New Zealand beat the Pakistan Hockey team 6-2 in the Fih Nations Cup final in Kuala Lumpur, Malasia, on Saturday to retain its title.
New Zealand threw a blitz at the beginning of the game with five goals in the first half.
The New Zealand Hockey Federation said that “a statement had been made” with victory.
“The Vantage Black Sticks Men have claimed the victory in the Grand Final of the 2025 FIH Cup.
“An electrifying match and a great effort of the team to ensure victory and become consecutive champions!”
“A difficult end for an energetic campaign. Pakistan bravely fought in the final of the Cup of Nations, but New Zealand reached the top with a 6-2 victory,” said the Pakistan hockey federation in a Facebook post.
“Despite the scoreboard, Pakistan showed a heart, hustle and moments of brilliance throughout the game, including several attack opportunities, a strong objective and resistance under pressure. Green shirts also had to endure controversial decisions from the beginning, but they played with pride until the end.
“The heads kept high: this is just the beginning of a return story. Well played, Team Pakistan!” Said.
The game began shortly after 6 PM New Zealand had reached the final after overcoming Korea in a shooting in the other semifinal.
Pakistani fans were in the stands to see the national team.
In a clash of semifinals pulsating at the National Hockey Stadium, Pakistan had organized an impressive return one day ago and defeated France 3-2 by penalties to reserve its place in the final.
It was a match that saw green shirts show a mixture of youth style, tactical discipline and mental resistance. Below 2-0 in the middle of the third quarter, Pakistan returned to the contest through a sequence of brilliantly orchestrated objectives, and finally forced a shooting after a dead point of 3-3 in the regulation time.
“We were ready for this victory for a long time,” said Rana Waheed, a game player, after the final whistle. “Everything we have, we gave everything. [We are] Grateful to Allah Almighty for helping us. We are really proud of the team and we are eager for the finals now. ”
The victory over France was especially significant, given Pakistan’s dramatic trip to the semifinals. Despite a 4-3 defeat against New Zealand in their last group game, in which they had led 3-1, Pakistan advanced before the hosts of Malaysia in the goals difference. Both teams had finished with four points, but the Nine Gate Count of Pakistan beat the eight of Malaysia.
The Pakistan Nations Cup campaign had begun with an exciting 3-3 draw against Malaysia, followed by a convincing 5-2 victory over Japan. Although they hesitated against New Zealand, they did enough in their group games to qualify for knockouts.
