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What’s the story?
The Indian football team stayed put on the November update of the FIFA rankings, at the 105th spot, after playing out a 2-2 draw against Myanmar at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, earlier this month.
In case you didn’t know…
India have been on the rise in the last couple of years, as they jumped to the top 100s in the FIFA rankings for the first time in over two decades, earlier this year. However, they fell down the rankings to the 105th spot in a couple of months.
Heart of the matter
India’s magnificent run of 13 unbeaten matches in International football has seen them rise exponentially in the FIFA rankings. The Blue Tigers had already qualified for the AFC Asian Cup, before their fourth match of the third round of qualifier against Myanmar, earlier this month. They had even won all of their first fourth matches of the Third Round of the qualifiers.
However, since they could only manage a 2-2 draw against Myanmar in Bengaluru, the Blue Tigers could not rise up the rankings. This result may even have affected a fall in their rankings. However, India’s fourth Qualifier against Macau, which the Blue Tigers won 4-1, was not included in the rankings calculation. Hence, this did not affect a fall, and India stayed put.
What’s next?
With the winter session of the football season coming up, India are not slated to play any games till March 27, when they travel to the Kyrgyz Republic, for their penultimate AFC Asian Cup Qualifier. While they have already qualified, the Blue Tigers will be looking to increase their unbeaten run to 14 games, next year.
Author’s take
India’s magnificent international run has captured the imagination of the football fans in the country. The national team, coached by Stephen Constantine has heaved themselves out of their rut, and have given its fans victories on the football field. Such kind of form is something that could eventually help inspire the younger generations.
