The Indian football team has made it into the top 100 of the FIFA world rankings for the first time in 21 years. As per the updated rankings, released on Thursday, the Stephen Constantine-coached side has climbed a rung and is now placed at the 100th spot along with Nicaragua, Lithuania and Estonia. The last time India were in the top 100 of the rankings was in 1996, with the 94th spot in February 1996 being the country’s best ever FIFA ranking.

India’s rise in the rankings has been due to triumphs over Cambodia and Myanmar, both away wins. India had clinched a 1-0 victory over Myanmar in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers — the first ever win in Myanmar in over 64 years. The Indian team had also recorded their first ever win in an away encounter in over a decade when they defeated Cambodia 3-2 in an international friendly. They had also registered a 4-1 win against Central American opponents Puerto Rico in an international friendly.

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The Indian team have secured victories in 11 of their last 13 matches including an unofficial match against Bhutan, scoring 31 goals in the process. India will next face Lebanon in an international friendly on June 7, ahead of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying clash against Kyrgyzstan on June 13. Although the Indian team did not play any matches during official FIFA dates last month, the one spot rise came about due to African nation Malawi dropped a staggering 42 points since the last world rankings were announced.

Congratulating the national team, Indian football icon I.M. Vijayan hailed India’s entry into the top 100 of the FIFA rankings, saying the side languished too low for a long time and these are signs of improvement which hold promise for the future. “It’s great news. We have been lying low for too long a period. It was time we did something about it and Stephen Constantine (India coach) has done a good job so far,” Vijayan told IANS over phone.

“During our time the best we got was 95. I’m happy the team is winning away and rankings have shot up considerably,” the ace striker who played for East Bengal and Mohun Bagan and was one of the key members of the India team at the peak of his career, added.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) General Secretary Kushal Das said rankings are at times a “mathematical game” and the team needs to improve in their minds and keep on winning games. “It’s a mathematical game at times,” Das told IANS. “Rankings are not always a true reflection of form. It’s definitely important as it helps us play better opponents in friendlies. But we need to improve in our minds and believe that we can keep on winning football matches,” Das added.

India will next face Lebanon in an international friendly on June 7, ahead of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying clash against Kyrgyzstan on June 13.

IANS

Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez on Wednesday honoured forward Cristiano Ronaldo for reaching the 400-goal mark with the club, which the Portuguese forward attributed to teamwork.

Ronaldo received a commemorative shirt from Perez at the club’s training ground with the number 400 on its back, after scoring a hat-trick on Tuesday against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, reports Efe.

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“The team did a tremendous job, we were outstanding. It was a complete performance and we performed very well right from the first whistle to the last. I’m very happy to have struck a hat-trick and made it 400 goals for Real Madrid,” Cristiano told the club’s media.

“We’ve now got a good lead, but there’s still the return leg to come and the tie isn’t over yet. Atletico are a very fine, strong side and it’s not by chance that they’re in the semi-finals. We’ll have to be focused for next Wednesday’s game,” he added.

IANS

India coach Stephen Constantine played down talks of his side’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup Qualifiers draw being easy.

 
India have been clubbed with Kyrgyz Republic, Myanmar and Macau in Group A.

 
“On paper it looks favourable. It does give us the hope that we have a legitimate chance to qualify from the group,” Constantine.
 
“I need to take you back to the draw of the World Cup qualifiers where we were drawn with Guam and Turkmenistan and there was a generic feeling all around — ‘no problem, we will have it easy,'” Constantine said.

 
“Myanmar have made it to the final of the Suzuki Cup and on the back of qualifying on merit to the FIFA U-20 World Cup under their German coach, they are a very difficult team to play at home.”
 
Constantine explained why it won’t be smooth sailing for India, who have improved their ranking to 129.
 
Constantine said that the team will assemble in the second week of March to prepare for the Asian Cup qualifiers. India play their first match against Myanmar on March 28.
 
“The plan is to assemble on the weekend of March 11th or 12th as the players would start to assemble after their respective Hero I-League games. But there would be boys who would be involved in the AFC Cup and we will only have them available some days later.”
 
Asked whether India would be playing a friendly before the qualifiers, Constantine said, “Given that we are playing an away game first, we want to play an international friendly on our way to Myanmar. It would benefit us to have valuable match practice as the intensity of international football is different to domestic football.”
 
He added, “Let me reiterate, Myanmar won’t ever be an easy opposition away or even at home.”

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The Indian U-17 football World Cup squad defeated Belarus U-18 by a solitary goal in their second match of the Granatkin Memorial Cup in Russia on Tuesday.

A 68th minute tap-in by Komal Thatal proved to be the difference between the two sides in a rather drab match where only a few chances were created by both teams.

The first real chance of the match came in the 23rd minute when Komal shot straight down the opposition custodian’s throat after Boris Singh Thangjam dribbled past two defenders and found him with a through ball.

In the 34th minute, Sanjeev Stalin received the ball on the left flank and passed it to an onrushing Amarjit Singh Kiyam, who could only rattle the Belarus defence line with a first-time shot.

Meanwhile, Belarus failed to register even a single shot on the Indian goal in the first half.

Changing over, Boris dribbled into the box in the 50th minute and unleashed a shot which rattled the bar as India pressed to take the lead.

In the 63rd minute it was the Belarus side, who hit the woodwork as the match turned into an end-to-end affair.

In the 68th minute, India took the lead as captain Suresh Singh Wangjam played a cross from the right flank, which Komal tapped home.

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IANS

The I-League is more demanding as a football competition than the Indian Super League (ISL), says Mohun Bagan’s new recruit defender Anas Edathodika.

“The I-League is tougher than the ISL,” Edathodika told reporters at the club ground after joining training ahead of their league opener against Churchill Brothers at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium.

“There are so many foreigners who play in the ISL and they are top class players. The I-League has more Indians and there is more competition. Last year I did not play in the I-League. This year I am keen to make a mark,” Edathodika, who has been loaned from ISL franchise Delhi Dynamos, added.

On his reason to play for Mohun Bagan, the former Mumbai FC and Pune FC player said, “It’s a big challenge as this is a big club. I am happy to get an opportunity here. I have to work really hard.”

Edathodika acknowledged that it won’t be easy to break into the first team.

“Players like Kingshuk (Debnath), Raju (Gaikwad) bhai are there. So it won’t be easy to break into the first XI. In my football career, in 2009 and 2010 people used to tell me, once you have to play in Kolkata. I have played for four years in Mumbai and four years in Pune.”

“Jo Paul Ancheri (former India captain and Mohun Bagan academy coach) told me it’s a big club and advised me to play here. Last year he was asking me whether I am coming or not,” revealed the sturdy stopper-back who impressed in the third edition of the ISL.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year Jeje Lalpekhlua, who also joined training on Wednesday, said he wants to replicate Bengaluru FC’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup success for his club this season.

“When Bengaluru FC played in the AFC Cup final, it was a good advertisement for Indian football. So, hopefully our target this season should be to do well in the AFC Cup as well,” Jeje, who has been prolific for Mohun Bagan last season, said.

Bengaluru became the first Indian club to reach the AFC Cup final last year, losing to Air Force Club of Iraq in the summit clash.

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Kerala Blasters booked their ticket to the semi-finals in style, forcing a 1-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in an Indian Super League football match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The match was a virtual quarter-final as the victorius team was poised to advance to the semis.

Kerala will face Delhi while Mumbai City FC will take on Atleticode Kolkata in the two legged semi-final.

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Striker C.K. Vineeth continued his rich form with the winner in the 66th minute to show their rivals, who needed to win in order to topple Kerala, the door. Vineeth became the highest Indian scorer in the process with five strikes to his name.

Mohammed Rafi came closest to doubling the margin in the dying minutes of the match when his header was deflected on to the crosspiece by goalkeeper Graham Stack.

Kerala were without the services of Josue Currais Prieto and midfielder Mehtab Hossain, who was replaced by Azrack Mahamat, NorthEast missed Nicolas Velez.

In the fourth minute, the hosts had a chance to nose ahead when Duckens Nazon picked up the ball down the left channel and dribbled inside the box, but his effort found Rehenesh palming the ball out.

NorthEast’s Seityasen Singh looked good down the flanks, constantly testing the rival defenders with incisive runs.

At halftime, it was goalless.

NorthEast’s Emiliano Alfaro had two good chances after the break near the hour mark, the second one being a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Graham Stack after Seityasen Singh had set the Uruguayan up.

Kerala soon took the lead through Vineeth. The local lad, in prime form, netted his fifth goal in six matches with a crisp strike from just inside the box cutting in to his left and scoring at the far post with superb placement.

It was all Kerala thereafter as they strung together a flurry of attacks and came close to doubling their lead as substitute Antonio German found Rehenesh parrying away his stinging shot.

For the visitors, Seityasen and Romaric tried hard to level proceedings with Alfaro coming closest with an effort with fizzed off the post.

IANS

FC Goa scripted a pulsating 5-4 victory against Chennaiyin in their final Indian Super League (ISL) football clash.

Both teams have failed to qualify for the semifinals and were only playing for pride at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Chennaiyin took lead three times but Goa restored parity every time and went ahead in the 76th minute for the first time in the match .

Rafael Coelho put Goa in lead, scoring his second goal of the game. But Chennaiyin drew level in the 88th minute after substitute John Arne Riise converted a penalty.

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The match was moving towards a 3-3 draw until Sahil Tavora netted in added time.

FC Goa scored through a brace each from Rafael Coelho (6th minute, 76th), Sahil Tavora (68th and 90th) and Joffre Gonzalez (21st). Chennaiyin FC found the mark through Jerry Lalrinzuala (4th), Gregory Arnolin (own goal, 14th), Dudu Omagbemi (28th) and John Arne Riise (88th).

Chennaiyin led 3-2 at half-time.

The victory took Goa’s points tally to 14 but they still finished at the bottom of the table. Defending champions Chennaiyin finished seventh with 15 points in an extremely disappointing campaign for both last year’s finalists.

Chennaiyin surged ahead in the fourth minute itself when Jerry scored from a free-kick to dazzle goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani but Goa soon equalised as Coelho got hold of a through ball from Joffre Gonalez and then scored with ease.

Chennaiyin took the lead for the second time in the 14th minute when Anirudh Thapa’s shot that hit the post, struck Goa defender Gregory Arnolin and sailed into the net. Just like the first setback, Goa drew level for the second time, this time Joffre scoring from a penalty.

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The visitors enjoyed a 3-2 advantage at half-time as Dudu Omagbemi capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 28th minute.

In the second session, coach Zico made a couple of changes and Goa not just equalised through Sahil Tavora but also moved up for the first time as Rafael Coelho gave finishing touches to a brilliant long ball from Trindade Goncalves in the 76th minute.

The goal seemed enough for Goa to pocket full points as they fell back and defended but there was disappointment as Raju Gaikwad handled the ball, prompting the referee to award a penalty which Riise scored with ease.

Just when it seemed like the match would end in a draw, Sahil Tavora scored from the left, as his shot kissed the post and sailed into the net.

IANS

Kerala Blasters on Friday defeated Pune City FC 2-1 to collect crucial three points in their push for the Indian Super League (ISL) football semi-final qualification.

Kerala rode on goals from Duckens Nazon (7th minute) and Aaron Hughes (57th) to climb to the third spot in the standings. Anibal Zurdo managed to halve the deficit from a free-kick for Pune in the closing minutes of the match.

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It was Kerala’s fourth straight victory that put them level with second-placed Atletico de Kolkata on points but are behind on goal difference. Pune’s chances of qualifying for the semis now appear slim after their latest setback.

It was Kerala’s penultimate home match of the Indian Super League (ISL) season. And they were on the front foot right from the kick-off, keeping the Pune defence busy.

Kerala Blasters coach Steve Coppell made several changes to the team that got clobbered in Mumbai with marquee player Aaron Hughes back into the squad, alongside Kervens Belfort, Duckens Nazon, Mohammed Rafi and goalkeeper Sandip Nandy.

Pune made three changes to their side but, playing at home, Kerala started the match on the front foot.

Kerala’s attacking front-men of C.K. Vineeth, Nazon, Mohammed Rafi and Kervens Belfort were interlinking well to cause trouble for Pune.

They duly went ahead in the seventh minute. Nazon made a solo run after intercepting a ill-timed form Pune defender Dharmaraj Ravanan and duly converted stroking the ball into the net away from the clutches of Pune goalkeeper Edel Bete.

Pune tried to fight their way back but Kerala were always in control of the proceedings.

A corner in the 57th minute was only partially cleared by Pune City and Vineeth chased it down on the left, sending a cross to the far post. The Pune defence shockingly stood still, allowing Aaron enough time to rush and head home from point blank range.

The goal crippled Pune, who however managed to pull a goal back in stoppage time. A cleverly taken free-kick set up Anibal Zurdo, who blasted it on to the far post, past goalkeeper Sandip Nandy.

The goal, however, came too late and there was no time for Pune City to get anything out of the match.

IANS

Delhi Dynamos and Chennaiyin FC got a point each after playing out a 2-2 draw in an Indian Super League (ISL) football clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Despite being reduced to 10 men in the 44th minute after striker Badara Badji saw two yellow cards, Delhi maintained their unbeaten record at home as Milan Singh (63rd minute) and Florent Malouda (74th) cancelled out the lead provided each time to Kolkata by Iain Hume (17th) and Javi Lara (71st minute).

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The draw left Delhi at the top with 17 points from 10 matches while Kolkata picked up their fourth point in the last four matches to occupy the fourth spot with 13 points.

Kolkata, who are the only team to have defeated Delhi this edition, were on course for another upset when Hume gave them the lead in 17th minute. It was South African midfielder Sameehg Doutie who played a delightful through ball for Hume, who after seeing goalkeeper Toni Doblas come out, placed the ball perfectly into the nets.

Kolkata had the upperhand after Delhi striker Badji picked up his second booking of the match for a needless handball and was sent off in the first half itself.

In the second session, the match saw frenetic developments, starting in the 60th minute when Marcelinho was brought down by Prabir Das and won a penalty. Malouda stepped up to take the penalty but his low effort was blocked by goalkeeper Debjit Majumder.

Delhi, however, were not to be denied the equaliser three minutes later as Milan beat a diving Debjit with a left-footed screamer from outside the box.

The visitors had a player advantage and made it count in the 71st minute to take the lead for the second time. It was Lalrindika Ralte from the left who pushed the ball for Helder Postiga. The ball, however, fell for an unmarked Lara, who smashed it into the nets, giving no chance to the rival goalkeeper.

Later, Malouda redeemed himself for his missed penalty with the equaliser in the 74th minute. The former France midfielder controlled a ball with his back to the wall, got the ball past two defenders and calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper to make it 2-2.

Both the teams couldn’t find the net for the lead as the match ended a draw.

IANS

FC Pune City scored a late goal to beat Mumbai City FC 1-0 in the Indian Super League (ISL) football tournament on Thursday.

The match appeared to be heading for a goalless draw until midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh capitalised on a goalkeeping error in the 89th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 victory and three important points.

Pune lost the first leg against Mumbai and Thursday’s win was sweet revenge for them.

The win helped Pune climb to the top four for the first time in the standings, having 12 points from nine matches.

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Mumbai remained at the second spot with 15 points from 10 matches. They were the better side but a lapse in concentration cost them the match.

Pune maintained a very disciplined approach and gave hardly any chances to Mumbai though they enjoyed superior ball possession.

In the second half, Mumbai had more chances from marquee player Diego Forlan.

But on both occasions Pune goalkeeper Edel Bete was up to the task.

First Forlan’s free-kick bounced awkwardly in front of Bete but he still managed to put it away. Towards the later stages, Forlan’s shot was kept out by the outstretched feet of Bete.

It was only in the closing stages that Pune had their first shot on goal when midfielder Jonatan Lucca drew out a save from Mumbai goalkeeper Albino Gomes.

Pune secured an unlikely win when Eugeneson scored the only goal in the 89th minute.

Defender Narayan Das crossed into the box and Albino Gomes came off the line, only to drop the ball after clashing with his own player.

An opportunistic Lyngdoh slammed the ball into the back of the net from close range evading a desperate dive from Gomes.

IANS