FIH Nations Cup 2024: Pakistan lose 11-goal thriller against France but reach semi final

ISLAMABAD: In the semi-finals of the ongoing FIH Hockey Men’s Nation Cup in Gniezno, Poland, Pakistan and France joined New Zealand after an 11-goal thriller.

France finished first and Pakistan second in Pool B. Malaysia beat Canada in the first game of the day to take third place.

France topped Pool B with their third straight win, beating Pakistan 6-5 in a thriller.

The Olympic hosts got off to a strong start, exploiting weaknesses in Pakistan’s defence. Victor Charlotte broke the deadlock in the seventh minute. With a minute left in the first quarter, Elliot Curti set up Blaise Rogeau, whose powerful shot bounced off the bar for his second goal. Lacking coordination at the back, Pakistan conceded another goal as Gaspard Baumgarten made it 3-0 seven minutes before half-time. Two minutes later, Charlotte scored their second goal from a penalty corner.

Despite their defensive woes, Pakistan have been exciting to watch offensively. In the 26th minute, the penalty stroke was easily converted into a goal by Abu Mahmood.

France’s organization crumbled, allowing Pakistan to gain momentum. In the 29th minute, Sufyan Khan’s initial shot at the penalty corner was saved, but Murtaza Yaqoob scored on the rebound.

France dominated the third quarter again, with Charlotte completing her hat-trick from a penalty corner in the 39th minute. Pakistan responded early in the last quarter as Ashraf Rana Waheed finished off a brilliant ball from Amad Butt. Pakistan continued to press, and Rahman Abdul scored in the 52nd minute to make it 4-5 thanks to Butt’s brilliant play.

Pakistan’s continued pressure paid off in the 56th minute when Hanan Shahid scored on a penalty corner to level the score at 5-5. However, Charlotte completed a hat-trick from a penalty corner to ensure France’s victory.

Victor Charlotte praised Pakistan after the match, saying, “It’s hard to describe this game – so many goals.” You have to be good against a big hockey nation like Pakistan because they have a lot of great players. You have to focus and defend well because they are skilled. It’s not our best game, but we’re happy with the win.

Pakistan’s hockey team has shown phenomenal growth in recent months, enthralling fans with their performances. Last month, they reached the final of the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, maintaining an unbeaten run that won praise from fans and critics alike. In the final, Pakistan drew 2-2 against Japan but lost 1-4 in the penalty shootout.

Dutch national team coach Roelant Oltmans deserves credit for instilling great passion in the players and enhancing their skills and abilities in such a short period of time.

It is encouraging that the Pakistani government has also supported the team’s performance in the Azlan Shah Cup.

In a commendable move, Prime Minister (PM) Shahbaz Sharif awarded Rs 1 million to each player, giving the team a major boost.