Pakistan Beat France in a Thriller to Qualify for Hockey Nations Cup Final
Wire desk byline Sourced from Xinhua, Dawn, Arab News, Anadolu and Minute Mirror. Translated and abridged by the GSRRA Desk.
In a thrilling encounter at the FIH Men’s Hockey Nations Cup, Pakistan showcased their resilience and determination, overcoming France in a dramatic penalty shootout after a nail-biting 3-3 draw in regulation time.
The match, held in Kuala Lumpur, saw Pakistan come from behind to secure their place in the final, where they will face the winner of the semi-final clash between New Zealand and South Korea.
The game began with France taking a commanding lead, scoring two quick goals that left Pakistan reeling. By half way through the third quarter, the scoreboard read 2-0 in favor of the French, putting immense pressure on the Green Shirts.
However, the Pakistani side, known for their fighting spirit, turned the tide at the end of the third quarter. A flurry of three goals in quick succession saw them not only equalize but also take a 3-2 lead, igniting hopes of a remarkable comeback.
With just three minutes remaining, France equalized, sending the match into a penalty shootout. The shootout was a test of nerves, but Pakistan held their composure, clinching a 3-2 victory in the shootout.
This win not only highlights the team’s skill but also their mental fortitude, a crucial aspect in high-stakes matches.
As Pakistan prepares for the final, the anticipation builds among fans and players alike. The final promises to be an electrifying encounter, with the team aiming to capture the Nations Cup title and secure a spot in the prestigious FIH Hockey Pro League. With their recent form and the momentum from this victory, Pakistan is poised to make a significant impact on the tournament’s outcome.
Reference Link:- https://propakistani.pk/2025/06/20/pakistan-beat-france-in-a-thriller-to-qualify-for-hockey-nations-cup-final/
Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…
