Pakistan remained at the second spot in the Pool B points table of the FIH Nations Cup despite enduring a 6-5 loss to France in Gniezno, Poland, on Wednesday.
France have played three games, winning all and are at the top with nine points. Pakistan have four points while Malaysia also have as many.
On the other hand, New Zealand are at the top of the points table in Group A with 12 points.
Korea, South Africa, Poland and Australia have three points each and all are vying to bag the second spot and qualify for the final four.
Regarding Pakistan vs France, Victor Charlet scored four goals, with the first in the 7th minute and the winning goal in the dying seconds. Rogeau Blaise and Gaspard Baumgarten also contributed for France.
Pakistan's Mahmood Abu, Murtaza Yaqoob, Rana Waheed, Abdul Rehman, and Hannan Shahid scored in their comeback efforts, but it wasn't enough to overcome France's early and late dominance.
Earlier in the competition, Pakistan registered a win and a draw in the tournament so far. After the draw against Malaysia, they thrashed 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.