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FIH World Cup: Asian teams, except for India, start on a losing note
After a 12-year hiatus, Pakistan’s return to the FIH elite tournament, the World Cup, did not bring many cheers to the camp of green jerseys.
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Prabhjot Paul Singh - Sat, 15, Aug 2026
- 18:50 EDT
- 39
FIH Hockey World Cup / @FIH_Hockey
After simple and impressive opening ceremonies both at Amstelveen and Wavre, the FIH World Cup for men and women got off to a spectacular start for the European teams. Except for India, all other Asian teams on display in the seven matches scheduled for the opening day lost their games.
In the men’s section, Malaysia was beaten squarely 5-1 by defending champions Germany, while Pakistan suffered a 1-4 defeat at the hands of England. India beat Wales 3-1 to keep the Asian camp cheerful.
Also Read: FIH World Cup: Skipper Harmanpreet leads India to 3-1 victory over Wales
In the women’s section, Australia and the Netherlands started with narrow and uninspiring 2-0 wins over Japan and Chile, respectively,, while Germany beat Scotland 3-0. The only game that ended in a draw was between two American teams – Argentina and the USA. Their game ended in a 1-1 draw.
In the last match of the day at Amstelveen, England reasserted its supremacy over Pakistan with an emphatic 4-1 win.
After a 12-year hiatus, Pakistan’s return to the FIH elite tournament, the World Cup, did not bring many cheers to the camp of green jerseys. Pakistan started well by forcing a penalty corner in the 5th minute. The award did not bring any luck, as the ball could not be stopped.
England retaliated with a series of counter moves. In the 13th minute, Stuart Rushmere made it 1-0 with a neat deflection after a brilliant move by its forward line.
The first penalty corner for England came in the 17th minute, after a little drama as Pakistan skipper A. Mahmud was shown the green card.
England consolidated its lead in the 30th minute following a goal by Sam Ward.
In the 32nd minute from a penalty corner, Samuel Hooper makes it 3-0 with a flick into the net.
A minute later Pakistan earned a penalty corner after a video referral, but it went to waste.
In the 47th minute, James Albery made it 4-0 for England with a penalty corner conversion.
Pakistani players displaying the spark and brilliance of yesteryears had a surprise for their opponents. In the 51st minute Arfaz scored a brilliant goal to make it 1-4.
All the results
Women: Australia beat Japan 2-0.
Argentina drew against the USA 1-1
The Netherlands beat Chile 2-0.
Germany beat Scotland 3-0.
Men: Germany beat Malaysia 5-1
India beat Wales 3-1.
England beat Pakistan 4-1.
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