Pakistan was eliminated from the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup after suffering a 5-3 defeat to arch-rivals India at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. The loss, Pakistan’s second in three Group D matches, ended their hopes of progressing to the next stage of the tournament, co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium.
Pakistan entered the crucial clash needing a win to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. They had previously suffered a 1-4 defeat against England before drawing 3-3 with Wales. However, the defeat to India sealed their exit from the competition.
India scored two early goals to put Pakistan under immediate pressure in a crucial Pool D encounter at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. The high-stakes clash carries major qualification implications for both sides. India entered the match with three points from two games, having beaten Wales 3-1 before suffering a 2-4 defeat against England.
Pakistan, meanwhile, had collected just one point after losing to England and drawing with Wales. With England already assured of a top-two finish, India need at least a draw to secure their place in the next round. Pakistan, however, must win to keep their World Cup campaign alive. The early goals have given India a strong advantage, while Pakistan now face an uphill battle to stay in contention.
The record is firmly in India’s favour, with the two teams having played 19 matches over the past decade. India have won 17 of those matches, while the other two ended in draws. Pakistan’s last victory over India came in the 2016 South Asian Games final.
However, statistics often take a back seat in the historic rivalry between the two teams. Indian head coach Craig Fulton has acknowledged that the traditional rivalry with Pakistan is always present and said that, as India’s coach, he wants to beat Pakistan every time.
India will once again have high hopes pinned on captain Harmanpreet Singh, who has scored three goals in the tournament so far, all from penalty corners. His powerful drag flick could prove decisive in this crucial match.
More to follow…