Top FIFA ranking for India since August 2010

India moved to their best-ever FIFA Rankings since August 2010 when they jumped 11 places to move to 137 in the October FIFA Rankings released today (October 20, 2016). India who defeated 114th ranked Puerto Rico in an International Friendly in Mumbai in September garnered 230 points for the month. 

It was last in August 2010 that India were ranked 137 which stayed India’s best ever FIFA Ranking since then.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/index.html

Amoes and three other Bengaluru players in the probables' list for 12th South Asian Games

AIFF Media 

Ozone FC Bengaluru's medio Amoes and Amrinder, Udanta, and Ranjan Singh from Bengaluru FC are among the probables for 12th South Asian Games. India U-23 Head Coach, Lee Johnson has announced his list of 28 probables for the forthcoming Tournament in Guwahati, slated to kick-off from February 06, 2016.

The initial list of 21 Players have already joined the Preparatory Camp in Guwahati, which commenced from January 31, 2016.

India who have been clubbed alongside Sri Lanka and Maldives in Group A and will clash swords against Sri Lanka in their opening fixture on February 06, 2016 before taking on Maldives on February 10, 2016.

Talking exclusively to www.the-aiff.com, Lee Johnson said: “We have imbibed a new setup for the U-23 National Team and most of the Players are new. The lads understand the importance of the Competition and they remain focused on emulating the success of the Senior Team.”

When inquired about the squad fitness, Lee opined, “The squad is fit and looks in good shape except Nikhil and Amrinder who are nursing minor injuries. But we expect them to train within the next couple of days.”

The 28 member squad will further be trimmed down to 20 and will be announced either on 4th or the 5th.

India’s fixtures for the 12th South Asian Games:

GROUP A: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives  

• Feb 06: India vs Sri Lanka
• Feb 10: India vs Maldives

The list of the 28 Probables is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Amrinder Singh, Rehenesh Paramba, Kamaljit Singh.
DEFENDERS: Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan, Narayan Das, Kaushik Sarkar, Bikramjit Singh, Abhishek Das, Nikhil Poojary, Samad Ali Mallik, Prabir Das, Aiborlang Khongjee.
MIDFIELDERS: Sumit Passi, Jayesh Rane, Pronoy Halder, Amoes Thiruvanathanadhah, Lallialzuala Chhangte, Germanpreet Singh, Mawihmingthanga, Zodingliana, Rowlin Borges, Vinit Rai, Udanta Singh.
FORWARDS: Halicharan Narzary, T. Haokip, Salam Ranjan Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua.
HEAD COACH: Lee Johnson  

Subrata Paul: Iran are special but we are not afraid, we’ll play with passion

AIFF Media 

A couple of days prior to India’s World Cup Qualifier clash against ‘Giants of Asia,’ Iran, Subrata Paul stressed that India will stay all “focussed” and play with “passion” when it kicks-off at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on September 8.

“We will play as a Team. Football is all about attacking as a Team and it’s also all about defending as a Team,” he stated while speaking during a Media Interaction prior to Team India practice on Saturday (September 5) evening.

“In Football anything is possible and any Team possess the power to upset their opponents on any given day,” Paul maintained.

“Having said that we stay fully aware of Iran’s potential, their strength and their prowess,” he added. “But I reiterate, in Football it’s all about that particular day. Every Team needs to do their job and if you can do it, you can dream.”

“We can guarantee our fans that we will play and give our hundred percent on the pitch. We will fight for every inch and for every ball,” Paul who Captained India in the last International Friendly against Nepal on August 31, said.

Meanwhile, the Indian National team had double practice sessions on the day, sweating it out both in the morning and evening at the Stadium.

India are yet to open their account in the World Cup Qualifiers after successive defeats to Oman and Guam respectively.

“We are taking one match at a time. Right now, we are focusing on the Iran match. Commenting about the tally of points and our position in the Group isn’t possible at the moment,” the ‘Spiderman’ echoed.

The Custodian who has been an integral part of the National Team setup when inquired about the fire-power in Iran’s arsenal, Paul flamboyantly asserted, that he isn’t “scared of anybody.”

“For me, on the ground everybody is equal. Players from the other Team would also be having two legs, two hands and one head,” he smiled. “They are same as us. Why should one get scared?” he quipped.

“But I reiterate, we respect Iran as a Team. They are special. They have been regular qualifiers to the World Cup and their quality speaks about themselves. But we would be wearing the Indian jersey and representing 1.24 billion people. That itself is a motivation for all,” he said on behalf of the entire squad.

For the record, Iran, the top most Team in Asia stand at 40 in the FIFA ladder while India are at 155.

Reflecting on the preparation, Pal said: “We played well against Oman and we have improved a lot since that performance. Right now we have a very talented crop of Players in the National setup. But one needs to patient,” he pronounced.

Since National Coach Stephen Constantine took over, India have fielded 15 debutants in the four matches so far under the British Coach.

Paul also made a special mention of his Goalkeeping Coach Rogerio Ramos and Sports Scientist Danny Deigan and their “value addition to Indian Football.”

“(Rogerio) Ramos is one of the best Goalkeeping Coaches that I have ever had in my career. He is technically very sound and I am lucky to him. I wish I was lucky enough to have him when I was a budding Footballer. He is amazing,” Paul stated.

“At the same time, Danny Deigan is also an imperative addition to the Indian contingent. Sports Science is visible in all of our training sessions and the value addition has been immense,” Paul stressed.

“Both Danny and Ramos are also working with the U-19 National Team as well and that gives us a wonderful chance to the lads to learn from the very best in the business.” Pal pronounced.

The lanky Goalkeeper stayed confident that “Bengaluru would rise to the occasion.”

“Bengaluru is always a lively City to play in. It’s a sports oriented City. We expect the fans to come in numbers, support us and Back the Blue.”

“The chants are just amazing and make us motivated and feel special.”

Oman gets better of India in FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifier

Putting up a decent show after a horrendous first 20 minutes, host India fall down 1-2 against Oman in a FIFA 2018 World Cup football qualifying match at the Kanteerava Stadium here on Thursday. 

Much before the 19000-plus spectators settled down on their seat, Oman took the lead from a powerful show from striker Qasin Said. The goal came as early as 21st second from kick-off was an outcome from poor defending. 

The goal left the defense in tatters. As many as three defenders in Rino Anto, Dhanachandra Singh, and Lalchhuan Mawia debuted for India today. Their lack of understanding between skipper Arnad Mondal looked evident. 

However, India was quick enough to equalize on a lapse from Oman defense. Vice-captain curled an outstanding left footer from the top corner of the box. That was a stunner from Namma Bengaluru FC player which left the opponent dumbfounded.   

Hosts gained confidence and started controlling the midfield. 

It was the Indian defense again gave away a penalty to their opponent when Dhanachandra brought down Eid Mohammed inside the box. Amad Al-Hosni gave Oman 2-1 lead.  

Post lemon break, India dished out a much improved performance, keeper Paul was seen hardy in any kind of trouble. They almost got the equalizer in the 69th minute via Robin Singh, when a variation in corner flummoxed Oman defense. However, South Korean referee ruled out the goal much to the displeasure of crowd. 

India is placed in Group D in the Asian group with Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Guam. The matches will be played in home and away basis. India will be travelling to Guam for their next match. The top two teams would advance to the next round. 

Arnab Mondal to captain India against Oman

Ranked 40 places ahead of India in the current FIFA Standings, Oman’s French Coach Paul Le Guen has put the onus on the hosts of providing a stellar encounter which will test the credentials of both sides. 

The new match has a new Captain - Arnab Mondal has been chosen to lead India against Oman and Guam.

National Coach Stephen Constantine starts from almost where he had left. His last match as Indian National Team Coach in the World Cup Qualifiers in 2004 was against Oman, that too an away match. 

"Ali Al-Habsi was a promising talent at that time and had he not pulled off two spectacular saves late in the match which some other Goalkeeper may not have been able to…,” Constantine doesn’t finish it, smiles  and shrugs.

Eleven years later, Ali Al-Habsi is still there, this time at the Garden City as the Captain of the Oman National squad as the two Teams gear up for the Russia 2018 World Cup Preliminary Joint Qualification match in Bengaluru tomorrow.

“This match against Oman will be a completely different game, an entirely different level. We will be without the ball for long periods of the game. The boys would be under pressure from the very first minute by a very good Oman Team,” he maintains.

“Oman have always been a very good side and I have always have a lot of respect for them. They are not the biggest Nation in the World but the developmental process which has been on in the Country speaks for itself.” he adds. 

“I don’t select Players on reputation. When I go to watch games I don’t care where they come from, who they are, how old they are. As long as they hold an Indian Passport and if they do what I need them to do, I pick them. I think in these Competitions, every Team aims to win all their home games and try to steal something away from the Away matches.” he echoes.

New captain Arnab is honored to don the captain's armband, “It’s a rare honour for me and I want to thank Coach for giving me this honour. But this doesn’t change anything. Everyone is a Captain in their own right – right from the Coach to the other Players, the support staff. It’s not about an individual. It’s about the Team.”

A glance through the squad of 26 and one will find out that 8 among them are attending the National Team Camp for the first time. 

News from the India camp is defender Sandesh Jhingan will be mostly missing the match owing to an old injury he sustained during ISL, which resurfaced during the practice.

The kick-off at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on tomorrow, Thursday, June 11 is at 7 pm. 

Sony Six will telecast the match live.  

[Picture Gallery] Team building exercises for team India

AIFF Media 

Indian National Team going through Team Building exercises organised by the Indian Army at the ASC Campus, Bengaluru.

'Football is a Team Game’ every moment of everyday you get to hear it. However, building the Team by paying special emphasis on Team Building exercises to create relationships based on responsibilities towards each other have not been heard much about in Indian Football history.

On Saturday (June 6, 2015), for the first time ever, an Indian National Team took part in Team Building Exercises organised by the Indian Army. It all happened at the ASC Centre where the Men in Blue were put through obstacle courses consisting of 21 different barriers and also Team Building recreational games. 

Football teams get go ahead for Incheon Asian Games; Shankar and Amoolya makes to their respective teams

AIFF Media  

Asian Games bound India Men’s and Women’s Football contingents, presently in Shanghai, China on Tuesday (September 9) got the all-important go ahead from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs who cleared the Team at no cost to All India Football Federation. 

Meanwhile, the final list of Players who would be boarding the flight to Incheon have also been named by both Men’s and Women’s coaches Wim Koevermans and Tarun Roy respectively. 

Dempo’s Alwyn George, Pune FC duo Salam Ranjan Singh and Dhanpal Ganesh; and Sporting Clube De Goa’s Rowlin Borges failed to make the cut for the Asian Games for the U-23 India Men’s side. 

On the other hand, Supriya Routray, Indumathi, Jyoti Ann Burrett and Rinaroy Devi  won’t be travelling to Incheon along with the Indian Women’s squad.
Clubbed with Group A alongside hosts South Korea, Maldives and Thailand, the Indian Women play their first Group League match against Maldives on September 14. The other matches are against South Korea on September 17 and Thailand on September 19. 

The U-23 Men on the other hand have taken the might of last Games’ silver medalists United Arab Emirates in their first Group League match on September 15 while their last match in the Group is against Jordan on September 22. 


Men’s Squad 

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Ravi Kumar, Kamaljit Singh.
Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Keenan Almeida, Joyner Lourenco, Shankar Sampingiraj, Sandesh Jhingan, Narayan Das.
Midfielders: Pronoy Halder, Clifton Dias, Siam Hangal, Lalrindika Ralte, Milan Singh.
Forwards: Francis Fernandes (Senior Player), Seiminlen Doungel, Sunil Chhetri (Senior Player), Robin Singh (Senior Player), Haokip Thongkoshim, Mandar Rao Desai. 

Women’s Squad

Goalkeepers: Okram Roshni Devi, Aditi Chauhan, Pushpa Tirkey
Defenders: Ashem Romi Devi, Ashalata Devi, Tuli Goon, Radharani Devi, Suprava Samal, Upamati Devi
Midfielders: Premi Devi, Amoolya Kamal, Mandakini Devi, Oinam Bembem Devi, Kamala Devi.
Forwards: Sasmita Malik, Prameshwori Devi, Dangmei Grace, Bala Devi 

India U-23 surrender meekly to Pakistan

Scoring a goal in each half, arch rivals silenced the vocal Garden City crowd on a pleasant mid-week game at the Bangalore Football Stadium. Incheon-bound India U-23 team meekly surrendered to the Pakistan U-23 team. Pakistan skipper Kaleemullah scored the forst goal from a direct free-kick in the 38thminute while the second was added by Man of the Match Saddam Hussain in the 90th minute.

India did have their chances in the first-half but a Team will always go back punished if chances are not converted when you have them. And in International Football, you don’t get them aplenty.

In the first half, inspirational Captain Sunil Chhetri was omnipresent. He was always there for support in the midfield, holding on to the ball that extra moment for his Teammates to recover and get into shape.

On two Occasions in the first half, he was the man who made the difference though it didn’t break the deadlock.

In the first instance, Chhetri, turned 360 degrees on to his left and as his marker slipped, his dipping long-ranger was fisted over by acrobatic Pakistan Goalkeeper Muzammil Hussain.

If that was the attempt, he turned provider for debutant Haokip Thonhkosiem in the 37th minute. He twirled in between his Sher Mumammad and Muhammad Bilal and set it up for Haokip. All in the clear, Haokip entered the box but his attempt was saved by Hussian. But even off the rebound, Francis Fernandes was unable to finish it off.

It was miss to repent as off the very next attack, Pakistan took the lead. Lalrindika Ralte, who with Milan Singh was regulating the midfield till then, brought down rival Captain Kaleemullah outside the box; and off the resultant free-kick, Kaleemullah bent it past Indian Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh.

Changing over, India looked ordinary. Despite trailing by a goal, there wasn’t any momentum nor urgency as Pakistan sealed the fate in the 90th minute through Saddam. In fact, had Saddam not muffed up a similar opportunity in the 80th minute where he failed to slot it past Amrinder, the scoreline would been more humiliating.

The buildup which stays the hallmark in the practice sessions was nowhere to be seen. There wasn’t much thrust, leave aside chances. The surrender was just meek. Hardly was a ball won in the midfield and a series of miss passes made it difficult to build an attack and restore parity. The performance was below par, lacklustre and disappointing.

National Coach Wim Koevermans did try a number of substitutions in the second half but it didn’t yield any result.

INDIA: Amrinder Singh; Pritam Kotal, Joyner Monte Lourenco, Sandesh Jhingan, Narayan Das; Milan Singh (D Ganesh – 76th), Lalrindika Ralte (Siam Hangal – 46th); Francis Fernandes (Seiminlen Doungel – 46th), Sunil Chhetri (Captain), Mandar Rao Desai (Clifton Dias – 67th), Haokip Thonhkosiem. 

India-Pakistan friendlies: Matchday pics

Pic courtesy: AIFF Media

India-Pakistan football friendlies coming up on Sunday and Wednesday

Two international friendly matches between India and Pakistan are lined up on Sunday, August 17 and Wednesday, 20. 

Both matches are organized by the AIFF through JSW Bengaluru FC. Matches will commence at.3.30 pm, at the Bangalore Football Stadium. 

Life members of the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) will be permitted to witness the match on presenting their life membership identity card issued by the KSFA at the entry gate. 

Chhetri, Robin, Siam, and Shankar leave for Czech Republic with Indian squad

AIFF Media

A 25-member Indian squad left for Czech Republic for a 19-day exposure tour for preparation for the forthcoming Incheon Asian Games. The Team would be back on August 8, 2014. 

Four Players from the original 29-member squad – Deepak Devrani, Shouvik Ghosh, Sanjay Balmuchu, and Romeo Fernandes who were practicing under National Coach Wim Koevermans have been released from the camp and didn’t travel to Czech Republic.

The Indian squad will play three matches during the period against three different Clubs -- Senco Doubravka, FK Most and TJ Domazlice. The Team will be based in Pilsen. 

Furthermore, the squad will also be travelling to China for another exposure Tour from August 25-September 8 where they would be playing two matches against Shanghai FC and JiangSu. 

Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh, and Francis Fernandes are the three Senior Players who are part of the squad. The rest of the squad comprise of U-23 players.

The 25-member squad presently which travelled to Czech Republic is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Amrinder Singh, Ravi Kumar, Kamaljit Singh.
DEFENDERS: Pritam Kotal, Keenan Almeida, Joyner Lourenco, Shankar Sampingiraj, Sandesh Jhingan, Salam Singh, Narayan Das
MIDFIELDERS: Pronoy Halder, Rowlin Borges, Clifton Dias, Alwyn George, Siam Hangal, Lalrindika Ralte, Dhanpal Ganesh, Milan Singh
FORWARDS: Francis Fernandes (Senior Player), Seiminlen Doungel, Sunil Chhetri (Senior Player), Robin Singh (Senior Player), Haokip Thongkoshim, Alesh Sawant, Mandar Rao Desai  

Shankar and Siam drafted in 30-member Asian Games camp, camp in Bangalore from July 1

AIFF Media 

National Coach Wim Koevermans has named his squad of 30 for the training Camp for the Incehon Asian Games. The Camp kicks-off in Bangalore from July 1 -20, 2014. 

Under-19 international and Bengaluru FC (BFC) player Shankar has been included in the squad. After playing a successful season with BFC, Siam Hangal too finds himself in the 30-member squad. 

Captain Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh, and Francis Fernandes are the three senior players who have been named in the squad. The rest of the squad comprise of U-23 Players.

All India Football Federation will also provide an exposure tour for the Team after the Camp in Bangalore is over.

Squad 

GOALKEEPERS: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Ravi Kumar, Kamaljit Singh.

DEFENDERS: Pritam Kotal, Keenan Almeida, Deepak Devrani, Joyner Lourenco, Shankar Sampingiraj, Sandesh Jhingan, Sanjay Balmuchu, Salam Singh, Narayan Das, Shouvik Ghosh.

MIDFIELDERS: Pronoy Halder, Rowlin Borges, Clifton Dias, Alwyn George, Siam Hangal, Lalrindika Ralte, Dhanpal Ganesh, Milan Singh.

FORWARDS: Francis Fernandes (Senior Player), Romeo Fernandez, Seiminlen Doungel, Sunil Chhetri (Senior Player), Robin Singh (Senior Player), Haokip Thongkoshim, Alesh Sawant, Mandar Rao Dessai.

[PICs] India U-19 Vs Bengaluru FC friendly

Friend, associate of GCSStars.com, Ivin, sends us these pics, he's right at the stadium now. Keep the spirit going bro!

  

Final 20-member squad for 2013 SAFF Championship named

Coach Wim Koevermans named his squad of 20 for the forthcoming SAFF Championship, team leaves for Kathmandu on Tuesday, August 27. 
India is grouped in Group A along with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Group B consists of Afghanistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. 
The Bangalore connection will be in the form of Bengaluru FC's striker duo Sunil Chettri and Robin Singh. 

Squad

Goalkeepers: Subrata Paul, Karanjit Singh, Sandip Nandy

Defenders: Nirmal Chettri, Arnab Mondal, Gouramangi Singh, Raju Gaikwad, Sandesh Jhingan, Mohanraj Nalappan

Midfielders: Syed Rahim Nabi, Mehtab Hossain, Arata Izumi, Lenny Rodriguez, Alwyn George, Jewel Raja Shaikh, Francis Fernandes

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh, Dawson Fernandes, Jeje Lalpekhlua


Fixture

• September 1, 2013, 6:30 pm: India Vs Pakistan
• September 3, 2013, 3:30 pm: India Vs Bangladesh
• September 5, 2013, 3:30 pm: India Vs Nepal

Semifinals

• September 8, 2013, 6:30 pm: 
• September 9, 2013, 6:30 pm: 

Final

• September 11, 2013, 6:30 pm:

[PICTURES] India Vs Bengaluru FC

John Johnson: No one in vicinity...

Johny scoring the first goal

Johny serves another deft pass from the midfield 

Lal's free-kick made no impact on the score line

Speedy Singh Thoi

Another attack in first half, Malemn looks for Beikho 

Get off yo, we're not in same team 

Vishal up for a strong tackle

Sandesh checks Rooney

Wim has many reasons to look worried