London: An inconsistent India wasted chances galore to finish a disappointing sixth in the Hockey World League Semifinals after being stunned 2-3 by lowly Canada here Sunday.
It was India’s second upset defeat against a lower-ranked side in the tournament after having lost to Malaysia in the quarterfinals. Gordon Johnston (3rd, 44th minutes) scored two goals while Keegan Pereira (40th) found the net once for the 11th ranked Canadians. Harmanpreet Singh (7th, 22nd) converted two of India’s nine penalty corners.
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 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.
Even though India dominated the share of possession and had more shots at the goal compared to their opponents, Canada surprised their rivals when it mattered the most with some great counter-attacks. India continued their dismal performance from penalty corners as they converted just two out of nine they earned in the match.
