points while India has occupied the 19th rank with 243 points.

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India was at the dismal 171st position when Stephen Constantine became the national coach. The team won nine of its last 11 games in 2016, including a victory against 114th ranked Puerto Rico. Also read- (Granatkin Memorial Cup 2017: India U-17 football World Cup team beats Belarus 1-0)

“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,” said Constantine, “Our ranking is at its highest since 2005 which is obviously great for Indian football. There is, however, a very long way to go where I intend to take Indian football to, but I can say that we have begun our journey.”

“It’s been a total team effort. Unless Mr. Patel (All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel) and Mr. Das (AIFF general secretary Kushal Das) allowed me to do the things and the manner I wanted it to be done, this won’t have been possible ever,” Constantine added. Also read- (Cristiano Ronaldo wins FIFA top award, trolls Barcelona)

Veteran Indian goalkeeper Subrata Paul congratulated team India. He said,”We have managed to climb 42 places in less than two years. I feel that’s a terrific achievement.”

“There have been many positive developments in the National team with a whole lot of new players having made their international debut. Constantine has been successful in building the team for the future and we will only improve with every given day,” he added.

The team’s next target, Subrata said, is a sub-100 rank.

As Argentina retained their numero uno position in the FIFA ranking, their arch rival Brazil from South America grab the second position. Among the European teams defending World Cup champion Germany hold the no. 3 position while Belgium grab the fifth position. The fourth position is held by another South American team Chile.

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