Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The current Kyrgyz Republic squad have been history-makers this past month. Not only did they reach their first ever AFC Asian Cup, they achieved their best ever FIFA World Ranking (75th place in the latest standings) by jumping an incredible 40 spots.
We take a closer look at the factors behind these remarkable achievements.
The results
Kyrgyz Republic 5-1 Myanmar (Shamshiev, Zemlianukhin (2), Lux, Sagynbaev)
Kyrgyz Republic 2-1 India (Zemlianukhin, Murzaev)
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: A crucial win over Myanmar, which sealed AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualification, and a triumph over India on the final matchday saw Kyrgyz Republic emerge as the biggest movers in the latest FIFA World Ranking.
Kyrgyz Republic moved up 40 spots to 75 in the FIFA World Ranking thanks to the back-to-back wins over Myanmar and India in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers.
The 5-1 win over Myanmar in the neutral venue of Incheon Football Stadium in Korea Republic secured their qualification to UAE 2019.
Aleksandr Krestinin's team then defeated India 2-1 in their final Group A clash to finish level on points with their opponents with goal difference denying them a top spot finish.
"I think this ranking does not always reflect the power of each team but is important for our fans and, of course, for the draw seeding purposes. Of course, it (also) says about the improved power of our team," said Krestinin.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The seeding for the eagerly-anticipated draw for the most prestigious competition on the Continent, the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, which will take place on May 4, 2018, 7:30pm (UAE time), in Dubai has now been confirmed following Thursday's release of the latest FIFA World Ranking.
In line with previous editions of the AFC Asian Cup, the hosts United Arab Emirates have been allocated the first position in pot one in the draw to be held at the Armani Hotel in the UAE’s iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. This will ensure they will play the opening match on January 5, 2019, at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.
The 12 teams, who received an automatic bye into the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 after qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 - Asian Qualifiers Final Round, have already secured their places in pots one and two and have been allocated spots following Thursday’s publication of the latest FIFA ranking.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bishkek: Aleksandr Krestinin was left with a bittersweet feeling after seeing his Kyrgyz Republic side round out their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over India but narrowly missing out on claiming top spot in Group A.
Jeju Lalpekhlua’s goal for India two minutes from time was just enough to ensure Stephen Constantine’s side finished on top of the standings after both nations had already guaranteed their progress to January’s Finals in the United Arab Emirates.
“We are happy with the victory, but we missed out on gaining first place in the group in the last minutes,” said Krestinin.
“We began the game very well. We put up a strong battle on the pitch and scored an early goal. We did that for a second time in a row.
“India are a good team and they haven't lost any of their recent matches so we were able to achieve victory over a tough opponent.
“Our aim was to win this match and I think we showed the fans some good football. We have qualified to the final stage of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time. It’s a good achievement and means a dream has come true for my players.”