Wavre (Belgium): India's disappointing eighth-place finish at the FIH World Cup has exposed their defensive shortcomings, with captain Harmanpreet Singh admitting that the team needs to improve significantly in that area, especially against the world's top sides.
India finished eighth after losing 3-4 to co-hosts Belgium in a penalty shootout in the final classification match on Friday. Former champions Belgium held a 3-2 lead until the final minute, but 26 seconds before the hooter, Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner to force the match into a shootout. The Indian skipper scored eight goals in the tournament.
