Did Pakistan Triumph Over New Zealand in the Men’s Nations Cup Final?
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Synopsis
In an exhilarating showdown at the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2025, Pakistan and New Zealand emerged victorious in the semifinals. As they prepare for the finals, both teams aim for glory after thrilling matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Will Pakistan outshine New Zealand in the ultimate clash?
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan defeats France in a thrilling semifinal.
- New Zealand overcomes Korea to secure their final spot.
- Both matches ended in dramatic shootouts.
- The final will feature Pakistan vs. New Zealand.
- Excitement builds as both teams aim for glory.
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), June 20 (NationPress) Pakistan triumphed over France in a nail-biting shoot-out, while New Zealand secured their place by defeating South Korea in another tense shoot-out during the semifinals of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2025 at the National Hockey Stadium on Friday. The day was filled with thrilling conclusions, jubilant celebrations, and spectacular goals, setting a thrilling stage for Saturday's final matches.
In the first semifinal, Pakistan mounted a stunning comeback against France, clinching a 3-2 victory on penalties.
With the remarkable playmaking skills of Waheeb Ashraf Rana, Pakistan will now vie for a spot in the FIH Men’s Pro League against New Zealand in the final. The Blacksticks also triumphed in their own penalty shootout, overcoming Korea despite a strong resurgence from the Korean side thanks to their efficient penalty corner execution. The match for 3rd/4th place will see a rematch of the thrilling Day 1 encounter, which ended in a 6-5 victory for France over Korea.
After an impressive showing in the pool stages, France faced Pakistan in the first semifinal, which was the most thrilling match of the day. The first quarter ended without any goals, despite both teams exchanging five penalty corners—one for Pakistan and four for France.
In the second quarter, Xavier Esmenjaud propelled France ahead with a deft touch across the goal. Early in the second half, France extended their lead when the ever-reliable Victor Charlet converted their fifth penalty corner, giving France a promising boost towards the final.
However, Pakistan retaliated fiercely, reversing France's control as Waheed Ashraf Rana assisted Afraz for a powerful shot that ignited celebrations and shifted the momentum.
Sufyan Khan joined in, scoring a phenomenal drag-flick into the top left corner, leveling the score against France. Moments later, Muhammad Hammadudin expertly redirected Rana's reverse hit to take Pakistan ahead at 3-2.
With two minutes remaining, Victor Charlet leveled the game again for France with a clever deflected flick. In the ensuing shootout, Pakistan converted four out of five attempts, while France struggled to capitalize on their chances, even after misleading the goalkeeper. Pakistan heads to their second consecutive Nations Cup final, aiming to improve on last year's performance.
New Zealand emerged victorious over Korea.
The day's final match kicked off with two remarkable goals, both scored by New Zealand. After a relatively quiet first quarter, Scott Boyd delivered a precise slap shot that Jonty Elmes deftly redirected into the bottom right corner, outsmarting Kim Jaehan. In a dazzling display, Dylan Thomas turned a routine possession into a stunning goal, elegantly maneuvering past three Korean defenders and flicking the ball into the net.
Following this, Korea steadily chipped away at the 2-0 deficit. Lim Dohyun was the first to score, finding a gap to beat Dominic Dixon with a drag-flick from their second penalty corner.
Yang Jihun then scored, leveling the match with a fierce drag-flick in the third quarter. The momentum swung back and forth until the match concluded with yet another penalty shootout.
Kim Jaehan made a crucial save to block the first New Zealand penalty, but after Korea failed to convert their first two attempts, New Zealand seized control, progressing to the final. Korea, after a commendable tournament, will face France in the 3rd/4th place playoff.
Earlier in the playoffs, Wales and Japan kicked off the day's matches in the 5th-8th place playoffs, with Wales taking an early lead. Unlike previous matches, they maintained their advantage to secure their first win of the tournament and advance to the 5th/6th place playoff.
Japan will compete against South Africa in the 7th/8th place playoff, both teams aiming for their first win to avoid finishing last.
The host nation, Malaysia, bounced back from their earlier disappointment to defeat South Africa 4-2, securing a spot in the final against Wales for the 5th place.
Point of View
I recognize the immense talent and dedication displayed by all teams in the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup. Both Pakistan and New Zealand have shown remarkable skill and resilience, and as the tournament approaches its thrilling conclusion, we can take pride in the sportsmanship and passion exhibited by every player on the field.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams played in the semifinals of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2025?
In the semifinals, Pakistan faced France and New Zealand faced South Korea.
Who won the semifinals?
Pakistan defeated France, while New Zealand overcame South Korea.
Where is the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2025 being held?
The tournament is being held at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
What is at stake in the finals?
The final will determine the champion of the FIH Men’s Nations Cup 2025 and a spot in the FIH Men’s Pro League.
When will the final match take place?
The final match is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025.
