Pakistan ended a 16-year wait for a victory at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup with a thrilling 4-3 win over Japan in the 9th to 16th place classification match at the Wagener Stadium on Saturday.
The victory was Pakistan’s first at the Hockey World Cup since their 2-1 win over Spain in the 2010 tournament, bringing an end to a long drought for the former world champions.
Pakistan returned to the World Cup after an eight-year absence, but their campaign in the main round proved disappointing. The Green Shirts lost to England and arch-rivals India and managed only one point from a 3-3 draw against Wales.
Those results saw Pakistan miss out on qualification for the next stage of the tournament and enter the classification matches, where they faced Japan.
Japan made the stronger start and stunned Pakistan with two goals in the opening quarter. Hyota Yamada and Kaito Tanaka found the net to give Japan a 2-0 lead.
Pakistan responded in the second quarter when Rana Waheed Ashraf pulled a goal back, reducing the deficit to 2-1 before half-time.
Ashraf struck again just two minutes into the third quarter to bring Pakistan level before Muhammad Hammadudin completed the turnaround a minute later, putting the Green Shirts 3-2 ahead.
Japan quickly restored parity, however, with Koji Yamasaki scoring two minutes later to make it 3-3.
The decisive moment came in the 40th minute when Hannan Shahid put Pakistan back in front.
Japan pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages, but Pakistan held firm to protect their narrow advantage and secure a memorable 4-3 victory.
The result gives Pakistan their first Hockey World Cup win since 2010 and ends a 16-year wait for success on the sport’s biggest stage.