WAGENER STADIUM: Pakistan ended a 16-year wait for a victory at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup with an exciting 4-3 win over Japan in the 9th to 16th place classification match on Saturday.
The victory was Pakistan’s first at the Hockey World Cup since their 2-1 triumph over Spain in the 2010 edition, ending a long barren run for the former world champions.
Pakistan returned to the World Cup after an eight-year absence but struggled during the main stage of the tournament. The Green Shirts suffered defeats against England and arch-rivals India, while their only point came from a 3-3 draw against Wales.
Those results ruled Pakistan out of the next phase and sent them into the classification matches, where they faced Japan.
Japan made a strong start and took control with two goals in the opening quarter. Hyota Yamada and Kaito Tanaka scored to give Japan a 2-0 advantage.
Pakistan responded in the second quarter when Rana Waheed Ashraf pulled one goal back, reducing the deficit to 2-1 before the interval.
Ashraf scored again two minutes into the third quarter to level the score. Just a minute later, Muhammad Hammadudin completed Pakistan’s comeback by putting the Green Shirts ahead 3-2.
Japan quickly responded, with Koji Yamasaki finding the net two minutes later to make it 3-3.
The decisive goal came in the 40th minute when Hannan Shahid restored Pakistan’s lead.
Japan pushed hard for another equaliser during the final stages, but Pakistan’s defence held firm and secured a memorable 4-3 victory.
The win ended Pakistan’s 16-year wait for success at the Hockey World Cup and gave the team a much-needed boost after a disappointing return to the tournament.
