India move one place up to 146th position in FIFA rankings

Indian football gained a place and took 146th spot in the FIFA rankings announced on Thursday. This is the team's second best rank in three years.

Not known much for its abilities on the football pitch, India have fared better than neighbours Bangladesh (152), Pakistan (167), Nepal (169), Sri Lanka (171) and Bhutan (207). The national team though is ranked behind Afghanistan (140) and the People's Republic of China (100).

On April 11 2012, the team slumped seven spots to its worst-ever ranking of 165 while its best position - 94th - was in the February of 1996. Currently under Dutch coach Wim Koevermans, the team has had some good performances but have to first maintain their form and then improve to be among the top hundred in the rankings.

Spain, Germany, Colombia, Argentina and Netherlands take the top-four spots while Confederations Cup winners Brazil jump four spots to take the 9th place. England though lose six positions to the 15th spot - its worst in 5 years.