New Zealand Outclass Pakistan 6-2 To Retain FIH Nations Cup Crown

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 (Bernama) – Defending champions New Zealand retained their crown in style after overpowering Pakistan 6-2 in the final of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2024-25 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

The Black Sticks stamped their authority from the get-go, scoring the first in the sixth minute through Scott Cosslett’s penalty corner strike.

Sam Hiha doubled the lead with a field goal in the 15th minute before Dylan Thomas and Sean Findlay added two more in quick succession in the 17th and 18th minutes, to stun the Green Shirts. 

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Scott Boyde then added the fifth for New Zealand in the 27th minute before Pakistan managed to pull one back after the break through Zikriya Hayat’s field goal in the 36th minute. 

Scott Cosslett scored the sixth goal for New Zealand in the 58th minute before Sufyan Khan added another for Pakistan a minute after. 

New Zealand coach Greg Nicol said he was pleased with the efforts of his men, who played with aggression and didn't give Pakistan any easy chance.

“The guys are quick learners. Like when we come together, we learn very quickly. And we've got good at that. And so that's helped us prepare without having that many test matches under our belt,” he said when met by reporters here tonight. 

Meanwhile, France clinched third place after edging South Korea 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time. 

France’s goals came from Benjamin Marque in the 15th minute, Xavier Esmenjaud (26th minute) and Corentin Sellier (50th minute), while South Korea responded in kind through Yang Jihun’s penalty corner strike in the 18th minute, Lim Dohyun in the 45th minute and Yang Jihun in the 49th minute.

In the shootout, France held their nerve as Lucas Montecot, Noe Jouin and Victor Charlet all converted their attempts while South Korea managed only two successful tries through Bae Jongsuk and Yang Jihun.

-- BERNAMA