Heartbreak for India as Oz advance to semis after goalless Hockey WC draw
India's women's hockey team was eliminated from the World Cup after a 0-0 draw against Australia. Australia advanced to the semifinals based on their superior goal count in the pool stage.
Why it matters
The result marks a significant disappointment for the Indian national team in a major international sporting event.
India’s FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign came to a heartbreaking end as Australia held them to a 0-0 draw and advanced to the semifinals on Sunday. With the result, Australia progressed by virtue of having scored more goals in the pool, while India will now play for fifth place.Australia started strongly and appeared to take the lead in the second minute through Grace Stewart, but India immediately reviewed the goal for dangerous play. The referral went India’s way and the goal was ruled out.The Hockeyroos continued to control possession and created several opportunities, forcing Bichu Devi and Savita into important saves. India also struggled to retain the ball during the opening stages, although they gradually settled into the contest.Australia earned penalty corners but failed to convert, while India’s defence repeatedly managed to clear the danger.
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