ISLAMABAD: Pakistan endured some tense and anxious moments against minnows Austria before staging a spirited recovery to register a 4-2 victory in their final group encounter of the Hockey FIH World Cup Qualifiers at Ismailia on Wednesday.
The hard-fought win marked Pakistan’s third successive triumph in the tournament, enabling them to finish at the top of their group and secure a clash against the runners-up of Pool A in the next round. Despite entering the match as clear favourites, Pakistan were pushed onto the back foot by a determined Austrian outfit that displayed remarkable discipline and fighting spirit. Austria stunned the green shirts early on, matching them stride for stride and capitalising on defensive lapses to keep the contest alive till the closing stages. Pakistan’s attack, however, once again proved decisive. Abu Bakar Mahmood emerged as the hero of the day with a brilliant brace, leading the charge when his team needed composure and precision. Afraz and Muhammad Sufyan Khan also found the net with well-timed strikes, ensuring Pakistan maintained their unbeaten run in the group stage.
Austria refused to bow out quietly. Kellner and Scholz scored a goal each to test Pakistan’s defensive resolve, with their second goal coming through a penalty stroke that briefly injected fresh hope into the European side’s camp. The match saw fluctuating momentum, with Pakistan initially struggling to convert possession into goals. However, improved coordination in the midfield and sharper finishing in the later quarters allowed them to regain control and close out the contest with authority. With three wins out of three, Pakistan now move confidently into the knockout phase, keeping their World Cup qualification hopes firmly on track. The upcoming fixture against the Pool A runners-up promises to be a sterner test as the competition intensifies in Ismailia.
