India's World Cup run ends in shootout loss to Ireland

Debayan Sen


Savita Punia. Hockey India

India's run to the quarterfinals of the World Cup ended in the lottery of a shootout, as Ireland beat them 3-1 in London on Thursday despite a brave attempt from Savita Punia in goal. After the match ended goalless in the regulation 60 minutes, India were foiled by a consistent performance in goal by Ayeisha McFerran in the shootout, denying Rani Rampal, Monika Malik and Navjot Kaur. Reena Khokar was the only Indian player to score in the shootout, while Savita effected two outstanding saves against Nicola Daly and Anna O'Flanagan off Ireland's first two attempts.