The Indian men’s hockey team were knocked out of the ongoing Hockey World League Semifinal stage by Malaysia as they went down 2-3 in London on Thursday.

India, ranked sixth in the world, were beaten in the quarterfinals for the second time in a month by Malaysia after going down to them 1-0 at last month’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia. India were in sublime form prior to their last group stage game against Netherlands, as they had scored 14 goals in three games against Scotland, Canada and Pakistan.

After an even first quarter, India were on the backfoot early on in the second quarter as Malaysia struck twice in quick succession to send coach Roelant Oltmans into a frenzy on the sidelines.

Both goals were from penalty corners; the first came in the 19th minute as as Razie Rahim scored from a penalty corner with Akash Chitke unable to stop the ball from going into the Indian goal, even though the goalie got a glove to the ball.

Rahim made it two in two minutes for Malaysia as his flick got an Indian touch this time before getting a touch off Kothajit Singh, striking the bar before doubling Malaysia’s lead.

Ramandeep Singh halved India’s deficit in the 24th minute as he touched the ball, running into the box before scoring again in the 26th minute to draw India level with Malaysia. The teams were tied at two-all heading into half-time.

The third quarter started brightly for India as they had the lion’s share of the ball but were unable to apply the finishing touches to any of their moves.

Malaysia, however did and Razie’s brilliant game continued as he found the net again in the final quarter and India could not muster a response with the clock ticking down. With a minute remaining, Ramandeep had a golden chance to tie the match but missed from less than a yard out as his touch sent the ball wide to Oltmans’ and India’s agony.

With this win, Malaysia also qualify for the 2018 Hockey World Cup to be held in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. India, who have their place confirmed by virtue of being hosts, must now look forward to a ranking classification play-off against neighbours Pakistan.