Pakistan end 16-year wait for Hockey World Cup win despite early exit

WEB DESK: Pakistan ended their 16-year wait for a Hockey World Cup victory by defeating Japan 4-3, despite being knocked out of the ongoing tournament at the group stage.

Pakistan produced a memorable comeback against Japan, securing their first World Cup match win in 16 years. However, the victory came after the national side had already suffered defeats that left them unable to progress to the next stage.

Pakistan began their Pool D campaign with a 4-1 defeat to England before playing out a 2-2 draw against Wales.

In their final pool match, Pakistan faced arch-rivals India but suffered a 5-3 defeat on August 19, ending their hopes of advancing to the next round.

Despite their elimination from the title race, the victory over Japan provided Pakistan with a much-needed positive finish to their World Cup campaign.

The fixture got off to a contrasting start, with Japan scoring twice in the opening quarter through Hyota Yamada and Kaito Tanaka.

Pakistan responded in the second quarter as Rana Waheed Ashraf pulled one back to reduce Japan’s lead to 2-1, a scoreline that remained unchanged until halftime.

Ashraf struck again just two minutes into the third quarter before Muhammad Hammadudin found the net a minute later to put Pakistan ahead. Japan quickly hit back, however, with Koji Yamasaki scoring two minutes later to level the score at 3-3.

Hannan Shahid then scored Pakistan’s decisive fourth goal in the 40th minute, with neither side managing to add to the score before the final whistle.

The thrilling 4-3 victory marked Pakistan’s first win at the FIH Hockey World Cup since their 2-1 triumph over Spain in the 2010 edition, ending a 16-year wait for a World Cup victory.

The Green Shirts had failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, while they remained winless in the 2018 edition.