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Pakistan ended a 16-year wait for a victory at the FIH Men\u2019s Hockey World Cup with a thrilling 4-3 win over Japan in the 9th to 16th place classification match at the Wagener Stadium on Saturday.<\/strong><\/p>\n The victory was Pakistan\u2019s first at the Hockey World Cup since their 2-1 win over Spain in the 2010 tournament, bringing an end to a long drought for the former world champions.<\/p>\n Pakistan returned to the World Cup after an eight-year absence, but their campaign in the main round proved disappointing. The Green Shirts lost to England and arch-rivals India and managed only one point from a 3-3 draw against Wales.<\/p>\n Those results saw Pakistan miss out on qualification for the next stage of the tournament and enter the classification matches, where they faced Japan.<\/p>\n Japan made the stronger start and stunned Pakistan with two goals in the opening quarter. Hyota Yamada and Kaito Tanaka found the net to give Japan a 2-0 lead.<\/p>\n Pakistan responded in the second quarter when Rana Waheed Ashraf pulled a goal back, reducing the deficit to 2-1 before half-time.<\/p>\n Ashraf struck again just two minutes into the third quarter to bring Pakistan level before Muhammad Hammadudin completed the turnaround a minute later, putting the Green Shirts 3-2 ahead.<\/p>\n Japan quickly restored parity, however, with Koji Yamasaki scoring two minutes later to make it 3-3.<\/p>\n The decisive moment came in the 40th minute when Hannan Shahid put Pakistan back in front.<\/p>\n Japan pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages, but Pakistan held firm to protect their narrow advantage and secure a memorable 4-3 victory.<\/p>\n The result gives Pakistan their first Hockey World Cup win since 2010 and ends a 16-year wait for success on the sport\u2019s biggest stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n