Wales hold Pakistan in World Cup thriller | The Express Tribune

Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the second stage of the FIH Hockey World Cup remained alive after they were held to a 3-3 draw by Wales in a dramatic Group D encounter at the Wagener Hockey Stadium on Monday.

Pakistan had been expected to bounce back after losing 4-1 to England in their opening match, but Wales proved equally determined and twice fought back from behind to earn a point.

The draw leaves Pakistan needing a strong result against arch-rivals India in their final group match on Wednesday at the same venue. India had beaten Wales 3-1 in their opener.

Pakistan made the brighter start and took the lead in the third minute when Abdul Rehman finished an attacking move to put the Green Shirts 1-0 ahead.

The early goal settled Pakistan and they continued to apply pressure, earning several penalty corners as Wales struggled to establish a rhythm. Pakistan, however, were unable to extend their advantage despite creating opportunities.

Wales gradually worked their way back into the contest and turned the game around in the second quarter.

Gareth Furlong levelled for Wales in the 25th minute before Rhys Bradshaw struck a minute later to give the Welsh side a 2-1 lead.

Pakistan tried to respond before halftime but Wales held firm, protecting their advantage and forcing Pakistan to chase the game.

The third quarter produced no goals, although the intensity increased as both sides battled for possession and territory. Pakistan continued to search for an opening while Wales defended their lead.

The contest burst into life again in the final quarter. Pakistan levelled in the 49th minute when Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner to make it 2-2.

The goal shifted momentum back towards Pakistan and they quickly completed the turnaround. Hannan Shahid scored in the 51st minute to put Pakistan ahead for the second time in the match.

With Pakistan leading 3-2 and less than 10 minutes remaining, Wales were facing the prospect of defeat despite having overturned an early deficit.

But Furlong again came to Wales’ rescue. The captain scored his second goal in the 53rd minute to restore parity at 3-3 and set up a tense finish.

Both sides pressed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could produce the decisive goal. Pakistan had opportunities to regain the lead, while Wales continued to threaten on the counter, but the final whistle confirmed a share of the points.

Pakistan finished with eight penalty corners and converted one, while Wales earned six and also scored once from a penalty corner. Pakistan were shown two green cards and one yellow, while Wales received two green and two yellow cards.

For Pakistan, the draw will feel like both an opportunity missed and a lifeline. They surrendered a 1-0 lead before fighting back from 2-1 down, but their failure to hold the advantage after Shahid’s goal prevented them from taking maximum points.

Meanwhile in the other vital group game England conqured India 4-2 to progress to the next stage. Now India, who have three points, will play a big game against Pakistan on Wednesday which will decide their fate. The winners of that show will progress in the event.