Hockey: India's semis hopes fade after loss to NZ

A lackluster display by the Indian men's hockey team saw them suffer their second straight defeat at the London Olympics 2012 as they went down 1-3 against New Zealand at the Riverbank Arena on Wednesday - jeopardising their chances of making it to the semi-finals.

India got onto the scoresheet as early as the second minute, when Sandeep Singh flicked home off a penalty corner. However, India's attacking intent failed to add anymore goals and instead allowed New Zealand to score three goals before the half-time hooter.

Andrew Hayward first made it 1-1 in the 13th minute off a penalty corner, and when New Zealand were awarded a penalty stroke in the 24th minute, Phillip Burrows stepped up to the mark to give the Kiwis a 2-1 lead. Six minutes before half-time, it became 3-1 for New Zealand when Nicholas Wilson converted a field goal.

A lackluster display by the Indian team saw them lose 1-3 - their second defeat in a row at the London Olympics.

India were always chasing the game in the second half but couldn't make use of three more penalty corners they got in the second half.

India now will have to win all their remaining matches for any hopes of making it through to the last-four stage. They next play defending champions Germany on August 3 at 1815 IST.

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