India's dream of top 4 crushed by New Zealand

India were handed their second consecutive defeat at the Riverbank Arena in London where New Zealand won 3-1 despite conceding a goal in the first couple of minutes.

The match started with some energetic display by the Indians and they were rewarded with a Penalty Corner as early as the 2nd minute of the game. Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh slotted in the chance as India got off to a dream start against the Black Sticks in this crucial match. But the lead lasted only just over 10 minutes as New Zealand equalized via Penalty Corner by Andrew Hayward. A 27th minute Penalty Corner resulted in the ball hitting Birendra Lakra‘s body and NZ was awarded a Penalty Stroke which Philip Burrows slotted in despite Chetri getting a hand to it. India was always playing the catching game from then onwards.

A couple of minutes later, it was Nicholas Wilson who took the advantage of India’s poor defending as he latched on to the pass by a sliding McAleese and scored the 3rd goal for the Black Sticks. India ended the first half on a 2 goal deficit, much like in the previous match.

But the 2nd half didn’t produce a similar result as despite a couple of close shaves and numerous Penalty Corners, both the teams failed to add further to the scoreboard.

New Zealand – Andrew Hayward (13th), Philip Burrows (27th), Nicholas Wilson (30th)

defeat

India - Sandeep Singh (2nd)

India will face reigning Olympics Champion Germany in its next match on 3rd August.