AMSTERDAM: New Zealand handed Pakistan a 4–2 defeat in a high-tempo placement fixture at the FIH Hockey World Cup on Monday.
The Black Sticks caught the Green Shirts off guard immediately after push-off, opening the scoring just 12 seconds into the match to seize early momentum.
Despite the early setback, Pakistan mounted a strong comeback after the halftime interval. Refining their attacking strategies and pressing higher up the turf, Pakistan managed to trim the deficit. However, New Zealand’s disciplined defense and clinical finishing ensured they stayed ahead until the final whistle.
Following the loss, 12th-ranked Pakistan will now compete against South Africa in the playoff for 11th and 12th places. Meanwhile, 9th-ranked New Zealand moves forward to contest the 9th–10th position match.
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