After the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match between the two Asian teams ended in a stalemate during regular time, Japan was able to defeat Pakistan on penalties.
With the nation focusing on the hockey squad, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 final match between Pakistan and Japan was beginning.
Tension in the match was created when Japan was able to tie the score at 2-2. They took advantage of Pakistan’s porous defense in the first half of the match to score first through a left winger.
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Pakistan made its first participation in the event final in thirteen years as they battled back in the second half, first equalizing and then grabbing the lead with two swift goals.
Before the last round of matches, the participants were decided; Japan, who had defeated Canada 3-1, finished two points ahead of Pakistan. The fight is happening in Malaysia’s Ipoh.
In the last round-robin encounter, Pakistan drew 1-1 with New Zealand, extending their winning streak. Coach Roelant Oltmans anticipated a difficult final while acknowledging Japan’s defensive dominance.
Throughout the competition, Men in Green have performed admirably, winning three of their five games and drawing two, including their matchup with Japan in the final.
Pakistan, who have won all of their games and are currently in second place on the table with 11 points, is ready for an exciting match at the Ipoh Perak Stadium in Malaysia. Japan on the other hand is leading the points table with 13 points from four victories and one tie.
The squad received encouragement from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who expressed hope for a win that would symbolize Pakistan’s resurgence of interest in hockey.