Calcutta: Lauding the players for earning India a 2019 AFC Asian Cup berth, coach Stephen Constantine said the current team is one of the best in country’s football history.

“This is one of the best teams in the history of Indian football, if not the best,” Constantine said.

India had thrashed Macau 4-1 in a Group A encounter at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday, which helped them qualify for the Asian Cup for the fourth time. In 1964, India participated in the tournament for the first time and ended runners-up. In 1984 and 2011, they crashed out in the group stage.

Constantine said he is extremely proud of the players who had taken his demands earnestly, during training sessions, before they qualified for the Asian Cup.

“I thank my staff ... Everybody has been magnificent. It is a huge thing for Indian football. It is not only an honour for the team, but the whole country.

“The team had some ups and downs, though, but they never lost focus and determination,” Constantine said.