Pakistan upset France to reach Nations Cup final

ISLAMABAD: In a dramatic and emotionally charged semi-final that will go down as one of the most memorable encounters in recent hockey history, Pakistan defied the odds and stunned World No.10 France in a nail-biting penalty shootout to storm into the final of the Nations Cup Hockey Tournament at the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

With nerves of steel and hearts brimming with determination, the Greenshirts edged past France 3-2 on penalties, after the match ended in a thrilling 3-3 deadlock at the end of regulation time. The victory marked a major statement from Pakistan, showcasing their grit, skill and revival on the global hockey stage.

The match was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Pakistan, who trailed earlier, roared back in the third quarter, turning the tide through a flurry of breathtaking counterattacks and clever playmaking. Rana Waheed Ashraf, the heartbeat of Pakistan’s revival, sliced through the French defense to set up an easy finish for Afraz in the 39th minute, narrowing the margin to 2-1.

Moments later, Mohammad Sufyan unleashed a thunderbolt from a penalty corner, leveling the score at 2-2 and electrifying the Pakistan bench. Then came the moment of magic -- Hamaduddin, with a swift field goal, stunned the French camp to put Pakistan 3-2 ahead, and for a moment, it seemed victory was firmly in their grasp.

However, drama unfolded in the dying minutes. With just three minutes left, France were awarded a highly controversial penalty corner following a video referral that overturned the on-field umpire’s decision for a free hit. Victor stepped up and converted, bringing France level at 3-3 and forcing the match into a shootout.

As pressure mounted, it was Pakistan’s young goalkeeper Muneeb who stood tall. Displaying nerves of steel and superb reflexes, he pulled off decisive saves during the penalty shootout, securing a 3-2 victory and booking Pakistan’s ticket to the final.

Rana Waheed Ashraf, whose relentless energy and creative brilliance ignited Pakistan’s comeback, was deservedly named Man of the Match. His tireless efforts symbolised the fighting spirit of a team on a mission to reclaim its lost glory.

Interestingly, just a day before the semi-final, Head Coach Tahir Zaman had taken his players through intensive penalty shootout drills, anticipating a close contest. That preparation paid rich dividends as Pakistan held their nerves when it mattered the most.

Now, with momentum on their side and a rejuvenated belief in their abilities, Pakistan stand just one step away from lifting the Nations Cup, a triumph that would mark a major milestone in the country’s hockey resurgence.