England beat Pakistan in FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers final
Sports
The final began at a ferocious pace, with both sides eager to assert dominance in the opening quarter
ISMAILIA (Web Desk) - England defeated Pakistan 4-1 in the final of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers here on Saturday at the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Hockey Stadium.
The final began at a ferocious pace, with both sides eager to assert dominance in the opening quarter.
While each team earned penalty corner opportunities, resolute defending ensured the scoresheet remained untouched, leaving the match goalless after the first 15 minutes.
England broke the deadlock in the 18th minute of the second quarter. Henry Croft kept his composure under pressure to slot home, giving his side a slender 1-0 lead going into the half-time break.
Pakistan were awarded another penalty corner early in the third quarter but failed to convert. England capitalised on this missed chance, turning the screw with two goals in quick succession.
Samuel Hooper emerged as the key protagonist, firing home in the 35th and 40th minutes to put England firmly in control at 3-0.
The Green Shirts refused to relent and finally got on the scoresheet in the 42nd minute. Rana Waleed produced a vital finish to reduce the deficit, injecting fresh energy into the contest.
However, the Three Lions maintained their two-goal cushion, taking a 3-1 advantage into the final quarter.
England continued to press in the closing stages and added a fourth goal through Ben Fox in the 47th minute.
Despite Pakistan’s efforts to mount a comeback, the English side managed the game effectively, securing a 4-1 victory and lifting the tournament trophy.
