India reach second highest FIFA Rankings after making 96th spot

For the first time in 21 years, the Indian football team have climbed up 4 spots to be placed 96th in the latest Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) rankings.

As per the updated rankings, India are now placed 96th alongside Cyprus, Palestine, and Benin and stay at the 12th spot in AFC.

India's highest FIFA Ranking till date has been 94, achieved in February 1996.

Earlier in June, India's football coach Stephen Constantine had said that by the time the Asian Cup qualifiers end in March next year, they should be placed better than the 94th achieved in February 1996.

"I am not very good at mathematics. But if we are 93, I would be the happiest man. That would be the historical highest." said Constantine.

National Coach also stated, "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."

India's next match is against Macau on September 5. If India qualifies for the 2019 Asian Cup, it will be only the third time that they would make it to the flagship continental tournament after 1984 and 2011. 

(With Agencies Inputs)