In Brief
- The Indian women’s hockey team was knocked out of semi-final contention following a 0-0 draw against Australia in Amstelveen.
- Both teams finished level on points and goal difference (-2), but Australia advanced to the last four by scoring more goals overall (3 goals to India's 2).
- India held firm behind video referrals that overturned two Australian goals, but failed to capitalize on late chances—including a high-risk five-minute spell without a goalkeeper.
India’s dream of reaching the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup semi-finals ended in heartbreak on Sunday after a tense 0-0 draw against Australia at the Wagener Stadium. Needing a win to advance to the last four for the first time since 1974, India were eliminated on a tie-breaker after Australia qualified by scoring more goals overall in the second round.
India survived heavy early pressure, using two successful video referrals to overturn Australian goals for dangerous play while goalkeeper Savita Punia repelled key strikes. Despite disciplined defensive work, India struggled to finish at the other end, missing key chances through Nikki Pradhan, Deepika Sehrawat, and Lalremsiami. A desperate five-minute tactical gamble pulling the goalkeeper for an extra outfield player yielded no breakthrough, sending Australia to the semi-finals while India moves to the fifth-place classification match.
