FIH Nations Cup Final
Pakistan showcased exceptional grit and skill in the FIH Nations Cup semifinal on Friday, edging past France in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure their place in the final. The high-intensity clash, held at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, ended 3-2 in Pakistan’s favor after both sides were locked at 3-3 at the end of regulation time.
The match began cautiously, with both teams playing a tight defensive game in the first quarter. Despite multiple chances, neither side was able to break the deadlock. Pakistan earned a single penalty corner, while France looked more threatening with four, yet both teams remained goalless after the first 15 minutes.
France finally broke through in the second quarter when Xavier Esmenjaud pierced through Pakistan’s defence to score a stunning field goal in the 25th minute. The French side carried that momentum into the third quarter, with Victor Charlet extending their lead just four minutes into the second half, putting Pakistan under serious pressure.
However, what followed was an incredible comeback by the Green Shirts. Within a span of five minutes, Pakistan netted three goals to overturn the two-goal deficit.
The fightback began with Afraz slotting home after a pinpoint assist from Rana Waheed Ashraf in the 37th minute. Shortly after, France thought they had earned another penalty corner, but a VAR review overturned the decision.
Almost immediately, Pakistan were awarded a penalty corner after a foul by a French defender, and Sufyan Khan capitalized, levelling the match at 2-2. Riding high on momentum, Muhammad Hammadudin then struck a third goal to give Pakistan a 3-2 lead by the end of the third quarter.
The final quarter saw France desperately pushing for an equaliser. With just three minutes remaining, a foul from a Pakistani defender handed France a penalty corner. Victor Charlet stepped up again, firing in the equaliser and sending the match to a shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Pakistan’s goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman emerged as the hero, denying three French attempts with outstanding saves. Meanwhile, Pakistan converted three of their five chances through Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz, clinching a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory.
With this hard-fought win, Pakistan have now advanced to the final of the FIH Nations Cup, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between New Zealand and South Korea. The final will take place on Saturday, and the Green Shirts will be looking to carry their momentum and claim the coveted title.
