Ahead of the final of the Hockey World League Round 2 in New Delhi on Sunday, it would probably have been only the most staunch Poland supporter who would have backed their side to beat the host team. India were the highest ranked team in the tournament — at 13, they are ranked 13 places above Poland.

In the tournament they had scored 36 goals while conceding none. They had beaten Poland 2-0 in the group stage. Poland, meanwhile, had just about made the last two with a 1-0 win against Malaysia.

While India ultimately emerged 3-1 winners, for much of the match, it was Poland who had the hosts on the ropes. It took the hosts until the last minute of the first quarter to open their account. Vandana Kataria received an accurate pass from captain Ritu Rani, across in the right flank, and scored her 11th of the tournament with a back stroke. The lead lasted just a minute as Poland won a PC and Oriana Walasek converted a elaborate indirect effort.

As the clock ticked down with four minutes left in the third quarter, Poland even had a chance to take a shock lead. They earned another PC and once again went for the variation. Natalia Wisniewska’s shot had the goalie beaten but the ball deflected clear of the goalpost.

This would be the high water mark for Poland. A minute later India took the lead when Rani Rampal slotted a quick pass high into the net. Poland kept attacking in the final quarter but India increased the margin in the last minute of the game with Ritu Rani finishing a counterattack after Poland had a penalty corner cleared.

Despite the loss, Poland will be satisfied with having — like India — qualified for the World League Round 3 having made the final. The event will serve as a qualifier to the 2015 Olympics.