Pakistan Beat South Africa in Penalty Shootout, Finish 11th

Hockey: Pakistan beat South Africa in penalty shootout to close their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign on a high note. The match was played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and it turned out to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament.

Both sides fought hard from the very first whistle. Goals kept coming from both ends, and the crowd stayed on its feet for most of the game. Neither team was ready to back down.

By the end of regular time, the score was tied at 4-4. Pakistan and South Africa had matched each other goal for goal, and the match had to move into a penalty shootout to find a winner.

This is where Pakistan showed real nerve. Under heavy pressure, the players stayed calm and focused. Each shooter did their job when it mattered most. Pakistan won the shootout 4-3, sealing a hard-fought victory.

The win secured 11th place for Pakistan in the tournament. It may not be the finish the team dreamed of at the start, but it gave them something valuable, a winning end to a long and tough campaign.

Matches like this remind fans why hockey stays so gripping. A 4-4 draw followed by a shootout keeps everyone guessing until the very last kick. Pakistan’s composure in that moment stood out and lifted the mood around the squad.

For the players, this result offers a confidence boost heading forward. Ending on a win, especially in a shootout, often means more than the final standings suggest. It shows character and the ability to handle pressure.

Fans back home followed the match closely and celebrated the shootout win as a proud moment. It brought a positive close to a World Cup journey that had its share of ups and downs.