New Delhi, July 25: The Indian football team moved down by two places to 103 in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday. In the recently held Intercontinental Cup, India failed to register even a single win as they lost to Tajikistan (2-4) and DPR Korea (2-5) before playing out a 1-1 draw against Syria in their last game of the competition. The dismal performance resulted in loss of five points for Sunil Chhetri's men. FIFA Bans Ex-Liberia Football Chief Over Ebola Funds Theft. 

In April, India had jumped to 101. Before that, the Blue Tigers had dropped six spots to 103 in the February edition after ending last year on 97. Meanwhile, India have been clubbed in Group E alongside Bangladesh, Oman, Afghanistan and hosts in the second round of Asian qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar. Argentinian Football Legend Maradona Successfully Undergoes Knee Surgery After Quitting as Dorados Coach. 

The matches in the second round will be played from September 5 to June 9, 2020. The group winners and four best runners-up (12 teams in total) will advance to the third round of Asian World Cup qualifiers. At the top of the rankings, Belgium continues to rule the roost, followed by Copa America champion Brazil and 2018 World Cup winners France.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2019 03:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).