India hockey’s tough European run: strong play, but five straight losses cost World Cup hopes

India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams delivered competitive performances in the 2024-25 FIH Pro League European leg, with the men suffering a dramatic fifth consecutive loss despite leading against Australia. Their current fifth-place standing with 15 points from 13 games now rules out title contention and World Cup qualification, highlighting the fine margins between effort and outcome.

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India's men's hockey team endured a challenging European leg in the FIH Pro League, suffering five consecutive losses that have effectively ended their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.

Despite strong play, including a 2-0 lead against Australia in their latest match, India fell 2-3 after a last-minute goal by Tom Craig. The team, missing captain Harmanpreet Singh, saw key contributions from Abhishek, who scored twice, and goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.

"Despite not fielding captain Harmanpreet Singh, India held a 2-0 lead after 35 minutes, thanks to a brace from Abhishek and some stellar work from Suraj Karkera in goal."

The late goal came with just 43 seconds remaining, when Craig diverted Jeremy Hayward's dragflick into the net, sealing a dramatic victory for Australia.

"With 43 seconds left on the clock, Tom Craig diverted Jeremy Hayward's dragflick into the net to earn Australia a dramatic victory."

India currently sits fifth in the standings with 15 points from 13 games, making World Cup qualification a mathematical impossibility.

"Fulton's side came into the European leg of the FIH Pro League aiming to win the title and book a World Cup spot, but that is now a mathematical impossibility as India are fifth in the standings with 15 points from 13 games."

The frustration is compounded by the fact that India’s performances have been competitive, with the team arguably deserving draws or wins in several matches.

"The frustration over the five games in Europe is largely because India have put in fairly good performances, and arguably deserved draws and wins."

This tough run highlights the challenges India faces in converting strong play into results on the international stage.
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India's men's hockey team suffered five consecutive losses in the FIH Pro League European leg, including a narrow 2-3 defeat to Australia, dashing their World Cup qualification hopes despite strong performances and a 2-0 lead in the latest match. India stands fifth with 15 points from 13 games.
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The Headline

India men’s five losses dash World Cup hopes despite strong play

Key Facts
  • India men's hockey team suffered five consecutive losses in the FIH Pro League European leg, severely impacting their title and World Cup qualification hopes.1
  • In their match against Australia, India men held a 2-0 lead after 35 minutes despite not fielding captain Harmanpreet Singh.1
  • Abhishek scored a brace and Suraj Karkera made key saves to keep India men ahead during the match against Australia.1
  • With just 43 seconds left, Tom Craig scored a late winner for Australia, resulting in a 2-3 loss for India men.1
  • India men are now fifth in the standings with 15 points from 13 games, making a title win and World Cup qualification mathematically impossible.1
The frustration over the five games in Europe is largely because India have put in fairly good performances, and arguably deserved draws and wins.
Hockey analysts
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Key Stats at a Glance
Number of consecutive losses by India men's hockey team
5 losses
1
Final match score India men vs Australia
2-3
1
India men's hockey team lead after 35 minutes
2-0
1
Time after which India men held lead
35 minutes
1
Time left when Australia scored late winner
43 seconds
1
India men's hockey team standing in FIH Pro League European leg
5th
1
Points accumulated by India men's hockey team
15 points
1
Number of games played by India men's hockey team
13 games
1
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Background Context

India women’s narrow loss to Australia in FIH Pro League

Key Facts
  • India women's hockey team narrowly lost 2-3 to Australia in the FIH Pro League, showing competitive spirit in the European leg.1
  • The India women's team was scheduled to play England a day after their narrow loss to Australia in the FIH Pro League European leg.1
Key Stats at a Glance
Final match score India women vs Australia
2-3
1
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