Pakistan in the final after defeating France to sanctions

Pakistan qualified for the final of the Men’s FIH Hockey Men’s Cup after beating France 3-2 in a tenseed penalty shootout, after a 3 to 3 draw in the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on June 20.

The match delivered a drama every quarter, because the two teams exchanged goals and a momentum in a confrontation in the captivating semi-final. Pakistan is now going to the final, where he will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Korea and New Zealand.

The opening quarter ended tirelessly despite four penalty corners for France, which finally pierced in the 25th minute with a net field of Xavier Esmenjaud. Victor Charlet added a second for the Blues shortly after half-time, leaving Pakistan a deficit of two goals.

What followed was an animated response of green shirts.

During a period of five minutes during the third quarter, Afraz triggered the return by converting a crossing of Rana Waheed Ashraf. A few moments later, Sufyan Khan equalized with a well -placed trail film in a penalty corner.

Muhammad Hammadudin then crowned the reversal with a finish closely, putting Pakistan 3-2 before the last quarter.

France pressed hard and was rewarded in the dying minutes when Charlet converted another penalty corner to level the scores. Pakistan had a late opportunity to win the match from a penalty corner in the 59th minute, but the attempted Sufyan Khan was blocked.

With the impasse of the match at 3-3, the competition was settled in a penalty shootout. Pakistan held its nerve to point France 3-2 in equality.

Afraz, Shahid Hannan and Rana Waheed Ashraf all converted their efforts, while goalkeeper Hammadin Muhammad made a crucial stop to seal the victory.

The victory sees Pakistan reserving their place in the final of the 2024-2012 Nations Cup and renews the hope of their resurgence on the world scene. The final will take place on June 21 in Kuala Lumpur.