(CNN) Guam maintained its storybook start to World Cup qualifying by claiming an unlikely victory against one of the world's most powerful and populous nations Tuesday.

The tiny U.S. island territory in the Western Pacific with a population of just 165,000, beat India, home to 1.2 billion people, to move top of its 2018 qualifying group.

Goals from midfielder Brandon McDonald and defender Travis Nicklaw were enough to see off an opponent often dubbed international football's sleeping giants 2-1, despite a late consolation from Sunil Chhetri.

The last time Guam took part in World Cup qualifying it was humbled 19-0 by Iran and 16-0 by Tajikistan in 2000.

This time round, however, the team ranked 174 in the world, 33 places below India, have gotten off to a far more promising start.

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