Pakistan secured their first FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup victory in 16 years on Saturday after beating Japan 4-3 in a 9th to 16th place classification match at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.
The thrilling victory ended Pakistan’s long wait for a World Cup win. Their previous victory came against Spain in the 2010 edition.
Pakistan Struggle in the Main Round
Pakistan returned to the World Cup after an eight-year absence.
However, the Green Shirts endured a difficult campaign in the main round. They lost to England and arch-rivals India.
Pakistan managed just one point after drawing 3-3 against Wales.
Consequently, the team failed to qualify for the next round and moved into the 9th to 16th place classification matches.
Japan Take Early Two-Goal Lead
Japan made a strong start and scored twice in the first quarter.
Hyota Yamada and Kaito Tanaka found the net to give Japan a 2-0 advantage.
However, Pakistan responded in the second quarter through Rana Waheed Ashraf.
His goal reduced the deficit to 2-1, and Japan carried that narrow lead into halftime.
Pakistan Fight Back to Take the Lead
Pakistan produced a remarkable comeback after the break.
Ashraf scored his second goal just two minutes into the third quarter to level the match.
A minute later, Muhammad Hammadudin scored to put Pakistan ahead for the first time.
Japan responded quickly, however, as Koji Yamasaki scored two minutes later to make it 3-3.
Hannan Shahid Scores the Winner
Hannan Shahid scored Pakistan’s decisive fourth goal in the 40th minute.
The goal gave Pakistan a 4-3 lead and proved to be the winner.
Neither team scored again before the final whistle.
Pakistan End Long World Cup Drought
The victory marked Pakistan’s first FIH Hockey World Cup win since a 2-1 triumph over Spain in 2010.
As a result, the Green Shirts ended a 16-year wait for a World Cup victory.
Pakistan failed to qualify for the tournament in 2014. They also remained winless during the 2018 edition.
The victory over Japan now gives Pakistan a positive result as they continue their classification matches in Amstelveen.
