Both India and Pakistan failed to make to the semi-finals of the Hero Hockey World League semi-finals in London on Thursday. While India lost to Malaysia 2-3, Pakistan were ousted by Olympic champions Argentina 1-3.
Malaysia scored all their three goals through penalty corners, including a brace by R. Rahim. India conceded the decisive goal in the 48th minute from the sixth penalty corner it conceded to Malaysia.
Though India went without a goalkeeper in last two minutes but failed to draw level with spirited Malaysians.
After a goalless first quarter, Malaysians surprised fancied Indians with two goals in two minutes midway in the second quarter. R. Rahim and T. Ahmad were scorers for Malaysia.
India, however, stormed back into the game with a brace from Ramandeep Singh, in the same quarter. Ramandeep scored in the 24th and 26th minutes. Third quarter remained goalless.
Earlier, in the first quarter-final Olympic champions Argentina defeated Pakistan 3-1. With this defeat Pakistan misses a berth in the World League finals to be played in Bhubaneshwar, India, in December this year.India, as a host, however, plays the finals.
