India's run to the quarterfinals of the World Cup ended in the lottery of a shootout, as Ireland beat them 3-1 in London on Thursday despite a brave attempt from Savita Punia in goal. After the match ended goalless in the regulation 60 minutes, India were foiled by a consistent performance in goal by Ayeisha McFerran in the shootout, denying Rani Rampal, Monika Malik and Navjot Kaur. Reena Khokar was the only Indian player to score in the shootout, while Savita effected two outstanding saves against Nicola Daly and Anna O'Flanagan off Ireland's first two attempts.
The first quarter produced some cagey hockey from both sides, though India had more forays into the opposition half of the pitch, with Indian attackers like Rani, Navneet Kaur and Lalremsiami favouring the right channel. The game seemed to open up a bit more in the second quarter, as Neha Goyal was given a green card in the 21st minute for a reckless challenge, and O'Flanagan's shot - the only one of the first half for either side - was easily smothered by Savita in the Indian goal.
India began the second half poorly, with missed passes and failed traps allowing Ireland a few openings inside their own half, though the Irish were unable to convert any of that into any attacking intent. The fourth quarter saw a better-organised display from India moving forward, and they won the only penalty corner of the match in the 49th minute. Rani's slap hit was saved by McFerran, and India continued to push forward through their attacking players for the next eight minutes as well. Udita was given a green card for an off-the-ball incident in the 57th minute, and from then on, both teams seemed resigned to the fate of a shootout.
This was India's first entry into the knockout stage of the World Cup since the opening edition in 1974, while 16th-ranked Ireland have themselves gone through to a first semi-final against surprise semi-finalists Spain.