FIH Nations Cup: New Zealand defeat Pakistan in semi-final

Pakistan suffered a 2-1 defeat against New Zealand in the FIH Nations Cup semi-final in Gniezno, Poland, on Saturday.

The match commenced with an early goal from the New Zealand side, as Kane Russell scored just two minutes into the game from a penalty corner.

New Zealand extended their lead to 2-0 when Smith Jake scored a field goal in the 11th minute. The immense pressure put Pakistan on the back foot.

Pakistan made strenuous efforts to make a comeback in the game and snatch the game from their rivals. However, neither team managed to change the scoreline in the second and third quarters, with New Zealand still ahead of Pakistan.

Pakistan's attempts bore fruit in the fourth quarter when Rana Waheed scored a field goal in the 55th minute. The goal raised the spirits of Pakistani players who hoped for an equaliser but to no avail.

Pakistan will play against South Africa for the third-place game today.

In the other semi-final, France secured a 2-1 victory over South Africa.

South Africa took an early lead with Ntuli Nqobile's goal in the 16th minute. However, France staged a comeback in the last quarter. Baumgarten Gaspard equalised the score for France with a field goal in the 54th minute.

With the match tied, France intensified their attacks and secured a penalty corner opportunity in the closing minutes. Charlet Victor converted the golden opportunity in the 60th minute, guiding France into the final.

France will now face New Zealand in the final tomorrow.