Playing on home soil, India saw their 2023 Hockey World Cup dreams vanish after losing a decisive crossover match to New Zealand at Kalinga Stadium this Sunday. It was a devastating outcome for the Indian squad, who narrowly lost a nail-biter 4-5 in a shootout after a 3-3 tie in regulation. As the final whistle blew, the stadium witnessed a mass exodus of devastated fans. New Zealand showed great composure in the closing stages, winning the vital encounter to advance to the knockout rounds.
Hosts India was knocked out of the ongoing 2023 Hockey World Cup after losing their must-win crossover match against New Zealand at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday. It was a huge disappointment for the Indian men’s hockey team as they lost the thriller 4-5 in the penalty shootout after both teams were locked at the score of 3-3 in regular time. The disappointing end to the game saw thousands of Indian fans inside the stadium walk out in utter despair. New Zealand produced a fine performance when it mattered the most and won the important clash to cruise into the knockout stages.
The loss of key goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh to an injury during the final three penalty shots proved to be a turning point for India. Despite a valiant effort from Krishan Pathak, the pressure got to the Indian attackers. Ranked sixth globally, India failed to maintain their standard, allowing New Zealand to claw their way back into the match twice after India had established a two-goal advantage.
The match opened with a flurry of offensive plays from both teams, yet neither side could find the net in the opening quarter. India eventually took the lead in the 17th minute through a goal by Lalit Kumar Upadhyay. Although Lalit failed to capitalize on a penalty corner shortly after, Sukhjeet Singh quickly stepped up to double the lead.
New Zealand responded just three minutes later, with Sam Lane scoring to bring the game to 2-1. India seemed to regain control in the 40th minute when Varun Kumar successfully converted a penalty corner, pushing the lead to 3-1. At that moment, a spot in the quarter-finals seemed certain, but the celebration was cut short when Kane Russell quickly scored from a penalty corner for New Zealand.
The tension peaked in the final quarter when New Zealand earned another penalty corner; Sean Findlay reacted quickest to a rebound in the 49th minute to tie the game at 3-3. India had one last chance to snatch a late lead before the clock ran out, but they couldn't make it happen. Consequently, India is set to face Japan on January 26 to determine their final ranking (9th-16th), while New Zealand moves on to face Belgium in the quarter-finals. For India, the quest for a World Cup title continues, extending a drought that has now lasted 47 years.
India will now play Japan in the 9th-16th position game on January 26. On the other hand, New Zealand will face Belgium in the quarter-finals. India has been waiting for the World Cup trophy for 47 years, and with the loss, their wait continues.