Pakistan roar back to beat Japan

Pakistan recovered from two goals down to edge Japan 4-3 in a thrilling Group G match at the FIH Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen on Saturday, securing a narrow victory after a late Japanese push. Waheed Ashraf Rana scored twice for Pakistan, while Hammadudin Muhammad and Hannan Shahid also found the net as Pakistan survived a high-scoring contest at the Wagener Hockey Stadium. Japan made a fine start as they struck twice in the first quarter to put Pakistan under an immense pressure. Yamada Hyota opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Tanaka Kaito making it 2-0 with a 15th minute strike. Pakistan made a strong recovery through Waheed Ashraf Rana who landed goals in the 22nd and 32nd minute to make it 2-2. Mohammad Hammadudin then hit another in the 33rd minute to give Pakistan 3-2 lead. Japan fought back through Koji Yamasaki, who converted a penalty corner in the 36th minute to make the game level 3-3. Hannan Shahid then scored for Pakistan the winner in the 41st minute. Japan continued to press for an equaliser and created several penalty corner opportunities, but Pakistan's defence held firm in the closing stages. The result was Pakistan's 4-3 victory, with the team scoring three field goals and converting one of three penalty corners. Japan scored one field goal and hit twice from the spot. Pakistan received two green cards and one yellow card during the match, while Japan were shown one green card. Pakistan's goalkeeper and defence were tested repeatedly in the final quarter as Japan sought a late leveller, but the Pakistan side maintained its one-goal advantage until the final whistle. Pakistan are competing in the classification stage for 9th to 16th place, with New Zealand and Wales the other teams in their group. Pakistan will not face Wales again after the sides met in the first group stage. Group H features Ireland, South Africa, France and Malaysia. Pakistan missed out on a place in the next stage after a disappointing first-round campaign. They drew 3-3 with Wales in their second match but finished third in their group. They opened the tournament with a 4-1 defeat by England before losing 5-3 to India in their final group match.