India Achieves Top-100 Ranking in FIFA; Argentina Leads the Table with France in 2nd Place
In an impressive achievement, the Indian national football team has returned to the top-100 of the FIFA rankings after a gap of five years. This remarkable feat follows their recent outstanding performances in the Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Cup. Rising up one place in the world rankings, India’s progress in the tournament has been met with optimism and excitement.
India’s unbeaten run in the SAFF Cup, where they played against Pakistan, Nepal, and Kuwait, played a key role in securing their ascent. The team started the championship by securing two consecutive wins and then battled to a 1-1 draw against Kuwait in a fiercely contested match. Their final victory came against Lebanon in the Intercontinental Cup, where they emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline.
Reacting to the news, India’s head coach, Igor Stimac, expressed his satisfaction but stressed the need for India to maintain their position in the rankings and continue improving the quality of their play. Stimac emphasized that the team must focus on their upcoming matches and prove their mettle on the field.
Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian team, has been in sensational form, scoring five goals in three matches during the SAFF Championship. All eyes will be on the team as they face off against Lebanon in the semi-finals on July 1. Having already encountered Lebanon twice during the Intercontinental Cup earlier this month, including in the final, India enters the clash with both confidence and determination to play a flawless game.
Stimac acknowledged that there are areas in which the team needs to improve, particularly in terms of focus and concentration during crucial moments of the game. He expressed his satisfaction with the players’ progress and their proximity to the level he expects from them. However, he highlighted the importance of preventing simple turnovers and passes without pressure, as they require immense energy to regain possession.
While India celebrated their return to the top-100, Argentina claimed the top position in the FIFA rankings, led by Lionel Messi’s exceptional performances. With 1843.73 points, Argentina narrowly edged past FIFA World Cup runners-up France, who accumulated 1843.54 points. The top three places remained unchanged, while England and Croatia gained two places each. Belgium and the Netherlands each dropped one position in the rankings, respectively.
In conclusion, India’s rise to the top-100 in the FIFA rankings marks a significant milestone for Indian football. The team’s exceptional performances and their determination to improve further bode well for their future. With the leadership of Coach Igor Stimac, Captain Sunil Chhetri’s incredible form, and the untiring efforts of the entire team, Indian football is clearly on an upward trajectory, garnering attention and admiration from around the world.
