An inconsistent India wasted a number of chances to finish a disappointing sixth in the Hero Hockey World League semifinals after being stunned 2-3 by lowly Canada in London on Sunday. Meanwhile, Valentin Verga scored a brace as the Netherlands stormed to a 6-1 victory over Argentina in the final. Further strikes from Thijs Van Dam, Robbert Kemperman, Mirco Pruijser and Thierry Brinkmann rounded off an impressive performance from the Dutch who controlled the game from start to finish.
It was India's second defeat against a lower-ranked side in the tournament after having lost to Malaysia in the quarterfinals. By virtue of this win, Canada not only finished fifth in the tournament but also qualified for next year's World Cup, to be held in the Indian city of Bhubaneswar. The loss, although, didn't deter sixth-ranked India's qualification to the Hockey World League Final, to be held later this year, and the World Cup as they are already assured of places in both the events by virtue of being the hosts. However, it definitely counts for a morale shattering outing.
India started the encounter as the overwhelming favourites having defeated the same opponents 3-0 in the pool stages, but the script panned out to be completely different as, with a World Cup berth at stake, Canada played with great determination and gave their higher-ranked rivals a run for their money. Canada surprised their rivals when it mattered the most with some great counter-attacks.
