Glasgow, Aug 3 (IANS): Reminiscent of the 2010 Games' final, India again lost to Australia in men's hockey final at the 2014 Commonwealth Games -- but this time the margin was halved to 0-4 -- and settled for the silver medal at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre here Sunday.
India were impressive in their 2-4 loss to Australia in the group games. But when it mattered the most, the goals dried up for India.
Drag-flicker Chris Ciriello struck a hat-trick for Australia while Eddie Ockenden completed the scoreline.
The Indians did well to restrict Australia in the early stages but in the 13th the defending champions broke the deadlock and took a 1-0 lead with a penalty corner from Ciriello.
Again in the 21st minute Australia had a penalty corner opportunity but completely failed to penetrate the Indian defence.
India secured their first penalty corner in the 24th minute, which was messed up by V.R. Raghunath. Five minutes later, Australia doubled the lead again through Ciriello from penalty corner and went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
In the second half, India penetrated the Australian half quite often. But against the run of play in the 48th minute they conceded a penalty corner that was smartly converted by Ciriello. Ockenden completed the scoreline when he managed to sneak in a field goal in the 50th minute to seal the win.