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Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak qualify for FIH Nations Cup final
Pakistan players celebrate after scoring a goal in their FIH Nations Cup semifinal against France at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. PHOTO: FIH Pakistan displayed an outstanding performance in the FIH Nations Cup as they defeated France in penalty shootout 3-2 after two sides remained tied at the National Hockey Stadium, Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Pakistan goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman blocked three France chances, while Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid and Afraz struck for Pakistan to clinch a highly-rewarding victory. The green shirts will face either New Zealand or Korea in the summit clash on Saturday. The two teams remained inseparable after enthralling four quarters as the scoreline was tied at 3-3 at the full time. The high-stakes clash got off to a nervy start as the two sides barred each other from scoring the opener in the first quarter. Pakistan got one penalty corner, while France had four. The Blues eventually broke the shackles in the second quarter through Xavier Esmenjaud, who breached Pakistan's defence to score a sensational field goal in the 25th minute. France doubled their lead just four minutes into the third quarter through Victory Charlet. Pakistan then staged an astounding comeback by netting three goals within five minutes to head into the final quarter with a 3-2 lead. Afraz netted Pakistan's first goal after a precise assist by Rana Waheed Ashraf in the seventh minute of the penultimate quarter. The green shirts then survived a major scare when the referee ruled out France's penalty corner after a VAR review. Seconds later, Pakistan were awarded a penalty corner, courtesy of a foul from a French defender. The penalty corner was successfully converted by Sufyan Khan, drawing the two sides level at 2-2. The green shirts, fuelled with momentum, secured the lead through Muhammad Hammadudin, which remained intact until the conclusion of the penultimate quarter. The green shirts then tried to prevent France from scoring the equaliser by passing each other until a foul from their defender with just three minutes of action left gave the Blues a crucial penalty corner, which Charlet commandingly converted to neutralise Pakistan's lead. Pakistan had a vital opportunity to score the tiebreaker in the 59th minute as they got a penalty corner, which was burnt by Sufyan Khan as he hit a France defender in the process. Lamentable as Pak players deprived of allowances Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Butt has publicly voiced his frustration over the lack of financial support, revealing that players have yet to receive their daily allowances despite reaching the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Cup. Speaking on behalf of his teammates, Ammad raised a heartfelt concern that mirrors the long-standing struggle of Pakistan's national sport. "Is there anyone who truly understands the struggles of Pakistan hockey?" Ammad questioned, drawing a stark comparison between the country's cricket obsession and the declining fortunes of hockey. "Do our politicians care about the national sport? Do ministers take an interest in the game that once brought Olympic gold to this country? Businessmen spend crores on cricket leagues, but when it comes to hockey, there's no budget," he lamented.
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Pakistan stun France to reach Nations Cup final
KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan will face defending champions New Zealand in the final of the Nations Cup on Saturday. World No.15 Pakistan stunned world No.10 France 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time in the semi-finals at the National Hockey Stadium. World No.11 New Zealand, meanwhile, edged South Korea 4-3 on penalties after their clash ended 2-2 in normal time. Pakistan's Rana Waheed Ashraf, named man of the match, said it was a proud moment for his country to reach a final after such a long time. "It feels like the revival of hockey. We're just one step away from qualifying for the FIH Pro League - that would be massive for Pakistan hockey," said Rana. France coach John-John Dohmen admitted his side let the game slip. "I think we started well and deserved to win. But in the second half, we forgot what we had to do. "Pakistan played really well in the second half and were better than us in the shootout." Results Semi-finals: France 3 Pakistan 3 (Pakistan win 3-2 on shootout), S. Korea 2 New Zealand 2 (New Zealand win 4-3 on shootout) Classification: Wales 6 Japan 4, Malaysia 4 S. Africa 2 Saturday's fixtures (June 21) 5th placing: Wales v Malaysia (4pm) 7th placing: Japan v S. Africa (1.30pm) 3rd placing: France vs S. Korea (6.30pm)
Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
FIH Nations Cup: Pakistan into final after beating France on penalties
Pakistan advanced to the final of the FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup after defeating France 3–2 in a tense penalty shootout, following a 3–3 draw in regular time at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on June 20. The match delivered drama in every quarter, as both teams traded goals and momentum in a gripping semi-final showdown. Pakistan now moves to the final, where it will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Korea and New Zealand. Pakistan 🇵🇰 defeated France 🇨🇵 in the shootouts and qualified for the final. Semi final of FIH Nations Cup!!! 💯🔥❤️ — Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) June 20, 2025 The opening quarter ended goalless despite four penalty corners for France, who finally broke through in the 25th minute with a sharp field goal by Xavier Esmenjaud. Victor Charlet added a second for Les Bleus shortly after half-time, leaving Pakistan with a two-goal deficit. What followed was a spirited response from the Green Shirts. In a five-minute period during the third quarter, Afraz ignited the comeback by converting a cross from Rana Waheed Ashraf. Moments later, Sufyan Khan equalised with a well-placed drag flick off a penalty corner. Muhammad Hammadudin then capped the turnaround with a close-range finish, putting Pakistan 3–2 ahead going into the final quarter. France pressed hard and were rewarded in the dying minutes when Charlet converted another penalty corner to level the scores. Pakistan had a late opportunity to clinch the game from a penalty corner in the 59th minute, but Sufyan Khan's attempt was blocked. With the match deadlocked at 3–3, the contest was settled in a penalty shootout. Pakistan held their nerve to edge France 3–2 in the tie-breaker. Afraz, Shahid Hannan and Rana Waheed Ashraf all converted their efforts, while goalkeeper Hammadudin Muhammad made a crucial save to seal the win. The victory sees Pakistan book their place in the final of the 2024–25 Nations Cup and renews hope for their resurgence on the global stage. Final will be held on June 21 in Kuala Lumpur.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistan to face New Zealand in crucial FIH Nations Cup clash tomorrow
Pakistan will take on New Zealand in their third league fixture of the FIH Nations Cup on Wednesday, aiming to build on the momentum from their recent win over Japan and stay in contention for a top finish in the tournament. The Green Shirts have had a mixed start to their campaign in Kuala Lumpur. Their opening match on June 15 against hosts Malaysia ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw after Pakistan squandered a commanding three-goal lead in the final quarter. In their second outing, however, Pakistan bounced back with a spirited 3-2 victory over Japan in a tightly contested match. Goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Ali Ghazanfar, and Sufyan Khan ensured Pakistan stayed ahead despite persistent pressure from the Japanese side. Japan's Matsumoto Kazumasa and Yamasaki Koji managed to score, but Pakistan's defence held firm in the closing minutes to secure the win. The victory over Japan has provided a much-needed boost to Pakistan's standing in the tournament as they eye a spot in the knockout rounds. Pakistan demands Men's Asia Cup 2025 be moved out of India Head coach Roelant Oltmans praised the team's resilience and tactical discipline, particularly in defending their lead under pressure. In contrast, the draw against Malaysia highlighted both Pakistan's attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. The team had surged ahead with goals from Ahmed Nadeem, Abdul Rehman, and Rana Waheed Ashraf to lead 3-0, but Malaysia staged a remarkable late comeback, scoring three goals in the final quarter to level the match. Pakistan now faces a crucial test against New Zealand, a side known for its physicality and structured play. A win on Wednesday would significantly improve Pakistan's chances of progressing to the semifinals and further boost confidence ahead of upcoming international commitments. The FIH Nations Cup serves as a qualification pathway for teams aspiring to secure a spot in the FIH Pro League.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistan edge past Japan 3-2 in FIH Nations Cup thriller
Pakistan defeated Japan 3-2 in a closely contested match at the FIH Nations Cup, securing an important victory in their campaign. Pakistan's goals came from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Ali Ghazanfar, and Sufyan Khan, who delivered a solid performance to keep their side ahead in the tightly fought game. Japan responded with goals from Matsumoto Kazumasa and Yamasaki Koji, but fell short despite mounting pressure in the final quarter. The match remained intense throughout, with both teams displaying pace and skill. Pakistan's defense held firm in the closing minutes to seal the win. With this result, Pakistan boosts its position in the tournament standings, keeping its hopes alive for a strong finish in the FIH Nations Cup. Earlier, Pakistan's first match against Malaysia ended in a draw with three goals each on Sunday. Pakistan demands Men's Asia Cup 2025 be moved out of India The match saw Pakistan squander a comfortable three-goal lead, only for Malaysia to stage a remarkable comeback in the final quarter. The Green Shirts started brilliantly, asserting their dominance from the outset and taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the first quarter. Pakistan extended their advantage further in the fourth quarter, netting another goal to go up 3-0. However, the home side mounted a stunning fightback in the final quarter, scoring three quick goals to level the match at 3-3, much to the delight of the local crowd. For Pakistan, the goals were scored by Ahmed Nadeem, Abdul Rehman, and Rana Waheed Ashraf, each netting one.
