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England Dominate as Pakistan Return to World Cup Stage
Pakistan made a disappointing start to their FIH Hockey World Cup campaign as England defeated the four-time champions 4-1 in their opening Pool D match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday.
England controlled the match from the outset, applying sustained pressure on Pakistan and maintaining the initiative for much of the contest. Pakistan struggled to contain England’s attacking moves from the opening quarter, and the English side eventually broke the deadlock before extending their advantage. Pakistan finally opened their account through Afraz, but the goal came too late to spark a comeback as England added another goal to complete a 4-1 victory.
Pakistan’s Long-Awaited Return
The result was particularly disappointing for Pakistan, who had returned to the World Cup stage after an eight-year absence and were hoping to make a strong impression in their first appearance since the 2018 edition. Pakistan secured qualification by reaching the final of the FIH World Cup qualifying tournament in Ismailia, where England also defeated them 4-1.
Pakistan remain the most successful men’s team in World Cup history with four titles, having lifted the trophy in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994.
Tough Road Ahead in Pool D
Pakistan were drawn in Pool D alongside England, India and Wales, making it a particularly challenging group for the returning champions. Under the tournament format, the top team from each pool advances directly to the quarter-finals, while the second- and third-placed sides contest crossover matches for the remaining quarter-final places.
The defeat leaves Pakistan with little room for error. A positive result against Wales on August 17 will be crucial to keeping their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.
India Clash Looms
The meeting with India on August 19 is expected to attract considerable attention, with the traditional rivals facing each other in the opening phase of a World Cup for the first time since the 2010 edition in New Delhi, when India won 4-1.
For Pakistan, the immediate priority will be to improve their attacking efficiency and defensive organisation before facing Wales, with their World Cup hopes very much on the line.
