India captain Salima Tete rued her side’s missed opportunities after India’s women’s hockey team crashed out of the Hockey World Cup following a goalless draw against Australia in Amstelveen.

The result saw Australia progress to the semi-finals on goals scored, leaving India heartbroken after they had defended resolutely but failed to find the goal they needed. Five years after stunning Australia 1-0 in the Tokyo Olympic quarter-finals, India were unable to recreate that famous result with another semi-final spot at stake.

“We don't feel good, we came so close, but we let this game go out of her hands. We need to learn from this match. It was a tough game for us. We will learn from this. We had some chances as well, and we didn't finish,” Salima said after the match.

“We lose as a team, we'll fight to finish fifth, this World Cup isn't finished for us,” Salima added.

India had several chances to break the deadlock but lacked the finishing touch. Their biggest opportunity came just before half-time when a penalty-corner variation found Nikki unmarked, but she missed her attempted shot with the goal at her mercy.

Deepika then failed to make clean contact after a promising move involving Navneet and Baljeet in the third quarter. Early in the final quarter, Salima’s excellent low cross found Navneet inside the circle, but hesitation between Navneet and Lalremsiami allowed Australia to close down the chance. Navneet had also been crowded out by defenders earlier in the game.

India eventually removed goalkeeper Bichu Devi with five minutes remaining to add an outfield player, but could not create a clear opening.

Australia also had two goals ruled out after successful Indian referrals, giving India further reprieves. However, the Hockeyroos held firm, leaving India to rue their missed chances.

India began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against China, followed by an emphatic 6-1 win over South Africa and a goalless draw against England. They then suffered a 0-2 defeat to the Netherlands before being held to a 0-0 draw by Australia, which ended their semi-final hopes.

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