India suffered a humiliating 0-4 defeat to defending champions Australia in their final group league encounter of the FIH men's hockey World Cup, in The Hague, Netherlands, on Monday.
The Aussies built a four-goal lead in the first 22 minutes before the Indians re-grouped and denied their fancied opponents more goals.
Kieran Govers opened the scoring with a field goal in the third minute. It was followed by three penalty-corner strikes – two by Chris Ciriello (16th and 22nd minute) and one by Jeremy Hayward (20th minute).
The victory helped Australia top Group A with maximum 15 points from five successive victories.
The Aussies are gunning for another crack at the title as a gift to their coach, Ric Charlesworth, who will retire later this year.
India finished their five pool matches with four points, gained from a victory over Malaysia and a draw with Spain.
India await the result of the Spain-Malaysia match later on Monday to know whether they finish fourth or fifth in the group.
Spain have two points from four matches, while Malaysia have lost all their four games.
A draw or a Malaysian victory will help India finish fourth in the group, and then play-off for the seventh and eighth spots.
A Spanish victory will relegate India to fifth in the group, making them play for the ninth and 10th positions.
Image: India's Kothajit Khadangbam is thwarted by Australia's Robert Hammond (No 6) and Liam de Young.
