Hockeyroos book World Cup semi-final berth after tense India draw

The Hockeyroos are through to the semi-finals of the FIH Hockey World Cup after securing the point they needed in a tense 0-0 draw with India.

With progression on the line, Australia were forced to fight until the final whistle in a tight contest that saw two Hockeyroos goals disallowed and both sides struggle to break down resolute defensive units.

It was an arm wrestle from the opening whistle, with neither side able to create many clear-cut opportunities in front of goal during the first quarter.

Australia thought they had found the breakthrough, only for India to successfully refer the goal and have it overturned, ensuring the scores remained locked at 0-0 heading into the first break.

The tight tussle continued throughout the second term, with both sides earning a penalty corner apiece but neither able to trouble the scorers.

With opportunities at a premium, the teams headed into half-time still locked at 0-0.

Australia again thought they had broken the deadlock during the third quarter when Steph Kershaw fired a shot into goal.

However, following an umpire referral, Kershaw's effort was deemed dangerous and the goal was disallowed, leaving the contest scoreless heading into the final quarter.

The Hockeyroos continued to push for the opener and earned another penalty corner, but India's defence stood tall to deny Australia once again.

Needing a result, India made the bold decision to withdraw their goalkeeper and introduce an extra field player in the closing stages.

Australia soon earned another penalty corner and had a golden opportunity to capitalise with an empty Indian goal, but were unable to convert as the tension continued to build.

Despite being unable to find the breakthrough, the Hockeyroos held firm at the other end to secure the vital point they needed to advance to the World Cup semi-finals.

The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw and Australia's place among the final four teams in the tournament.

The Hockeyroos will now face either Argentina, Belgium or Spain in their semi-final on Thursday 28 August at 4:30am EST, with a place in the FIH Hockey World Cup final on the line.

Catch it live and free on 7plus.