ISLAMABAD: A disastrous final quarter collapse saw Pakistan suffer a humiliating 7-1 defeat at the hands of Belgium in their opening match of the FIH Pro League’s third leg on Saturday, as the world-ranked hosts unleashed a relentless attacking blitz to expose the visitors’ defensive frailties.
For nearly three quarters, Pakistan produced a spirited performance and appeared capable of matching one of the world’s strongest hockey nations. However, five goals in the final 15 minutes completely changed the complexion of the contest, turning what had been a competitive encounter into a one-sided rout.
Belgium struck early through Nelson, taking the lead within the opening three minutes and immediately putting Pakistan under pressure.
The Green Shirts, however, gradually settled into the game and began finding their rhythm from the seventh minute onwards. Showing improved organization and determination, Pakistan managed to absorb repeated Belgian attacks while also creating opportunities of their own.
Their efforts were rewarded in the second quarter when Rana Waheed produced a brilliant deflection to level the scores at 1-1. The equaliser injected confidence into the Pakistan camp, with the visitors matching Belgium’s pace and intensity for long periods. Pakistan’s midfield worked tirelessly while the defence stood firm against waves of attacks from the hosts.
At halftime, Pakistan had every reason to be satisfied after restricting Belgium to a 1-1 draw, a result few would have predicted against the reigning Olympic and world hockey powerhouse.
Belgium eventually regained the lead in the third quarter through Thiano, but even then Pakistan remained within striking distance and continued to battle hard. The contest appeared finely balanced heading into the decisive final quarter.
What followed, however, was a complete defensive breakdown.
Belgium launched a series of devastating attacks that Pakistan simply failed to contain. Arno Van Dessel emerged as one of the chief tormentors, scoring twice in a dazzling display of attacking hockey. With Pakistan’s defence stretched and struggling to cope, the hosts repeatedly penetrated the circle and converted their chances with clinical efficiency.
Goal after goal followed in quick succession as Belgium overwhelmed a visibly exhausted Pakistan side. The floodgates opened completely, with the European giants exploiting every defensive lapse to turn a close contest into a crushing victory.
On the sidelines, Pakistan head coach Manzoor-ul-Hassan cut a frustrated figure as his team struggled to halt Belgium’s relentless charge. The hosts continued pressing until the final whistle and even earned a penalty corner in the dying moments, although the resulting push went wide.
The scoreline could easily have been even more embarrassing for Pakistan, whose resistance evaporated under sustained pressure in the closing stages.
The heavy defeat raises serious concerns ahead of Pakistan’s remaining Pro League fixtures and has once again highlighted the gulf separating the national team from the world’s elite sides. While Pakistan showed encouraging signs during the first half of the match, the dramatic fourth-quarter collapse exposed weaknesses in fitness, defensive organization and game management at the highest level.
The 7-1 thrashing ranks among Pakistan’s heaviest defeats in recent years and is likely to intensify scrutiny over the team’s preparations, coaching structure and overall direction as the country continues its struggle to regain a place among international hockey’s leading nations.
Pakistan will now play Spain on Sunday at the same venue.
