Pakistan crashed out of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup after losing 5-3 to India at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.
The defeat was Pakistan’s second loss in three matches. It ended their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the tournament.
Pakistan Needed a Win Against India
Pakistan entered the match knowing they needed a victory to progress from Group D.
The team had already lost 1-4 to England. They then drew 3-3 with Wales in their second match.
Pakistan’s hopes rested on a strong performance against traditional rivals India. However, the team struggled under pressure from the opening minutes.
Abu Bakar led Pakistan in the crucial encounter. Harmanpreet Singh captained the Indian side.
India Take Control Early
India started the match with an aggressive approach. Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring in the first quarter.
The Indian captain converted a penalty corner to put his team ahead. Abhishek then doubled India’s advantage with another goal.
India finished the first quarter with a 2-0 lead.
Harmanpreet Extends India’s Lead
India continued to dominate in the second quarter. Harmanpreet Singh scored again from a rebound after another penalty corner.
His second goal gave India a 3-0 advantage.
Pakistan finally responded through Hannan Shahid. He reduced the deficit with Pakistan’s first goal of the match.
India quickly restored their three-goal advantage. Abhishek scored his second goal to make it 4-1.
Pakistan then converted their first penalty corner. Sufyan scored to bring Pakistan back to 4-2.
India remained ahead by two goals at halftime.
India Seal Victory
India increased their lead again in the third quarter. They were awarded a penalty stroke, which they converted to make it 5-2.
Pakistan continued to fight in the final quarter. Hannan Shahid scored his second goal of the match.
The goal reduced India’s lead to 5-3.
Pakistan could not find another goal before the final whistle. India held on to secure a 5-3 victory and qualify for the knockout stage.
Pakistan’s World Cup Campaign Ends
The defeat ended Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament.
Pakistan finished the group stage without the victory they needed against India. Their 1-4 defeat to England and 3-3 draw with Wales had left them with little room for error.
India, meanwhile, secured their second victory of the World Cup. Their win over Pakistan confirmed their place in the knockout stage.
