Pakistan secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Japan in a thrilling classification match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium during the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.
Japan made a strong start and took control of the match early. Hyota Yamada opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Kaito Tanaka doubled Japan’s lead with a goal in the 15th minute, leaving Pakistan 2-0 down at the end of the first quarter.
Pakistan gradually found its rhythm in the second quarter and began to control possession and midfield play. Rana Waheed Ashraf pulled one goal back in the 22nd minute to make it 2-1. Pakistan then held firm defensively despite Muhammad Hammadudin receiving a green card before half-time.
The third quarter completely changed the momentum of the match. Rana Waheed Ashraf scored his second goal in the 32nd minute to level the score at 2-2. Less than a minute later, Hammadudin made amends by scoring a field goal to put Pakistan ahead for the first time.
Japan responded quickly, with Koji Yamasaki finding the net in the 36th minute to restore parity at 3-3. Pakistan, however, continued to press forward and Hannan Shahid produced the decisive moment in the 41st minute, scoring the goal that gave Pakistan a 4-3 advantage.
The final quarter saw Japan launch repeated attacks in search of an equaliser, but Pakistan’s defence stood firm. Both teams faced disciplinary setbacks during the closing stages, while Muhammad Abdullah also spent time off the field.
Pakistan successfully defended a series of late Japanese attacks and penalty corners to protect their narrow lead until the final whistle. The 4-3 victory marked an impressive comeback for Pakistan after falling two goals behind early in the match.
Rana Waheed Ashraf was the standout scorer for Pakistan with two goals, while Hannan Shahid’s decisive strike completed the comeback and secured the victory for the Green Shirts.
