It was another heartbreak for India against New Zealand as the hosts of the FIH Hockey World Cup lost to Black Sticks to see their way out of the tournament. India had a firm lead till the third quarter but they allowed New Zealand to penetrate through their defence in the last few minutes and the match was forced into a penalty shootout. India could not hold on to their nerves in the sudden death and lost the game 4-5.
The match played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar saw India taking an early lead with Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and Sukhjeet Singh scoring in the second quarter. However, New Zealand scored their first goal through Sam Lane seconds before halftime. The Black Sticks then conceded a goal in the 41st minute as Varun Kumar scored for India.
India were hoping to end the third quarter with a 3-1 lead but Kane Russell spoiled their plans as the Kiwi converted a PC to reduce the gap. The third quarter ended with New Zealand trailing two goals to three.
New Zealand sprung into action in the final quarter as they hovered around the Indian circle. Sean Findlay found the back of the net in the 49th minute to level the score and keep their hope of reaching the final eight alive. The final quarter ended with both teams tied at 3-3, with the result pushed to be decided by a penalty shootout.
Both teams once again scored 3-3 in the shootout forcing the game into sudden death. New Zealand reigned supreme in the end with a score of 5-4.
