Women's Hockey World Cup: India’s Semi-Final Dream Ends After Goalless Draw Against Australia
India’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Hockey World Cup came to an end after they played out a goalless draw against Australia in a crucial Pool E clash late on Sunday night.
Needing a victory to secure a place in the last four, India were left disappointed as the 0-0 result worked in Australia’s favour. The Australians advanced to the semi-finals on the goals-scored criterion and will join defending champions Netherlands from Pool E.
India finished third in the pool with two points, ahead of China on goal difference. India had a goal difference of -2, compared to China’s -3. The Indian team will now compete in the classification match for fifth and sixth places.
Australia dominated possession in the early stages and put India under immediate pressure. The Australians believed they had taken the lead in the second minute, but India successfully challenged the decision through a video referral. Replays showed that the ball had deflected off an Australian player’s stick and struck the body of an Indian defender, leading to the goal being overturned.
India did manage a few entries into the Australian circle but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. An error in defence also gave Australia a chance in the eighth minute when Sushila Chanu’s 16-yard hit was intercepted by an Australian player.
Despite a determined defensive effort from India, neither side could find a breakthrough. The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw, bringing India’s semi-final campaign to an end.
Australia progressed to the last four after finishing ahead on the goals-scored criterion, while India will now shift their focus to the classification matches for fifth and sixth positions. ALSO READ: Who is Saransh Jain, the Madhya Pradesh All-Rounder Who Made His India Test Debut at 33?
