After a thrilling 11-goal hockey game at the FIH Nations Cup in Gniezno, Poland on Wednesday, France lost 6-5 but advanced to the semi-finals thanks to a winning margin against Malaysia.
France took the lead in the 7th minute when Victor Charlet scored from a penalty corner. Rogeau Blaise followed with a field goal in the 14th minute to give France a 2-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Gaspard Baumgarten scored another goal in the 23rd minute and Charlet added another goal in the 25th minute to ensure France dominated the match.
Abu Mahmoud converted a free kick in the 26th minute and Murtaza Okaqob scored from a penalty corner in the 29th minute.
Meanwhile, Charlotte scored the third goal in the 39th minute to give France a 5-2 lead late in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was all about Pakistan. Rana Waheed scored in the 46th minute, Abdul Rehman scored a field goal in the 52nd minute and Hannan Shaheed netted a penalty corner in the 56th minute, but it was not enough to secure victory as Charlotte scored from a penalty corner. Leading France to victory in the dying seconds of the match.
Prior to that, Pakistan had registered a win and a draw in the tournament so far. After a draw with Malaysia, they beat Canada 8-1.
Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the semi-final on June 8. The final of the competition will be held on June 9. The winning team will qualify for the Pro League.
FIH Nations Cup: Pakistan lose 11-goal thriller against France but reach semis
