Pakistan into final after beating France on penalties

Pakistan advanced to the final of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup after defeating France 3–2 in a tense penalty shootout, following a 3–3 draw in regular time at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on June 20.

The match delivered drama in every quarter, as both teams traded goals and momentum in a gripping semi-final showdown. Pakistan now moves to the final, where it will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Korea and New Zealand.

The opening quarter ended goalless despite four penalty corners for France, who finally broke through in the 25th minute with a sharp field goal by Xavier Esmenjaud. Victor Charlet added a second for Les Bleus shortly after half-time, leaving Pakistan with a two-goal deficit.

What followed was a spirited response from the Green Shirts.

In a five-minute period during the third quarter, Afraz ignited the comeback by converting a cross from Rana Waheed Ashraf. Moments later, Sufyan Khan equalised with a well-placed drag flick off a penalty corner.

Muhammad Hammadudin then capped the turnaround with a close-range finish, putting Pakistan 3–2 ahead going into the final quarter.

France pressed hard and were rewarded in the dying minutes when Charlet converted another penalty corner to level the scores. Pakistan had a late opportunity to clinch the game from a penalty corner in the 59th minute, but Sufyan Khan’s attempt was blocked.

With the match deadlocked at 3–3, the contest was settled in a penalty shootout. Pakistan held their nerve to edge France 3–2 in the tie-breaker.

Afraz, Shahid Hannan and Rana Waheed Ashraf all converted their efforts, while goalkeeper Hammadudin Muhammad made a crucial save to seal the win.

The victory sees Pakistan book their place in the final of the 2024–25 Nations Cup and renews hope for their resurgence on the global stage. Final will be held on June 21 in Kuala Lumpur.