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The Indian national football team maintained their 102nd position as per the latest FIFA Rankings released on February 15. Stephen Constantine's men have not yet played an international game this year and are scheduled to next face Kyrgyz Republic on 27 March in a dead rubber in the 2019 Asian Cup Qualifier.
The Blue Tigers have vastly improved under the tutelage of Constantine, going on a nine-match unbeaten run in 2017. As a result, the coach was awarded a contract extension till the 2019 Asian Cup and a pay hike as well.
India's position in Asia, as a result, also remains the same. Sunil Chhetri and co. are ranked 14th. Iran, Australia and Japan occupy the top 3 spots in the continent. Worldwide, Germany remain the number one side on the planet, followed by Brazil and Portugal.
In fact, the position of the top 17 teams remain unchanged, with Iceland being the highest movers among the top 20, they moved up 2 places to 18.
India's neighbouring nations continue to languish at the bottom of the rankings. The Maldives remain in 150th position. Nepal remain unmoved at 165, while Bhutan occupy the 188th rank on the table. Sri Lanka and Pakistan are positioned 200 and 203 respectively.
The Blue Tigers did manage to breach the top 100 mark last year. However, failure to play better-ranked teams resulted in them moving out of the top 100. It remains to be seen if India can maintain their good run in 2018 and possibly even further improve upon their latest ranking.
New faces can be expected in the upcoming national camp. The Indian Super League has given a number of talented Indians a platform to deliver and quite a few of them have impressed week in week out.
Constantine is renowned for consistently handing opportunities. Over the last 3 years, more than 35 players have made their respective debuts under the Englishman.
