The much elevated expectations of both India and Pakistan to reach the final and finally win over the trophy were dashed when both the Asian neigbours were ousted in the semis at the hands of Australia and Netherlands.
In the second semi final, the defending champion, which is also the holder of the cup for three consecutive times, beat India 3-0. Australia scored through captain Jamie Dwyer (fifth and 18th minutes) and Kieran Govers (42nd) after enjoying territorial domination against the Indians, who were often forced to fall back and defend against the rampant rival strikers.
Australia will now meet the Olympic silver medalist Netherlands in the finals, while India and Pakistan will contest for a bronze. India's only Champions Trophy medal, a bronze, came in 1982. Pakistan edged past India to claim bronze medals for three successive years from 2002-04.
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