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.
