Australia edges India in goalless World Cup clash to reach semifinals
Australia held India to a 0-0 draw in the Women's Hockey World Cup, advancing to the semifinals on goal-difference while India will contest the fifth-place match.
During the 2026 FIH Women's Hockey World Cup group round, Australia and India finished tied at 0-0, allowing the Australians to move on to the semifinals because they had scored more goals overall in the pool. An early strike by Grace Stewart was overturned after a video review, and a later effort by Kershaw was also ruled out for a handball. The game featured multiple penalty corners for both sides, yet neither side could find the net, despite saves from India's goalkeeper Bichu Devi and defensive efforts from Savita.
In the second half, India pressed higher but Australia remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Late in the match India substituted goalkeeper Bichu Devi for outfield player Deepika in a bid for a winner, but Australia managed the final minutes by retaining possession. The result ends India's 51-year quest for a World Cup semifinal appearance.
Why it matters
The result determines which team continues toward a World Cup title and ends India's long wait for a semifinal spot.
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