BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONS - MEN’S NATIONS CUP 2025
22 June 2025 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
What a match. New Zealand took on Pakistan in the grand final of the FIH Men’s Nations Cup, and the atmosphere was electric. The stadium was packed, and it felt like half of it was filled with passionate Pakistan supporters, drums, chants, music... definitely a home advantage for them.
The game started with absolute chaos. Within the first minute, Scott Boyde had the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be overturned after a referral. Just two minutes later, we scored again through Sean Findlay off a penalty corner but again, Pakistan referred and it was overturned.
We kept the pressure on, and a few minutes later Scott Cosslett, who’s been in great form lately, stepped up and buried a drag flick to give us the lead. It didn’t stop there. Another penalty corner led to a stroke being awarded, but once again, a successful referral by Pakistan meant it was overturned.
So much drama, and we were only 10 minutes in.
Late in the first quarter, another goal confirmed! Sam Hiha with a deflection field goal ending the 1st quarter 2-0 up. It could’ve easily been 4 or 5 nil, but we had two disallowed goals and a disallowed stroke.
We came out flying again in the second quarter. Two more goals in the first four minutes. One to Dylan Thomas and another to Sean Findlay both quality finishes. At this point, the entire game was being played in the Pakistani half. Our defence had locked them out completely.
Scott Boyde added another field goal to make it 5–0 by the end of the second quarter. Total dominance. By halftime, we’d had 22 goal scoring opportunities compared to just 4 from Pakistan.
Pakistan came out stronger in the third quarter and managed to pull one back, but we still controlled most of the play. A more balanced quarter overall, but we were still clearly on top heading into the last.
The final quarter had a bit of everything. Pakistan kept pushing, but our defence held strong. Dixon had some clutch defensive moments, and the team stayed composed even as the intensity lifted. With three minutes to go, we were awarded a penalty corner resulting in another Cosslett goal - his second of the match. 6–1.
Pakistan managed a late goal to make it 6–2, but the result was never in doubt.
Final Score: New Zealand 6 – Pakistan 2
Back-to-back Men’s Nations Cup Champions – 2024 & 2025
A powerful first-half performance set the tone, and we never looked back. From relentless pressure up front to calm, smart defending at the back, this was a team performance we can all be proud of.
New Zealand made a statement to world hockey today.
During the medal ceremony, Dom Dixon was awarded ‘Goalkeeper of the Tournament’ and Nic Woods was awarded ‘Most Valuable Player of the Tournament’. Not only has the team put back-to-back performances and won the Nations Cup trophy twice, Nic Woods is now back-to-back MVP of the tournament. An astonishing achievement!