While almost everyone in the 15,000-strong crowd at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday expected World No. 6 India to easily beat No. 11 New Zealand in their Crossover clash, there was one man in the stands—former India goalkeeper Jude Menezes—who knew the Kiwis could pull it off. Menezes, 51, a former resident of Orlem, Malad, migrated to New Zealand two decades ago. He is here to pursue a FIH Masters Coaching course. Menezes was the assistant coach of the New Zealand women’s team at the Tokyo Olympics and is currently head coach of the Japanese women’s side, who he has guided to three prestigious titles—Asian Champions Trophy, Asia Cup and Asian Games.

Having been close to NZ hockey for over a decade, Menezes tells mid-day that he knew that the never-say-die attitude of the Kiwis combined with India’s inconsistent performances could lead to an upset. And that’s exactly what happened as India went down 4-5 via shootout to be dumped out of the competition.