Japan beat Pakistan in penalty shoot-out to clinch Azlan Shah Cup

KARACHI/LAHORE: Japan defeated Pakistan 4-1 in penalty shoot-out to clinch the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Saturday.

Both teams had scored two goals in the regulation time. Pakistan’s Rana Waheed was adjudged player of the match. Pakistan, playing Azlan Shah’s final after 13 years, having won the bronze medal in the last edition, faltered in the shootout after a spirited display over four quarters against a well-marked Japanese side. During the shootout, the Japanese goalie acted brilliantly as he successfully stopped two of their attempts. On the third attempt, Pakistan managed to score, but the goal on the fourth attempt got Japan over the line.

Earlier, the first quarter saw Japan putting pressure on the Green-shirts. They managed the first goal through Tanaka Seren.

In the second quarter, Pakistani attackers did make planned moves but could not get through a well-organised Japanese defence line. At the half-time, Japan led 1-0.

However, in the third quarter, Pakistan got rewarded for a consistent attacking display as Ajaz Ahmed levelled the score in the 34th minute. Three minutes later, the Green-shirts further intensified pressure on Japan when Abdul Rehman struck the board to give his team 2-1 lead. But Japan managed to stage a comeback to level the score 2-2 after Kazumasa Matsumoto produced a brilliant field goal in the 47th minute. Pakistan looked spirited and didn’t choke under pressure, unlike previous occasions. They got two penalty corners but failed to fire the ball into the net. Pakistan had finished the league matches unbeaten with three wins and two draw.

Japan remained on the top with 13 points as they won four matches and drew only one. Pakistan stayed in the second position with 11 points.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday appreciated the outstanding performance of the players of Pakistan national hockey team in the Azlan Shah Hockey Cup, 2024, played in Malaysia.

The prime minister said that due to the brilliant performance, the national team reached the final game. “They also played well against Japan in the final. Win and loss are a part of the game. The national team has won the hearts of entire nation,” PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the prime minister as saying. He further observed that after a long time, the national team had reached the final of a mega tournament which was very encouraging. The prime minister reiterated that the government was taking all steps for the promotion of sports in the country, particularly of the national game of hockey.