India drops to 107 in the latest FIFA rankings, Know the reasons
Lack of games against higher ranked teams and too much matches against lower ranked sides has caused the Indian team to lose points subsequently falling down the FIFA rankings.
Last Time India played a team ranked higher than them was back in 2016 when they faced Puerto Rico. Since winning that game India gained huge advantage on FIFA point’s scale having beaten a team ranked 36 places above. Next international event India played was seven months later in March this year, where India went on to win an important away encounter against Cambodia sneaking to a 3-2 win. After a commendable yet hard fought 1-0 win against Myanmar and Kyrgyz Republic in an AFC tournament, India had been on roll in FIFA rankings reaching as high as 96th Position.
But since then the ranking has been on slight decline. Lack of game time against quality opponents have been one of the reasons. Since reaching their best ranking in two decades, India had faced just three opponents. While the game against lower ranked Macau was an AFC Asian cup qualifier, the hero Tri-Nation series against St Kitts and Mauritius was considered as a friendly which didn’t help either. While the draw against St. Kitts cost us 126 points, which would have actually brought a total around 190 pts. Closer to this year’s average of 216, the win against Mauritius had no use since it gave us just 124 points, way below the average, eventually lending a hand in decline.
What Next
AIFF’s reluctance getting hold of the 12th best Asian team spot is understandable considering the fact that India will have a chance to host a favourable draw for AFC Asian Cup 2019. Currently we are 13th best team in Asia, So cancelling out Palestine friendly may not be good Idea, while a loss would definitely hurt us, a draw would have given us somewhere around 94 points but a win would have been a huge bonus giving us 327 FIFA points. Considering the match was a home game and that India have been on winning streak, this lack of faith on team from the board is dubious.
India are now set to face Macau for the AFC Asian Games 2019 qualifiers winning which will provide India another 319 points for FIFA ranking consideration. AIFF has been smart enough so far to twist the FIFA Rankings to its benefit (clearly seen from the fact that India went on increasing in Ranks despite not playing for seven months after the Puerto Rico win). With reports coming in that India could still face Palestine on an unofficial base AIFF think tank will right on work now to ensure India manages to reach 12th best Asian spots as well as hold the spot until April 2019 when the draws for 2019 AFC Asian Cup will be out.
Also Read: Bengaluru FC reach Inter-Zone Finals of AFC Cup 2017
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…