11 hours ago
New Zealand pummel Pakistan in Nations Cup final
KUALA LUMPUR: New Zealandhammered Pakistan 6-2 to retain the Nations Cup title at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
In winning the tournament, the Kiwis will be promoted to play in the FIH Pro League 2025/26.
The Black Sticks scored two goals in the first six minutes, but both the goals were disallowed after video referral.
But the former Olympics champions kept creating chances, and scored five goals through Scott Cosslett (sixth, 58th), Sam Hiha (15th), Dylan Thomas (17th), Sean Findlay (18th) and Scott Boyde (27th).
Pakistan replied through Zikriya Hayat (36th) and Sufyan Khan (59th).
New Zealand coach Greg Nicol said: "We played an incredible game and with aggression. We didn't give Pakistan any cheap turnovers. We took our chances well."
Pakistan coach Tahir Zaman said: "We didn't have a good start, but we managed to get the two goals in the last two quarters. We have inconsistency problem in our game."
In an earlier match, France finished third after edging South Korea 3-2 in a penalty shootout. Both teams were tied 3-3 in regulation time.
Results
Third placing: France 3 S. Korea 3 (France won 3-2 in penalty shootout)
5th placing: Wales 2 Malaysia 1
