India knocked out of Hockey World Cup

India were knocked out of the ongoing Hockey World Cup after the hosts endured a tough 4-5 defeat in the penalty shootout against New Zealand in the must-win crossover tie in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. After both teams finished 3-3 after full time with nothing to break the deadlock in shootouts, New Zealand held their nerves and outsmarted India in sudden death to bring an end to an instant classic and secure a place in the quarterfinal. Indian goalkeepers PR Sreejesh made three terrific saves but was replaced by and Krishan Pathak after he injured himself during the process. Pathak too made a couple of crucial saves but Shamsher failed to beat the New Zealand goalkeeper, which was his third attempt. The match saw India dominate possession and circle penetration but the hosts endured quite a few nervy moments. The action started with both sides showing high intensity as New Zealand came very close to scoring in the opening quarter. However, a brilliant save by Sreejesh denied New Zealand an early lead as the first quarter finished goalless. India put on a much stronger show in the second quarter as Lalit Kumar Upadhyay scored the opener inside the first three minutes.