FIFA said Indonesia keeps on raising (FIFA.Com)

With most national teams inactive over the New year period, there was a little movement in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rangking. However, Indonesia's consistent rise up the global ladder has raised some eyebrows over the last two months. Ranked 135th in the world and ranked 20th in Asia in November 2010, they wrapped up the year with an eight-place climb to become Asia's best movers, before moving up one more place to 126th at the start of 2011.

This progress is the result of their excellent performances during the recent AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Suzuki Cup, where they stormed into the final for the fourth time, only lose out to Malaysia over two legs. The region's falgship competition, previuosly knwon as the Tiger Cup, ran from 1-29 December, with Indonesia playing hosts in the group stage.

Roared on by their adoring home supporters, the Red and Whites opened in stunning fashion by routing regional rivals Malaysia 5-1, before firing six unanswered goals past Laos. Inspired by their good start, they went on to dispatch Thailand 2-1, a result that booked their place in the last four while condemning the three-time champions to elimination.

The semi-final clashes against the Philippines represented Indonesia's toughest test. But under Austrian tacticioan Alfred Riedl, who took over last May, the south-east Asian kept their cool, logging wins both home and away, Christian Gonzales on target in both matches.

The final pitted them against Malaysia, who they demolished in the tournament's curtain-raiser. Entering the re-match with confidence, the Indonesians were nonetheless caught out by the offesinve approach of the hosths in opening away leg on 26 December. Malaysia took the game 3-0, courtesy of three goals in the space of 12 minutes. Though Indonesia bounced back to win the return match 2-1 at home three days later, it was the Malaysians who emerged eventual victors 4-2 on aggregate.

Renewed hopes

Despiye missing out on the regional championship yet again, the runners-up marked their best result in the campaign in recent years: in 2007, they failed to progress beyond the group stage, and bowed out in the semifinals two years ago. The team's recent performances boosted coach Riedl's confidence and optimism for their future.

"After the first-leg defeat in Kuala Lumpur, we were in a tough position", commented the former Palestine, Laos, and Vietnam boss. "Although we created good chances in the second match, we were really unlucky as our efforts didn't yield a goal in the opening half. I want to thank the whole team for the commitment and disciline that they showed on the pitch. Despite the final loss, they deserve to be proud of their success and the way that they have played in the tournament", said Riedl.

Besides Gonzales, the Uruguay-born striker who also scored in the opening win over Malaysia, captain Firman Utina diplayed creativity and leadership to earn the tournament's Most Valuable Player award, while veteran forward Bambang Pamungkas posed a constant threat up front. Riedl paid tribute to the duo after the finals: "I must thank captain Utina and Pamungkas, because they are my right hands on the field".

With the potentioan Indonesia showcased during the Suzuki Cup, Riedl looks ahead with confidence. "In the new year, there are a series of qualifiying campaigns for the Men's Olympic Football Tournament, FIFA World Cup and perhaps the Asian Cup, so I hope our side can raise our game and achieve fairly good results".

Indonesian's ranking year by year in last 18 years:

January 2011      : 126th

December 2010  : 127th

December 2009  : 120th

December 2008  : 139th

December 2007  : 133rd

December 2006  : 153rd

December 2005  : 109th

December 2004  : 91st

December 2003  : 91st

December 2002  : 110th

December 2001  : 87th
December 2000  : 97th
December 1999  : 90th

December 1998  : 87th
December 1997  : 91st
December 1996  : 119th
December 1995  : 130th
December 1994  : 134th
December 1993  : 106th


Lowest position = December 2006 : 153rd rank

Highest position = September 1998 : 76th rank
Average position on FIFA ranks is 111

source: FIFA.Com

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