- Hosts were defeated 5-4 by New Zealand.
- Sean Findlay of New Zealand scored the goal that forced penalties.
- Australia, holders Belgium, Netherlands, England, and Spain reached quarterfinals.
India was eliminated early from the hockey World Cup after the hosts were defeated 5-4 by New Zealand in a thrilling crossover game on Sunday.
The biggest field hockey tournament’s quarterfinals were up for grabs, and favorited India, led by defender Harmanpreet Singh, had the home crowd on edge as the game finished 3-3 in Bhubaneswar.
After falling behind 3-1, New Zealand battled back to tie the game, and they then maintained composure as the penalty shootout went into sudden death.
While the underdogs celebrated at the Kalinga Stadium, Sean Findlay of New Zealand, which is ranked 12th in the world, stood out. He scored the goal that forced penalties and then made both of his attempts in the shootout.
Men’s field hockey was once dominated by sixth-ranked India, who between 1928 and 1980 captured eight Olympic gold medals.
The cricket-crazy nation’s once-national sport experienced a comeback when India captured a bronze medal at the Olympics in Tokyo and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham the previous year.
Additionally guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals are Australia, holders Belgium, the Netherlands, England, and Spain.
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