Pakistan fall to Netherlands in FIH Professional League opener

Pakistan’s long-awaited FIH Professional League debut started with promise however led to a 5–2 defeat to defending champions Netherlands in Santiago del Estero, Argentina.
Taking part in their first-ever match in world hockey’s elite league, Pakistan delivered moments of aptitude and resilience however have been finally undone by the Dutch mastery on penalty corners and second-half management.
Pakistan shocked the world champions early with an excellent solo effort from teen Hannan Shahid. Chopping in from the left with confidence and tempo, Hannan sliced by two Dutch defenders earlier than drilling a fierce shot previous goalkeeper Mauritz Visser — a surprising technique to mark Pakistan’s arrival within the competitors.
The Netherlands, nonetheless, responded with the calm anticipated of a title-winning unit. A exact sort out from captain Thierry Brinkman triggered their first sustained assault, culminating in Koen Bijen slotting dwelling the equaliser earlier than the first-quarter buzzer. Moments later, a well-executed penalty nook allowed Timo Boers to place the Dutch forward 2–1, signalling the set-piece energy that may outline the match.
Pakistan refused to relent. Early within the second quarter, drag-flicker Sufyan Khan transformed a penalty nook to revive parity at 2–2, giving Pakistan real perception heading into half-time.
The third quarter, although, proved the turning level. The Netherlands tightened their construction and capitalised clinically on Pakistan’s defensive lapses. Tijmen Reyenga restored the lead with a strong penalty-corner strike earlier than Boers added his second of the match, once more from a set play. Moments later, Duco Telgenkamp pounced on a free ball close to the baseline to increase the result in 5–2, finishing a dominant Dutch spell.
Reyenga’s all-round show — influential in defence and deadly on penalty corners — earned him the Participant of the Match award. The Netherlands then closed out the ultimate quarter with managed possession, stopping Pakistan from mounting a late push.
Regardless of the loss, Pakistan’s braveness, tempo on the wings, and flashes of attacking brilliance supplied encouraging indicators of their Professional League debut. The group now faces a demanding schedule forward, with matches towards hosts Argentina on December 12, a rematch with the Netherlands on December 13, and one other conflict towards Argentina on December 15 as they proceed their first journey within the competitors.