No mercy for India

The Hague, June 9 (IANS): India's group campaign in the FIH Hockey World Cup came to an end with a 0-4 thrashing by defending champions Australia at the Kyocera Stadium here Monday.

Chris Ciriello (16th and 22nd) struck a brace while Kieran Govers (3rd) and Jeremy Hayward (20th) struck a goal apiece.

The first half of the match saw Australia going all out as they tried to take a strike in the first minute, but their attempt was brilliantly saved by the star goal keeper of India P.R. Sreejesh.

It was again in the third minute when Australia charged in to make another attempt, and they successfully managed to slice in the first goal of the game through Gover from a field goal. It was Ciriello who doubled the lead, making no mistake in converting a penalty corner in the 16th minute.

Australia maintained their dominance as they managed to slice in two back-to-back fiery penalty corners in the 20th minute through Hayward and in the 22nd through Ciriello again.

It was in the second half that India fought back with confidence, and they seriously challenged the Australians. But India's comeback was good enough only to restrict Australia from doing any further damage - they failed to open their own account and lost the match 0-4.