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AMSTELVEEN - Pakistan ended a 16-year wait for victory at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup with a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Japan in their classification match at Wagener Stadium on Saturday. Returning to the World Cup after an eight-year absence, Pakistan produced their most spirited performance of the tournament so far, recovering from a two-goal deficit to secure their first victory in the competition since beating Spain 2-1 in the 2010 edition. Japan made a flying start and put Pakistan under pressure from the opening whistle. Hyota Yamada opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Kaito Tanaka doubled Japan’s advantage in the 15th minute, leaving Pakistan trailing 2-0 after the first quarter. The Green Shirts, however, responded emphatically. Rana Waheed Ashraf pulled one back in the 22nd minute before completing his brace early in the third quarter to bring Pakistan level at 2-2. Pakistan’s momentum continued as Hammaduddin Muhammad struck just a minute later to put the Green Shirts ahead for the first time. Japan refused to surrender, with Koji Yamasaki restoring parity in the 36th minute to make it 3-3. With the match finely balanced, Pakistan produced the decisive moment in the 41st minute when Hannan Shahid found the net to give his side a 4-3 lead. Japan pushed forward relentlessly in the closing stages, but Pakistan’s defence held firm to preserve a memorable victory. The win ended Pakistan’s long World Cup drought after they failed to qualify for the 2014 and 2023 editions and remained winless at the 2018 tournament. Pakistan had earlier failed to reach the knockout stage of the ongoing competition after losing to England and India and drawing 3-3 with Wales in the pool phase. They are now competing in the classification matches for ninth to 16th place.