Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Spain orchestrated a remarkable comeback, overcoming Pakistan with a 4-2 victory on Tuesday. The match, filled with intense action and momentum swings, showcased the resilience and skill of both teams.
The early moments of the game saw Pakistan’s Ghazanfar making a significant contribution in the 12th minute, setting up captain Hannan Shahid for a goal and a 1-0 lead, as reported by the Pakistan Hockey Federation. Despite Pakistan maintaining the lead until halftime, the dynamics of the game underwent a dramatic shift in the third quarter.
Spain’s resurgence was nothing short of spectacular, with four consecutive goals raining down in the 37th, 38th, 41st, and 45th minutes. Pol Cabre-Verdiel, Spain’s top-scorer in the tournament, played a pivotal role in the comeback, equalizing the score. The momentum continued with Bozal Aleix’s penalty corner goal, giving Spain a 2-1 advantage.
Espino Pablo added a third goal for Spain, extending the lead to 3-1. Although Sufyan managed to narrow the gap with a penalty corner goal in the 43rd minute for Pakistan, Aleix secured his second goal of the night, sealing Spain’s 4-2 victory.
The win propels Spain into the semifinals, where they will join Germany, India, and France in what promises to be intense matchups. The Spanish team’s resilience and ability to turn the game around in the second half showcased their determination to compete at the highest level.
On the other hand, Pakistan, despite a valiant effort, now sets its sights on the 5th position playoff. They are scheduled to face Australia on December 14 in what will undoubtedly be a competitive battle for a respectable finish in the tournament.
The FIH Hockey Junior World Cup has been a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and passion for the sport. The quarterfinal clash between Spain and Pakistan added another chapter to the tournament’s narrative, with Spain’s comeback standing out as a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of hockey at the junior level.
As the semifinals approach, fans can expect more exhilarating moments and fierce competition as the remaining teams vie for the coveted title at the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
