The inaugural FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 concluded on February 23, 2025, with Scotland emerging as the champions after a commanding 4-2 victory over Egypt in the final. This triumph not only crowns Scotland as the first-ever winners of this tournament but also secures their promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2026.
Tournament Overview
Held from February 17 to 23 in Muscat, Oman, the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 featured eight teams: Austria, Chile, China, Egypt, Oman, Poland, Scotland, and the United States. These nations, positioned just below the top-tier teams of the FIH Hockey Pro League and the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, competed for the coveted title and the opportunity for advancement within the international hockey hierarchy.
The Road to the Final
Scotland’s journey to the championship was marked by consistent and strategic play. In the semi-finals, they faced Poland, securing a decisive 4-1 victory. Egypt, on the other hand, advanced to the final after a 4-2 win over the United States. However, they faced a setback in their second match, narrowly losing 3-2 to Austria. Demonstrating resilience, Scotland bounced back with a crucial 3-2 win against the United States, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals, Scotland faced Poland, a team that had shown strong form throughout the tournament. Scotland delivered a decisive performance, winning 4-1 and earning their place in the final against Egypt.
The Championship Match
The final match showcased Scotland’s offensive prowess and tactical discipline. Struan Walker opened the scoring, followed by contributions from Jamie Golden and Austin Thomas. Despite Egypt’s efforts to mount a comeback, Scotland maintained control, with Walker adding another goal to seal the 4-2 victory. Struan Walker opened the scoring with a remarkable reverse shot from a narrow angle, demonstrating his individual skill. Jamie Golden extended the lead with a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner, and Walker added another goal before halftime, giving Scotland a commanding 3-0 lead.
In the second half, Austin Thomas capitalized on a counter-attack to score Scotland’s fourth goal. Despite Egypt’s efforts to mount a comeback, including goals from Mohamed Ragab and Ahmed Elganaini, Scotland maintained control and secured a 4-2 victory.
Other Tournament Highlights
- Bronze Medal Match: Poland clinched third place after a thrilling 3-1 shootout win against the United States, following a 2-2 draw in regular time. Goalkeeper Mateusz Popiołkowski played a pivotal role in Poland’s shootout success.
- 5th Place Match: Austria defeated China 3-1, with Moritz Frey scoring twice to secure the win.
- 7th Place Match: Chile edged out host nation Oman with a 2-1 victory, thanks to a decisive goal from Álvaro Garcia.
Significance of the Tournament
The FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 serves as a platform for emerging hockey nations to compete at a high level and gain international exposure. The tournament’s structure allows teams to progress to higher tiers, with Scotland’s victory earning them a spot in the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup.
Oman’s Role as Host
Muscat’s successful hosting of the tournament underscores Oman’s growing prominence in the international hockey community. The country’s investment in state-of-the-art facilities, including the Poligras Paris GT zero pitches, has positioned it as a premier destination for major hockey events.
Looking Ahead
Scotland’s promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2026 presents an exciting opportunity for the team to compete against higher-ranked nations and further elevate their status in the hockey world. Their performance in Oman has set a benchmark for future participants of the Nations Cup 2, highlighting the tournament’s role in fostering competitive growth among emerging hockey nations.
As the hockey community reflects on the success of the inaugural FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2, attention now turns to the upcoming tournaments and the continued development of the sport across all levels.
Genel Energy’s Bold Move: Tapping into Oman’s Untouched Oil Reserves
