Stunned by the goal, the Indians went on the offensive and earned two back-to-back penalty corners in the third minute but wasted both.Īfter the crossover, the Indians put up a much better display and created a few chances, one of which was wasted by N Thimmaiah, who shot over from close range in the 44th minute with only New Zealand goalkeeper Devon Manchester to beat.
Much to the disappointment of the handful of spectators present at the stadium, New Zealand surged ahead in the opening minute when Mcalesse scored with a fierce hit from top of the circle as the Indian defence was found wanting.
The Black Sticks were promising in their forays and defended in numbers when the ball was inside their half. New Zealand, on the other hand, dished out a spirited display especially after their 1-6 drubbing at the hands of Germany on Friday. The entire Indian team lacked co-ordination and understanding and made mistakes when put under pressure. Right full-back Birendra Lakra had a nightmarish outing as not only he fumbled under pressure but struggled to tap the ball. The defence, which has been India’s perennial problem, yet again struggled to deal New Zealand’s persistent threats. There was no co-ordination between the midfield and forward line and the Indians were guilty of easily giving the ball away to their opponents. India struggled throughout the entire first half and failed to create a single open chance. Just like on Friday, the Indians looked rusty and out of sorts against New Zealand on Saturday. India managed to reduce the margin of defeat just two minutes from the hooter through Mandeep Singh. New Zealand scored three field goals – one in the first half and two after the change of ends – through Shea Mcalesse (1st minute) and Stephen Jenness (40th, 50th minutes) to register their first win in the eight-team event. New Delhi: India’s disastrous campaign at the Hockey World League Final continued as they lost 1-3 to New Zealand to succumb to their second straight defeat in Pool A at the floodlit Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday.
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