Pakistan recovered from two goals down to defeat Japan 4-3 in a thrilling Group G classification match. The FIH Hockey World Cup contest took place at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday.
Japan started strongly and quickly placed Pakistan under pressure. Yamada Hyota opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Tanaka Kaito doubled Japan’s lead in the 15th minute.
Pakistan responded through Waheed Ashraf Rana, who scored twice to level the contest. He found the net in the 22nd and 32nd minutes, bringing Pakistan back into the match.
Pakistan Complete Stunning Comeback
Mohammad Hammadudin then completed Pakistan’s comeback with a goal in the 33rd minute. His strike gave the Green-shirts a 3-2 lead after Japan dominated the opening quarter.
However, Japan quickly responded through Koji Yamasaki. He converted a penalty corner in the 36th minute to restore parity at 3-3.
Pakistan refused to surrender its momentum and regained the lead shortly afterward. Hannan Shahid scored the decisive goal in the 41st minute to put Pakistan ahead again.
Defence Holds Firm Under Pressure
Japan launched sustained attacks during the closing stages and earned several penalty corner opportunities. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s goalkeeper and defence remained composed under intense pressure.
The Green-shirts successfully protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle. Pakistan scored three field goals and converted one of three penalty corners during the contest.
Japan scored one field goal and converted two penalty corners. Pakistan received two green cards and one yellow card, while Japan received one green card.
The victory highlighted Pakistan’s fighting spirit after conceding twice early. Moreover, the win provided an important boost as the team continued its World Cup classification campaign.
