Amstelveen, 24 August (H.S.): The Indian women’s hockey team’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 came to an end late on Sunday after they were held to a goalless draw by Australia in their decisive Pool E encounter. The result sent Australia through to the semi-finals, while India will now compete for a fifth-place finish.

India needed an outright victory to secure a place in the last four. Earlier in the day, defending champions the Netherlands defeated China 4-1, leaving Australia needing only a draw to qualify for the semi-finals. Australia eventually progressed by virtue of having scored more goals in the tournament.

India and China finished on two points each, with India placed third on a superior goal difference. India’s goal difference stood at minus two, compared with China’s minus three. The Netherlands and Australia advanced to the semi-finals from Pool E.

Australia Apply Pressure From the Start

Australia dominated possession from the opening minutes and put the Indian defence under sustained pressure. Australia appeared to score in the second minute, but India immediately requested a video referral. The review confirmed that the ball had struck the body of an Indian defender after coming off an Australian player’s stick, and the goal was disallowed.

India created a few opportunities during the opening stages but failed to convert them. In the 10th minute, goalkeeper Savita Punia produced an excellent save to deny Amy Lawton and keep India level.

Bichu Devi took over goalkeeping duties at the beginning of the second quarter. She made a fine diving save in the 19th minute to keep out Grace Young’s effort.

India earned their first penalty corner in the 30th minute, but the Australian defence successfully dealt with the threat. The first half ended goalless.

No Breakthrough in the Second Half

India adopted a more attacking approach after the interval, pushing more players forward in search of the crucial goal. However, the forwards lacked the coordination and precision in the final pass needed to break through the Australian defence.

Australia appeared to score again from a penalty corner in the 40th minute, but the goal was overturned following a video referral. It was the second Australian goal to be ruled out during the match.

India responded with a series of attacks. Shilpi unleashed a powerful shot in the 45th minute, but the ball narrowly missed the goal.

Removing the Goalkeeper Fails to Produce a Winner

India intensified their search for a goal during the final quarter. Australia earned several penalty corners, but the Indian defence and Bichu Devi stood firm. In the 54th minute, Bichu made an excellent save with her foot to deny Australia the breakthrough.

With more than five minutes remaining, India removed their goalkeeper and introduced an additional outfield player in an attempt to score the decisive goal. Australia earned a penalty corner in the 59th minute, but captain Salima Tete made an important defensive intervention to prevent Australia from taking the lead.

The match ultimately ended 0-0, bringing India’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals to an end. Australia advanced to the last four, while India will now play in the fifth-place classification match.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar