Pakistan's poor run continues in Nations Cup

Japan beat Pakistan 3-1 in a classification match as green shirts continue poor form in Nations Cup that is underway in South Africa. 

In the 5th-8th position match, Japan shined against the green shirts, taking a lead in second quarter. 

In 47th minute, Japan struck again, making the scoreboard read 2-0. Just a minute later, Pakistan finally scored a goal to take a sigh of relief. 

But, the pressure was still on Pakistan as they finished last in pool A after losing two matches and playing a draw against France. 

Japan continued to dominate as they scored their third goal in 54th minute to ensure a convincing win. 

Pakistan will now play against Canada in 7th or 8th position match on December 4. 

Importance of FIH Nations Cup

The FIH Nations Cup offers top-level competition to the best-ranked teams not participating in the FIH Hockey Pro League and gives the winning team the option to be promoted to the FIH Hockey Pro League next season. Therefore, the FIH Hockey Nations Cup marks the start of the promotion-relegation principle for the FIH Hockey Pro League, with the winning team of the first FIH Hockey Nations Cup having the chance to be promoted to the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Pro League.

The FIH Pro League champions in 2023-24 and 2024-25 will earn direct qualification to their respective 2026 Hockey World Cups. The winners in 2025-26 and 2026-27 will then qualify for the 2028 Olympics.

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