Spain produced a stunning comeback to defeat hosts the Netherlands 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, while Pakistan ended their campaign on a winning note by overcoming South Africa in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure 11th place.
The two matches at the Wagener Hockey Stadium provided a dramatic evening of hockey, with Spain booking their place in the World Cup final and Pakistan finishing their tournament with a hard-fought victory.
*Basterra hat-trick sends Spain into final*
Spain reached their first Men’s Hockey World Cup final since 1998 after overcoming the Netherlands 4-3 in a remarkable semi-final.
The Dutch side started strongly in front of a packed home crowd and looked the more threatening team during the opening stages. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 22nd minute when Koen Bijen finished a well-worked attacking move to put the Netherlands ahead.
Spain responded after the interval and gradually began to take control of the contest.
Their breakthrough came through José Basterra, who produced a superb touch to level the score in the third quarter. Spain then took advantage of a numerical advantage after Netherlands forward Duco Telgenkamp received a yellow card.
Basterra struck again to put Spain ahead before Pepe Cunill converted from a penalty corner to extend Spain’s advantage.
Basterra completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, putting Spain 4-1 ahead and seemingly in complete control of the semi-final.
The Netherlands, however, refused to surrender.
Jip Janssen reduced the deficit with a penalty-corner goal before Joep de Mol scored again with just over a minute remaining to make it 4-3.
The late Dutch comeback created enormous tension inside the stadium, but Spain held their nerve during the final moments to secure a famous victory.
The result sent Spain into the World Cup final, where they will face defending champions Germany.
*Pakistan finish World Cup in 11th place*
Earlier, Pakistan produced an equally dramatic comeback against South Africa in the classification match for 11th and 12th place.
South Africa made an explosive start and took a 2-0 lead. Trevor de Lora opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Dayaan Cassiem doubled the advantage in the second quarter.
Pakistan responded immediately.
Afraz pulled one goal back in the 21st minute before Muhammad Ammad scored just a minute later to bring Pakistan level at 2-2.
The comeback continued after the interval as Rana Waheed Ashraf scored in the 32nd minute to put Pakistan ahead for the first time.
South Africa fought back once again through Mustapha Cassiem, who scored in the 40th minute to restore parity.
Cassiem then converted a penalty stroke in the 55th minute to put South Africa 4-3 ahead and leave Pakistan facing defeat.
But Pakistan had one final opportunity.
In the dying moments of the match, Muhammad Hammaduddin found the equaliser, making it 4-4 and forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.
*Pakistan hold their nerve in shootout*
The shootout proved just as tense as the match itself.
South Africa converted their opening attempts, but subsequent misses gave Pakistan an opportunity to take control.
Pakistan goalkeeper Waqar played a crucial role, making important saves as the shootout unfolded.
With the pressure at its highest, former captain Ammad Butt stepped forward and held his nerve to score the decisive attempt.
Pakistan eventually won the shootout 4-3, securing 11th place in the tournament.
The victory was a fitting conclusion to a campaign in which Pakistan repeatedly demonstrated resilience and fighting spirit.
*A positive finish for Pakistan*
Although Pakistan were unable to challenge for a place in the knockout stages, finishing 11th represents an improvement over their recent World Cup campaigns.
Pakistan’s last World Cup appearance before 2026 came in 2018, when they finished 12th. They also finished 12th in the 2010 edition, while they missed the 2014 and 2023 tournaments.
The 11th-place finish in 2026 is therefore Pakistan’s best World Cup result since their sixth-place finish in 2006.
More importantly, the manner of their final victory will provide encouragement for the team and its supporters.
Pakistan twice came from behind against South Africa and managed to find an equaliser in the final minute before eventually winning the shootout.
*Spain and Germany set for final showdown*
With Spain defeating the Netherlands and Germany overcoming Argentina 2-1 in the other semi-final, the World Cup final is now set.
Spain will face defending champions Germany in the title clash, while the Netherlands and Argentina will compete for third place.
For Spain, the final represents a major opportunity to claim their first-ever men’s Hockey World Cup title.
For Pakistan, meanwhile, the tournament ends with an 11th-place finish and a dramatic victory that showcased the team’s determination until the very last moment.
Pakistan 4-4 South Africa
Penalty shootout: Pakistan 4-3 South Africa
Pakistan finish: 11th place
Netherlands 3-4 Spain
Spain advance to: World Cup final
