India's disastrous hockey World Cup campaign ended with a 2-4 defeat against Argentina as the hosts finished a lowly eighth in the mega-event on Friday.

For Argentina Martin Lucas Villa (43rd minute, 45th) scored two goals, while Tomas Innocente Argento (28th) and Facundo Callioni (46th) scored one each in the seventh-eighth place classification match.

The Indians reduced the margin through Sandeep Singh (42nd) and Shivendra Singh (49th) at the floodlit Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

Poor defence and unforced errors in the mid-field marred India's day yet again as the home team conceded three soft goals with a span of four minutes to the disappointment of the cheering crowd.