BHUBANESWAR: Hosts India’s last hope for podium finish went in smoke as they lost to defending champions Australia 1-2 in the last classification match of the 35th Men’s Champions Trophy Tournament here at Kalinga Stadium Hockey Complex on Sunday.
A goal each by captain Eddie Ockenden and Matt Gohdes helped 13-time champions Australia finish third in the eight-nation elite tournament, while Sardar Singh-led India, who were dreaming to win their maiden crown, eventually contended themselves with the fourth place.
After the heart-breaking semifinal defeat against Pakistan earlier on Saturday, Indians looked a subdued lot against Australia. They, of course, tried their best for a win, but their best did not prove enough. Missing opportunities also cost them dear.
After keeping the Indian defence under pressure for the first quarter, Australia forged ahead in the 18th minute when captain Ockenden scored a field goal with the support of Jacob Wheton (1-0). Trailing 1-0 at half-time, India won back-to-back penalty corners in the 42nd minute, which, however, proved futile. But the second one led to a goal-mouth melee and helped Lalit Upadhyay score the equaliser.
With eight minutes to go for the hooter, Matt Gohdes clinched victory for Australia with a field goal. India earned another penalty corner in the 55th minute, but failed to convert it.
Earlier in the 50th minute, SV Sunil squandered a golden opportunity to give India the lead as he failed to beat opposition goalkeeper Tyler Kavanagh in one-to-one situation with 10 minutes to go for the hooter.